hanging the pot rack

by | Sep 2, 2017 | All Things Home, Decorating, Kitchen, My House | 47 comments

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This kitchen still has a long way to go to make it really “mine”, but while my parents and brother were here, we were able to make a change that definitely started the ball rolling in that direction.

The bones of the kitchen are really great, it’s just the finishes that I would like to change.  It’s not that they are bad, just not to my personal taste.

So, the first thing I wanted to remove was those pendant lights.  They were way too modern for me and I had another plan for the space above the island.

I bet you can guess what that is…

Yes!  The pot rack!  (Well, the title of the post really gave that away…)

I wasn’t sure if the pot rack would work in this kitchen, but I told Jeff I wanted to at least give it a try.  You see, I love my pot rack.  It’s practical and I like the warmth and lived-in look it gives the kitchen.  And yes, I really do use those pots and pans as my everyday cookware!

Some of the antique copper pieces need to be re-tinned, so they are more decorative, but otherwise the pieces are all functional cookware.

And as soon as it went up, it felt more like my kitchen.  I was worried it would look awkward hanging in the middle of the space, but I really love it.

In order to hang the pot rack, we had to remove the pendant lights and replace them.  I wanted to replace them with recessed lights, but two out of three of the lights were on a joist (meaning the electrical boxes were very shallow and wouldn’t allow for the installation of a recessed light.)  We either needed to install a flush-mount light or move the position of the lights, which would involve cutting more holes in the ceiling, patching the existing holes, moving the wiring, etc.  It was just a bit more than I wanted to get into.

So, I selected some flush-mount lights that I felt would serve as nice task lighting for the island, but would be fairly unobtrusive.

You see them.  They’re there.  But they are pretty neutral in the overall space.

Since the pot rack was going to hold a tremendous amount of weight, we used heavy duty screw hooks that were secured directly into floor joists.   We used a stud-finder to locate the center of the joists that were positioned the best, drilled a pilot hole, and inserted each screw hook.  Because these ceilings are higher and the chains are hanging at an angle, we did need to purchase more chain to extend the length.

It took three separate trips to Home Depot, but we got it done in the course of a day (with other projects sprinkled throughout.)

It’s amazing how much cabinet space it frees up to have all of my pots, pans, and colanders hanging!  I’ve been collecting them for over 15 years, so I have a lot.  It started with an amazing Tuesday Morning (the store) score.  I found a $700 set of stainless steel pots and pans for $70.  They weren’t top notch, but it was a very nice set that got me started.  I’ve since upgraded most of those pans to All Clad.  (I do still have a few of those pieces, though.)  Since All Clad is expensive, I’ve bought them mostly at Home Goods and TJ Maxx.  Special pieces, like my 2 quart Saucier, I’ll get for my birthday or Christmas.  They can be rare finds at discount stores, so hop on one when you see it!  I’m always on the hunt for pieces I don’t have.  (I just found a couple yesterday, in fact!)

I am really enjoying this kitchen so far.  It took me a while to get used to the layout and working around an island, but it’s functional and definitely conducive to doing some major cooking (which I hope to do more of!)

I plan on starting the cabinet painting next week, as long as the weather is nice.

Next up, I’ll talk about the shelves we installed.  You can see a preview of them in the picture above.

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    47 Comments

    1. Karen L.

      I like how it looks plus how practical it is for you—good choice! And also great that you have such good helpers to do such nice work. It’s coming along! I, too, have found some nice pieces at TJ Maxx and Home Goods for my main pots and pans pieces, along with a set that my in-laws bought us as a wedding gift 46 years ago!

    2. Marsha Kern

      It looks so good! It really helps make your kitchen look more like you!!!

    3. Kristy

      I love the pot rack!! Is that the factory table you were refinishing in the kitchen? Did I miss part 2 of that? I have a similar table that I want to refinish and was curious how yours turned out.

      • Marian Parsons

        Nope, you didn’t miss it! I just haven’t finished it, yet. I hope to get to it next week.

    4. Tammy Pegher

      It all looks beautiful??

