Before & After - From Bookshelves to Butler's Pantry

After all the wrapping and boxing of breakables, the packing and unpacking of bins (upon bins, upon bins), we're finally settled into this quietly magical spot of country and thrilled beyond measure to be back! Thank you, everyone, for all your warm wishes over the last week. Opportunities abound in this place for creating beautiful things to inspire and delight you, and I hope you'll return often to share in the fun! Speaking of, let's start off with a super fun project Jaithan and I did over the weekend in the little room of the farmhouse just off the kitchen. The shelving is great and the perfect place for a butler's pantry! Back in the city, I'd used an old pharmaceutical cabinet to hold my china, but out here, the ceilings won't allow it. No matter, though, because this little room, with its wall of adjustable metal shelves, will work beautifully!   

As you can see, the shelves were of different lengths, so to update them and to give the wall a more built-in look, we headed to Herrington's, a great little hardware store in Millerton. On the way into town, we came across this beautiful, old church, painted a pretty blue with white trim and a gorgeous gray slate roof. Talk about inspiration! What a great color for the butler's pantry! All that silver and china would look so pretty with it, and though we loved the palette of grays in our city apartment, it was time for a change!

At Herrington's, we had five shelves cut to size, then picked the closest paint color to match, Benjamin Moore's Covington Blue. It's a warm, happy shade of blue that I think would feel good in the room all year long. First, I began by edging out all the walls and moulding, taking care not to get any paint on the old wood beams.

 

Check out the final result! With the new shelves running the full length of the wall, and everything painted the same pretty blue, I think they have that great built-in look but for a fraction of the cost.

And now for the fun part! The propping of all my things from the flea market—the china, silver, glass and linens I've been collecting for years, ever since my days as a caterer, combing the cabinets of other people's butler's pantries, searching for the very same stuff, just more expensive! Here's the finished pantry, propped and styled.

I love how open and accessible everything is, especially as we start to entertain. And with all those platters and plates, tureens and vases, and even a silver cloche, you can barely see the metal shelving! How great is that, especially if you're renting? Looks built-in, but it's not! And check out these little drawers from The Container Store. I painted them the same color as the shelves, and now they're perfect (and perfectly discreet) for holding small serving utensils, like salt spoons and caviar servers.

These drawers from IKEA I painted as well. They definitely keep our silverware sets neat and tidy. It's a custom look that's easy and inexpensive.

And now that the butler's pantry (or at least the butler's wall) is done, I can't wait to start using everything! There's lots of great stuff in store this week, including a glittery Valentine's card craft that's fast, easy, and beautiful. Thank you again for all your sweet comments about the house, everyone. We're so excited to be back!

Comments

[Renovation Therapy]

It looks awesome! So glad you're settling in.

[Ivy Lane]

What a great transformation! I love that everything is open ... what pretty things to look at when not in use...Just beautiful!!!

[Maria Killam]

It's pretty fun to follow your life and creativity, Eddie!

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

Welcome home! I am looking forward to more images as you settle in. It will be almost like an ongoing housewarming party.

[Kristina]

I LOVE it!!! I have a hutch that I am going to paint black and I think I'm going to paint the inside blue! Love it! So glad you are back -- can't wait to see what else you have in store!

[jerusalem]

that is a great blue! looks fab friend!

[Becky]

Wow, the color is perfect and I LOVE the styling. Question: do you avoid having serving pieces in other colors, or do you just stash them somewhere else?

[Penny Mothershead]

Thank God you are back. The blue in the pantry is Fabulous. I look forward to more of your decorating magic.

[Barbara Nieder]

I just looked at Heather's photo and understood just how wonderful and talented you are. That so=called "beautiful" picture was blah compared to my Eddie and Jaithan's work. You are truly gifted. Please forgive my comment about dusting. Of course dusting will not be a problem because you use, yes, USE your pretty things. You guys are enhancing my life with your genius. I love your work. Barb Nieder

[Kathy :)]

What a transformation, just lovely Eddie...glad you're back. Looking forward to the Valentine craft :)

All the best,
Kathy :)

[Barbara Nieder]

Wow! I am still looking at the butler's pantry and just had to write. When I scrolled to the finished blue pantry picture with all of the wonderful stuff, I exclaimed "OMG! That is so gorgeous!" Then, Eddie and Jaithan, I let out another "OMG! How will they ever keep it dusted?" I hate to squelch the joy, but How will you ever keep it dusted????? Love you guys and really missed you terribly, Barb Nieder

[Joanne]

Are you kidding me? You did all that already? Oh, the thought of having a butler's pantry is heavenly -- having it look like that would be divine!!!! So jealous! Enjoy your home. Joanne ~~ glamourgirljoanne@yahoo.com

