When we last updated the project on Monday, the open shelves had been primed and were ready to be hung.
While the primer was out, we also primed the hood cover. We used a 2″ angled brush to work primer into the cracks and a small foam roller to smooth the surfaces. That simple step immediately softened the wood look on the wall and made everything feel more cohesive.
After the primer dried, we painted the brackets, shelves, and hood with the same durable cabinet paint we used previously. We applied two thin, even coats over the primer using a 2″ angled brush for the crevices and a small foam roller for smooth coverage. We used Zinsser Smart Prime for priming (low-VOC and recommended by professional cabinet painters) and Benjamin Moore Advance in Cloud Cover for the finish. That combination gives a tough, furniture-like surface that will withstand everyday use once fully cured.
The real excitement began when we started putting everything on the wall. Since the screw locations had already been drilled, hanging the brackets was straightforward. We mounted the brackets on the short side first…
…and then lifted the shelves into place. It was instantly satisfying to see the design come together.
Before fully securing everything we double-checked that the shelves were level. They were, so we proceeded to attach the shelves on the long side of the wall as well.
Originally we planned to anchor the shelves directly to the tile wall and even made pocket holes for that purpose. After installing the brackets and feeling how solid they were, we decided against drilling additional holes in the tile. Instead, we used the pocket holes as guides and drove screws straight down into the brackets so the fasteners would be hidden and easy to caulk over later. In retrospect the pocket-hole step wasn’t necessary, but it doesn’t hurt since the screw heads are concealed.
Next came caulking. There were some dark seams where the shelves met the brackets, so we ran a thin bead of paintable white caulk along the top of each bracket and smoothed it with a finger. It’s a bit tedious, but it makes the shelves and brackets read as a single, polished unit. After the caulk skinmed over we painted those spots so the finish matched perfectly.
At that point the installation was essentially done, though we had to wait for paint and caulk to fully cure before loading the shelves. We resisted the urge to immediately stack plates and bowls so we could avoid dents or scuffs during the curing period. Following the paint manufacturer’s recommended cure time will help ensure the finish holds up to daily use.
We’ll be loading the shelves tomorrow, and Sherry plans to capture a time-lapse of the process. For now, the empty “after” shots let you appreciate the clean lines and the finish.
We still need to add crown molding at the ceiling to make the top of the hood look seamless, and there’s some ceiling patching left to do. But painting the hood and installing the shelves has moved the room much closer to feeling complete.
We’re very happy with the bracketed shelves and have no regrets about not doing true floating shelves. These have a charming, substantial appearance and feel extremely stable. The shelves are deep enough for 12″ dinner plates, and with the brackets spaced 15″ apart, there’s plenty of usable room for everyday dishes and kitchen items.
Even though the bright white lines of the shelves contrast with our penny tile, the effect is exactly what we pictured — the tile is now balanced by crisp white shelving that makes the space feel lighter and more intentional.
Tomorrow we’ll share photos and video of the shelves fully styled. Meanwhile, we’re checking off the remaining tasks: crown molding, ceiling patching, adding a pendant over the sink, finishing the peninsula base, hanging art by the fridge, and finishing the pantry side. It’s satisfying to see the transformation compared to older photos of the room before the updates began.
If you’re planning similar kitchen shelving, remember to choose a durable primer and finish for painted surfaces, verify bracket strength before deciding against wall anchors, and allow full curing time before heavy use. Thoughtful prep and patience during finishing make a big difference in how long the project lasts and how good it looks.