    5. Rose

      I love the pot rack, it looks great and like it has always been there. One question, it looks so high, can you easily reach the pots?

      • Marian Parsons

        It’s about the same height as my last pot rack. It’s high enough that it doesn’t block your view, but I can reach all of the pots and pans (although sometimes on my toes!)

    6. Maureen

      I had a pot rack before we renovated our kitchen but didn’t reinstall it because I feared dropping one pot or pan on the 7′ soapstone island. I actually never dropped a pan before but the thought of a major chip in that counter led to the decision to abandon the pot rack. I often miss it.

      • Maureen

        btw, forgot to add that the Williams Sonoma outlet in Leesburg VA usually has good prices on assorted pieces of All Clad. My dil got her collection a pot or two at a time that way.I suspect that all W-S outlets do the same.

    7. Barbara

      Your pot rack looks awesome in your kitchen. I have a low ceiling so I cannot hang a pot rack even though I love them for their practicality and look. It would block conversations across the eating counter unless I hung it really close to the ceiling and I’m not sure that would look right. Any suggestions? Would it look right hung high in your opinion? Your kitchen is beginning to look like “you” little by little. Thanks for sharing! Blessings!

    8. Andrea

      So wonderful to see your new, beautiful, gracious home being made, step by step! Love the little nooks being filled such as that chair by back stairs and the shelves in the background, with mixer. Can’t wait for the cabinets to be painted!

    9. Diana Gibbs

      I really love watching this come together, I am a worry wart and I would be afraid the pots and pans would come crashing down…even with all the safety and screwing into joists etc. Can’t wait to see more. Hugs, Di

      P.S. We have subscribed to Blue Apron and love it so far…thanks for the recommendation.

      • Marian Parsons

        So funny! I had a pot rack for 11 years in our other house and it never felt the slightest bit insecure, so I guess I’ve gotten over that worry. If the joists can hold the weight of the floor above, it can certainly hold a pot rack!

    10. Jill Hofferber

      Gorgeous. The copper will really show itself once the cabinets are painted. You know, you could almost do two pot racks with your amount of space . . .

    11. Denise Cox

      I love your pot rack, but how do you go about reaching for one of them?

      • Marian Parsons

        I can actually reach them just put stretching up a bit! I don’t have the reach them at the hooks, but at the bottom of the pot and then I lift it off the hook.

    12. MaryLisa Noyes

      The pot rack looks terrific!!!! I had one in our previous house and I decided against it in this house because our ceiling height is too short. Enjoy!

    13. Nicole

      Oh dearest Marian,
      Please tell me where you got the adorable checkered tablecloth!!
      Nicole

      • Marian Parsons

        It’s actually just a piece of fabric. Unfortunately, I don’t know the maker, because I bought it secondhand. I wish I could find more, though!

    14. Deb Plapp

      I really like it Marian.! It looks great!

    15. Lelanie

      This is such a timely post! We are in the process of buying a house and are re-designing the kitchen. We are going for this style and my husband actually suggested we install a pot rack. I never had one before, so this is so exciting!

      • Marian Parsons

        I think you’ll love it!

    16. Elizableth from CA

      I love the pot rack; I have a similar one. I love my copper pots too. I found my basic set of Mauviel at overstock.com about 13 years ago.

    17. Susan

      The pot rack looks perfect! I’ve always wanted one, but lighting has been an issue. I like your solution. On another note, I know your basement isn’t at the top of your to do list, but when you paint, please blog about It! The woodwork is a very similar color to mine. I’m anxious to see what color you decide to use on the walls.

      • Marian Parsons

        Oh definitely! Will do!

    18. Kristine

      The pot rack looks like it BELONGS there…! Your kitchen just needed you to come along and make it happen! My handy-man-husband hung our pot rack on the landing between our kitchen and garage, and I use it all the time! I well understand your need to have one !!

    19. Ramona

      The pot rack is so you! I’m just loving the transformations of your new home!

    20. Suzanne

      I’m absolutely amazed at how quickly you are making this space your own! Love that pot rack!