[Kathysue]

Eddie,I am sitting here with a big grin for two reasons One:how wonderful for you to be painting your very own walls and is that a great butlers pantry or what and it has to make you smile everytime you go into it,a wonderful job of making it beautiful and useable.Two:I have been working on my food/dish/appliance pantry for a week and I painted the inside of it blue.It is about 2 shades lighter than yours but none the less blue.I wonder if we were painting at the same time,kindred spirits as they say.Mine is not as pretty not quite sure how to make cans look pretty,hehe.Love what you did and am truly so happy for you and Jaithan.Looking forward to more of your wonderful new home and your inspirational ideas.Kathysue

[Kim and Ryan]

Wow! It's fabulous. I love the color and that it looks so presentable. I'm inspired to make my own servingware look better. =)

[Lourdes]

Cannot wait to see what you do with the rest of house!!!
Your blog is so inspiring!

[Molly]

Wow, you have to be a great visionary to have seen that project. I don't think I would have been able to transform that pantry in my mind to what it is now! Great job!! And it looks seamless with the paint on the walls and shelves all matching.

[patricia]

Wishing I was next door to come over and borrow a cup of sugar or something from your closet. Looks divine. Love that color.

[Cathy]

Stunning.

[Marquita Stewart]

WOW!!! What a difference a little paint, your SPECTACULAR mind
and a home filled with LOVE make!! OUTSTANDING!!

-Marquita Stewart
The Original Black Martha
http://marquitastewart.blogspot.com

[Amy]

This is the first time I've commented on your blog but have LOVED it from afar for some time. Congrats on the new house, you two will do amazing things to enhance it's already beautiful style & good bones! Can't wait to see all your projects and inspirations. Cheers!

[Evelyn Weiss]

I love the blue for your country pantry...and what a sweet old chair next to it! I'm glad you are supporting the local businesses and having such fun. Welcome back!

xoxo
Evy

[Karena]

Pefect color, perfect project and look at the results! You are so right, the metal brackets disappear. I love the long Creative tapers in the urn as well.

[Ellen Hayhurst]

Eddie and Jaithan -
I've been reading your blog for weeks. Have looked forward to seeing how the two of you will make that wonderful old house your own. I love what you've done in the butler's pantry. The color is beautiful with all of your things. Is that a fireplace mantel I see a piece of to the right in one of your pics?

Love the pic of the old church too. There is so much inspiration to be found just in that pic alone. Love that slate roof. Can't to see more of your house!

[Karin]

The after photo literally made me gasp. It's beautiful! The color is sublime and I love how you have the shelves arranged.
I'm going to Ikea today. :)

[Angela]

I absolutely LOVE it. It looks fabulous.

[Anna]

Oh my...I am practically drooling over all of that deliciousness. You two did a fabulous job!

[Tonia]

Glad to see you back! The cabinet/closet turned out beautifully. You have so many wonderful things. Looking forward to more.

[Lauren Liess]

it looks beautiful!! -- so functional & love the blue!!

xoxo,
Lauren Liess

[Christie Lefebvre]

JUST PERFECT! You have a magic touch Eddie :)

Christie
ack

[Kristy]

I adore that color! The styling is stunning --- its definitely going in my idea book!

Can't wait to see what all you two do with your new home.

[Paloma of La Dolce Vita]

It looks fantastic, Eddie and that is such a lovely shade of blue.

[Debra]

Yor new home looks to have such good bones- the only way I can describe it. With this little preview, I can hardly wait to see the next project!

[Lazy Mom Leslie]

Love it! I was waiting to see what you had up your sleeve for that closet!
http://www.lazymoms.com

[Mona from Toronto]

That is the most fabulous display of china and silverware ever!

I love the painted storage boxes - they look so stylish!

I'm loving the blue walls with the gorgeous wood!!

Congratulations again guys!!

[christy]

Beautiful!!
Christy

[Heather]

Reminds me of this beautiful photo.

http://www.20x200.com/art/2009/01/nymphenburg.html

[LindsB]

Yeah you guys are back!! I LOVE your new butlers pantry, everything looks so beautiful against the pretty blue backdrop. I love how you used the ikea drawers to hold everything, I never would have thought of that- I cant wait to do it in my house!

[erin@ elements of style]

A-MA-ZING Eddie- what a gorgeous way to set off such an jaw dropping collection of items!

[Cori]

So glad to have you and Jaithan back!

The blue is fabulous. I love Swedish and French painted antique furniture and they always have that sweet, faded (or chipped) blue or green. It's perfect for a farmhouse!

