![\"Cozy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/37375675df924c79f94356bbce83fd6f.jpeg\"\/)
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In a home that\u2019s only around 300 square feet, the whole space should feel harmonious. Regardless of whether it\u2019s a studio apartment or a one-bedroom, each area inevitably bleeds into the next \u2014 so aesthetics are almost always as important as functionality. Sarah Ingle, who lives in a tiny Brooklyn apartment<\/a>, understands that better than most.<\/p>\n In Sarah\u2019s apartment, the kitchen is visible from the living room, and when she moved in she referred to the space as the home\u2019s \u201cbiggest eyesore.\u201d She knew from the jump that she was going to DIY transform her home, but the kitchen ended up being her proudest project \u2014 thanks to practical wraparound shelving and bold paint.<\/p>\n Originally, Sarah\u2019s kitchen wasn\u2019t necessarily designed with storage in mind. \u201cThe kitchen, before, didn\u2019t really feel like a kitchen at all. It was more of a chaotic corner with a stove and a sink, surrounded by mismatched shelves and cabinets that didn\u2019t feel intentional or functional,\u201d she said at the time of the House Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n One of the most transformative steps was removing the upper cabinets and shelves, and replacing them with gorgeous wraparound shelving that connects along the room\u2019s three walls. It was important to Sarah that the storage solution be both beautiful and practical \u2014 especially because guests could see it from the living room. Not only can she store dishware on the shelves, but also artwork and accessories. Plus, the thin shelving helps the kitchen feel lighter and more open, rather than bulky and crowded.<\/p>\n Paint was a vital component to the kitchen\u2019s overhaul, and the bold color (Sherwin-Williams\u2019 Crabby Apple) made a huge difference. Initially, Sarah thought that she\u2019d cover the open shelving with the red, but decided to keep the natural wood.<\/p>\n \u201cThat choice ended up being really important because it kept the kitchen from feeling too flat and made it feel more layered and collected,\u201d Sarah explained.<\/p>\n Plus, the brown wood complements the other dark, natural colors in the living room, so the two spaces connect. If you want to copy Sarah\u2019s look, check out the Wayfair shelf above. It comes in multiple sizes and a natural and walnut color.<\/p>\n Overall, wraparound shelving proved to be an aesthetically pleasing way to achieve both of Sarah\u2019s goals: beauty and functionality. Without solid upper cabinetry, the 10 square feet feels much larger and more breathable. To see more of Sarah\u2019s home (like how she unexpectedly situated her bed<\/a>!), visit the full House Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n Design Defined<\/p>\n Never miss the style inspo and recommendations you crave with Design Defined. Follow along each week as our Home Director Danielle shares the best style advice, latest trends, and popular decor finds you just can’t miss.<\/p>\n Subscribe to Apartment Therapy!<\/a><\/p>\n Further Reading<\/p>\n Before and After: Black and White Paint Covers Up a Wood Paneling Kitchen<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Cozy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ea7df15be3aae583e7f25ece0445efa9.jpeg\"\/)
Wraparound Shelving Increased the Kitchen\u2019s Storage Potential<\/p>\n![\"Cozy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/0e1b57e5e51b6a60ddc22d51d3cd626f.jpeg\"\/)
Solid Wood Shelving Brought Dimension to the Kitchen<\/p>\n