Do you need a shelf or just think a shelf would look good?? With your heringbone subway tile pattern, very interesting actually, you've really ruled yourself out of putting in a shelf and not interupting the tiles to such a degree that it would most definitely detract rather than enhance the wall, so I agree with myperfectadvice, leave it as it is, as it's a beautiful design and kitchen from the little I can see and the pendant light is stunning. BUT, If you are desperate for a shelf and your kitchen is black/white then I'd go metal and 50mm thick and if you have timber doors and or floors, then I'd go timber for sure, again 50mm thick. I can't see the cupboard doors but I can see a timber knife block on display, so I'm guessing you have timber??? Good luck. Cheers, Barbara

Some good comments above. My simple suggestion goes like this. Starting at each end, I see they are adjustable, double up the shelves making them stronger, and then you will only have two shelves in each bay. Even them out so yu end up with three equal cubbies. They will look quite cubed, and house foldable fabric baskets which are cheaply available in many colours, try Kmart for packs of 5 for less than 10.00. I would use these end cubes for your practical needs, like onesies, singlets, nappies and creams etc. The central shelves I would display the children's favourite things, on lower shelves, books to access, and some things you want seen as keepsakes, not to play with a they won't reach them easily. The shelves could be configured differently in each space depending on use, but I'd utilize the lower two cubes in one room as desk space, with books above. A cute colourful lamp, and again foldable baskets each side, so that perhaps each child may choose their own side, and have somewhere that's just theirs. In a house ful, it's even more important to have somewhere just for your stuff. These will be great when you make them a little less busy, and providing those inserts will keep them looking tidy, even when they're not. maybe you Could have different colours for each child, to help with the order of things. Good luck with another bub.

Also you need what you use all the time at eye level you seem to have every day items on the bottom shelf. The middle two would be so much easier. I also feel it could be time for a big clean out. Empty everything from all shelves, I know its very time consuming but the only way to do it. Allow a whole day. Go through everything individually, put like items together. Keep baking items together, sauces, gravies etc. together, cereals together, snacks together. Work out if you need to buy some baskets or plastic containers for loose items that should go together. Once you start you will be on a roll. When finished you will wonder why you didn't do this before. Dont forget the timber steps, I think you can buy plastic ones also. I have also seen expanding racks that do the same. But I have found them to be a bit over priced. Don't forget to treat yourself after the good job you have done. Good luck

It is one of those design elements that is almost best to spread out all of your and his clothes so you can see what will work best for you. I'd say he needs more shelves or drawers than you and that you might benefit from more hanging. Having decided that, look at the space in your robe: i would hate to have to go out of the robe to change your mind because you cannot get items out of drawers when you could easily grab it off a shelf. If it is all adjustable it is a boon too!! Cheers Margot