Also, I had an immediate flashback of a photo that I love on 20x200. Check it out!http://www.20x200.com/art/2009/01/nymphenburg.html

Best wishes in your new home!

Cori

[Linda]

Oooooh I love it, and LOVE that you got your inspiration color from a local church! All of your platters and china and silver looks so beautiful! Is it a closet?

[Kwana]

Once again congratulations on your new home. My mouth is hanging open in amazement. This is so beautiful. You inspire me like crazy. Thanks.

[Jen]

Amazing. I love the color blue with all of the white and silver pieces you have... I also love that the metal shelf brackets are hidden by all of your things. Love it.

[Mimilee]

Wow! How absolutely beautiful your butler's pantry is all dressed in that wonderful robin's egg blue....one of my favorite colors. Great start Eddie, I love it!

It was so much fun talking with you on Blog Radio last night... I needed one of your "dirty martinis" to calm me down after our chat tho! LOL! Olivia is great too, isn't she??? xoxo

[Vanessa Johanning]

Good Morrrrningggg Daaaawling! Hee hee

I love it! It was so nice to talk to you last night on the radio!

The blue looks so fresh, Just walking into that room would make me want to have a party!
Even my Limoge collection would look beautiful against it.

I wonder if you would like some hollyhock seeds? I will email you about it later today, right now I am going shopping for blue paint! LOL... Olivia was a hoot! I cant wait till next sunday!

~Vanessa.... Gardendesigner ( and Family!)

[Rebecca Anglin]

Love it! The color is absolutely perfect for this space. Can't wait to see more as you go from room-to-room.

[Judy]

Eddie: It turned out just gorgeous! I love that color and way you have everything displayed. I know you guys have been busy as bees but the end result will be so worth it.

Love to you both!
Judy

[Meredith]

I'm so happy you are back. I love the combination of the wood beams and the fresh blue paint.

[Elizabeth]

Eddie, it's too beautiful for words-but I'll try. I've been waiting to see just what you and Jaithan would tackle first in your new home (and what a home it is!). You certainly didn't disappoint with your fresh new start and butler's pantry.

Part of the magic of finding a new home are all the sources of inspiration that arise. You're so good at taking cues from what surrounds you and undubtedly have many more amazing transformations in store.

The best of luck and take care!

[ALVN of WhisperWood Cottage]

Seriously wonderful, Eddie! I love that the shelves disappear and allow the vintage dishes to take center stage. One of my favorite posts so far!

[Tina Walsh]

Can't wait to see this in real life! xo Tian

[Shawn]

I was definitely in withdrawal for your blog, Eddie. Thanks for coming back so fast. Can't wait to "share" everything you do in Millerton.

[Denise Ables Belyavsky]

Best of luck to you and Jaithan in your new home. I am excited for you and wish you lots of energy and continued enthusiasm in all the projects you have planned there!

[Margaret]

Just gorgeous! Love the blue and white! I am looking forward to seeing what you do with the rest of the house.

[Dina]

Your butlers pantry is so georgeous and so do-able! Thanks for the inspiration and I am really looking forward to see what's next in you new home!

[Vicki]

It looks wonderful......it sounds like you are enjoying every minute of your new home.

[jenny]

gawwwwwgeous!!!!!!!!!!!! i love it eddie ross. i have a question though...was painting the metal shelving bits out of the question or just a bad idea? i can't wait to see more. i am new to your blog and i love it. i was a fan of you on top design.
word.
xo
jenny

[Content in a Cottage]

Love the robin's egg blue. It is the perfect backdrop for your butler's pantry. Can't wait to see more.

Best wishes for a long and happy life in your new (old) home! ♥Rosemary

[Meme]

Since I just discovered you last week; I could hardly wait to open your site up this a.m.! What a great place to be and to be able to share all this with us is even better! The look you have created is all your own; and the fact that you are sharing it is just beyond any magazine we could look at.

[Kelly]

It is gorgeous Eddie! What a joy to walk into that room, select your pieces and create another masterpiece. Congratulations on your new home ... can't wait to see the vision unfold!!
*kelly*

[Pat]

Wonderful look, Eddie. Thanks for the silverware drawer inspiration!

I enjoyed your "radio appearance".

[sheista]

Great Job! The first 2 things I noticed were that you could not see the metal brackets and the boxes from ikea and container store. It's always the simple things, isn't it.

[Bridgett]

Very impressive! On your first week of moving in, not only have you painted the unit, you have unpacked and displayed all of your prized possessions AND took pictures to show us. I am impressed with both the design and the desire. Thanks again, Eddie. Gorgeous!

[Habitually Chi]

OMG! I love how the white pops against the blue walls now. It's all so beautiful! I can't wait to see the rest!

