open kitchen shelving - on the cheap

I have been admiring and wanting some open shelving in the kitchen for quite some time now.

I promised myself awhile ago that I wouldn't ask my husband to do any more projects 

(at least for awhile)

- that if I wanted something done I would try my best to do it myself. 

Here's the intended target...

These cabinets are the cheap, ugly kind.  

I painted them white when we moved in 

(about 8 years ago)... 

then black not that long ago... 

then back white a few weeks ago...  

a woman prerogative to change her mind, right?  Back to the subject at hand...

First I had to get this thing down, 

so I set an old crate underneath to help break the "fall" of the cabinet - and I am SO glad I did! 

I came down with a big thud.

My husband put up a beadboard backsplash awhile back, so I went in the basement and found two pieces - there wasn't one big enough, so I cut them to size and pieced them together.

 I saw some shelf brackets I loved, but ultimately, price won out.  I bought these at Lowe's for about $1 a piece.  The shelves are particle board - about $2 or $3 a piece.  They were 4 feet in length.  

I cut them down to about 38 inches on the table saw (they will cut them at the store for you too).  

I primed the shelves and then painted with white semi gloss (latex).  I had both in the basement.

I did spend about $8 on these.  

No skimping on safety.

I am happy with the result - just need to find the wood filler and buy some trim for the shelves.  I know the edges look rough right now.  I'll update you when I get it all done :).  I am really happy with the change...

I wonder what I will tackle next?

I'd love to know what you think!