    21. Liz

      The pot rack is fabulous. And I love your lighting solution. BUT, I would love to see you live with the natural wood cabinets for a bit longer before painting them. I really like the look of wood, as long as it isn’t too dark. Just sayin’.

    22. Phyllis

      I’m sorry to disagree with you and everyone but I detest pot racks. I think they’re such an eye sore and just look plain junky with all the pots and chains. Who would want that for your room’s focus? I would definitely take down the small pentants and replace with two beautiful chandeliers.

      • emerick

        I totally agree, it looks cluttered and messy-maybe too many pots? the kitchen’s ttotally modern looking for it too, not really “country” but it’s her preference. Two new mini chandeliers would’ve looked great in that space. it’s a beautiful kitchen.white-also painting our too light wooded kitchen cabinets (and walls) white.

    23. Jan Fusco

      It’s perfect. It’s you.

    24. Cynthia Johnson

      I really “love” it too, Marian. It is so becoming “your” home in my Minnesota <3

    25. Peggy Deaux

      Love your pot rack! I’mhhaving a big problem with your posts. For some reason I’m totally unable to pin any part of it? I don’t understand what is wrong. Pinterest is all I have and I really want to save this. Please tell me what to do.

    26. Brenda

      The kitchen is the hub of the home and it is great that getting that pot rack up has made it feel more like home for you. Some times it is the little things that help in transitioning. How sweet that those that love you made it happen.

      Looking forward to your kitchen table reveal. I love the skirt on it and it is such a perfect size.

    27. Donna Doble-Brown

      Marian, I LOVE IT? I was a little nervous – gasp! But I should know by now to always trust your instincts in these matters! Hahaha. Is certainly is looking more “you” around there! Just beautiful ???

    28. Sara

      Can you link the lights you got , or something similar ? Thanks !

    29. Sue

      Way too much stuff on the pot rack. It’s not meant for every pot/pan you Own!

      • Marian Parsons

        Ha, oh, there are more pots and pans that aren’t on there! 🙂 I like a full pot-rack.

    30. Gavin from across the pond

      How do you care for your copper ? Your pans look spotless ?
      We converted our kitchen and snug lighting from halogen bulbs to led and we’ve dramatically reduced our energy consumption from 50watts to 9watts each and there are 18 down lights !

      • Marian Parsons

        It must be awesome to have so much light! This house has a lot of lighting, too, which is nice.

        I use Bar Keeper’s Friend on my copper and stainless to keep it looking nice.

    31. emerick

      Amen. Less is more. ….

    32. Aarsun Woods

      Amazing Kitchen items…The kitchen is the hub of the home and it is great that getting that pot rack up has made it feel more like home for you. We have also provide wooden kitchen items for your home.

    33. Diana Lopes

      I’ve always wanted a hanging pot rack on my kitchen, and I love your idea of using chains. I’ll definitely consider something like this!

    34. Allison schley

      Marion,

      What brand is the pot rack that you put in your kitchen? I am looking for one that is of great quality but not going to break the bank. I love, love, love yours and hoping to find one that replicates or is close to this one!

      Allison schley

      • Marian Parsons

        It is Calphalon and runs $120 at Wayfair and $150 at Bed, Bath & Beyond (but you can use a 20% off coupon.)

    35. Allison Schley

      Thanks so much! I just wanted to tell you how much I love your blog. My aunt introduced me to your milk paint several years ago. She lives in Houston, TX. When I was there I noticed a dresser that she had distressed and she had used your milk paint as a wash. I loved it and she introduced me to your blog and paint line. I was tickled to find out that you moved to the med city. I am actually a nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. When I hear you discuss stores and places you like to shop, I giggle to myself because I love to shop in a lot of those stores. I too like to go to rummage sales and antique stores. I adore you taste and love your tutorials. I just redid my kitchen table in farmhouse white and also used the antiquing wax. I have also watched your tutorial on how to make a slipcover. I did that several years ago when my first daughter was born. The slipcover went over the chair in her nursery. I received many compliments. I truly appreciate your positivity and uplifting blog very much.

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