[matthew]

fantastic fellas...you're great! mxx

[Mollie B.]

So happy you are back. First thing I do in the morning is check for an update from Eddie Ross!
I love the butler's pantry. It looks like a Tiffany jewel box. You really inspire by showing how you can tackle a project in only a weekend. Can't wait to see what you do with your magical new home.

[Paula]

What a great project. I love the blue that you chose. You really can't tell that your shelves aren't built in with all of your gorgeous pieces arranged so beautifully. Can't wait to see more of your new place!

[Lucien]

I love the color and how wonderful that you finally have the space to store and display all of your treasures! I love Millerton, its a great little "berg" full of great places! Welcome home Eddie and Jaithin!

[suzanne]

so glad you're back- i missed you this week--the pantry is amazing- you'll have to have the previous owners over all you are all moved it...but then again , they might want the house back! Can't wait to see the rest of the transformation--

[Clara]

Eddie is baaaack. Welcome,missed you two. Pantry looks great. Don't you just love trying to find places for it all? I noticed your were painting in a short sleeve shirt. Gives the impression with all the snow your heating system is running good.Can't wait for the next post.

[Sarah]

Can't cope with how fabulous that looks! Me loves, me loves! Looks just like a gorgeous Tiffany box, filled with beautifuly jewels!

[LindaS]

Oh so pretty! Such an exciting new beginning! I cannot wait to see what you do with the rest of the house!

[violetsrose]

This last week I have painted my set of IKEA drawers in pale blue exactly the same as you have - what a strange coincidence! - mine are to go in my newly decorated blue bedroom to hold my jewellery and I'm going to stick wallpaper to the front of the drawers

[Tamstyles]

Looks like a big Tiffany box. As always, great job!

[Columnist]

Beautiful blue, and so much the better with your white china. Can't wait to see the rest as it progresses!

[Sue]

I've got to say, those metal adjustable shelves were tacky and hideous. Honestly, how on earth were you going to do something with those ghastly things? But you're full of magic aren't you? You certainly worked it with this fine and wonderful start. Your butler's pantry is now quite delicious ... and all your collections laid out so fine, ooh, I'm drooling. It looks beautiful, Eddie.

Nice to have you back!

[tartanscot]

Yippee! everything is looking amazing. crap, I think I own those little drawers from The Container Store at my office, and can clearly put them to better use in the kitchen. lol.

great idea!

can't wait to see what's next . . .

[nancy]

Absolutely stunning!

[Diana]

Eddie, I've missed your posts so much!

I'm loving the butler's pantry! The pantry in the new house we're moving into is almost as large, but has plastic-coated wire shelving. I had already been planning to paint it my favorite blue (more gray than yours), SW Silvermist. I'm definitely off to go find those organizers - they caught my eye immediately - so many uses!

I'm noticing you have plenty of footed dishes and I have none. Might have to pick some up at Scott's next month!

Diana

[Audrey "drey" Coggins]

how drool worthy! does the butlers' pantry have doors????

[Mom in High Heels]

Oh! Oh! Oh! How beautiful! I've been waiting for you to post, but I never would have imagined how much you'd have done already. I recognized those IKEA boxes the moment I saw them. I too have several, but mine are boring and filled with things like nails and screws and spackle or art supplies for home schooling. I cannot wait to see what else you do with your new home!

[Evelyn]

Wow!!! Eddie and Jaithan,

I can't wait to see what you will do in decorating the rest of the house. I am thrilled to see that you jumped right in and completed the first project in less than two weeks. Good job!!

[lauri h]

So glad you are back...and Congratulations on the new house!!
i've missed your daily updates. can't wait to see you in LA on March 8th.

[Elsa]

Welcome back! Your pantry looks awesome.

Elsa

[Norbie Kamantigue]

OMG That is just FABULOUS!!! I love love luvvv the blue painted walls and shelves. Covington blue - I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Glad to have you back.

[April~Living The Sweet Life]

Love the blue. One of my favorite colors- in fact the top I am wearing right now is about that color. Your house seems so lovely. I may just have to buy a house down the road from you.

[Pam]

Eddie, you and Jaithan are off to a good start. I love your choice of Covington blue, it's an excellent backdrop colour to the white & silver. I hope those shelves are sturdy! Thanks for the ideas about painting out the little shelves to keep silverware, did you line the drawers with felt? I am looking forward to seeing the drama unfold room by room.

[Beka]

What an auspicious start to decorating your new home! You make it look so easy and beautiful!

[Jenn C]

Yay! Eddie Ross withdraw is finally over! Love that color blue it really sets off all the white and silver serving pieces you own.