The Allure of Open Shelving
I’ll admit it – I was once firmly in the “closed cabinet” camp. The idea of exposing my kitchen clutter to the world felt like a personal attack on my organizational skills (or lack thereof). But then, something shifted. I found myself drawn to the airy, inviting kitchens I saw on House Beautiful and The Inspired Room, where open shelves proudly displayed colorful ceramics, artfully stacked cookbooks, and even the occasional potted plant. It was like peeking into someone’s culinary soul – messy, yes, but also bursting with personality.
The Transformation Begins
So, I took the plunge. I emptied my upper cabinets and replaced them with a few sturdy wooden shelves, strategically placed to highlight my favorite mugs and a collection of vintage spice jars. The transformation was instant and exhilarating. My kitchen felt more open, more inviting – almost like it had been liberated from the constraints of traditional cabinetry.
Finding the Right Balance
Of course, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Where would I stash the random assortment of kitchen gadgets and mismatched Tupperware that had previously found a home in those upper cabinets? The answer, it turned out, lay in a carefully curated mix of open shelving and closed cabinetry.
The Joys of Modular Design
I took a page from the design playbook of designer Andy Beers, who expertly combined open cubbies and splashes of red to create a playful, modular feel in his client’s kitchen. By incorporating both open shelves and closed cabinets, I was able to strike a balance between display and concealment, showcasing my favorite pieces while keeping the rest of the clutter neatly tucked away.
Highlighting Standout Features
Another design trick I picked up from the pros? Using open shelving to draw the eye to a specific feature in the kitchen. Designer Lauren Liess did this masterfully in a Florida kitchen, employing symmetrical open shelving and repetitive light fixtures to put the focus on a stunning Jerusalem stone-clad chimney-style range hood. I decided to follow suit, using open shelves to showcase my new, statement-making range hood.
Cultivating a Cohesive Look
Of course, the key to making open shelving work is ensuring it seamlessly integrates with the rest of the kitchen’s design. Designer Mallory Kaye nailed this concept, modernizing a ranch house kitchen with a single level of white marble open shelving that perfectly matched the backsplash and countertops. Inspired, I opted for open shelves in a warm, natural wood tone that complemented the subway tile and shaker-style cabinets in my space.
Embracing the Imperfect
One of the biggest mental hurdles I had to overcome when embracing open shelving was the fear of messiness. After all, who wants to put their disorganized collection of mugs and mismatched plates on display for the world to see? But as I discovered, the key is to lean into the imperfect. Take a cue from celebrity decorator Kathryn M. Ireland, whose kitchen features plain white shelves infused with personality through an eclectic mix of dinnerware, cookware, and decorative objects. It’s a look that’s decidedly lived-in, but in the most delightful way.
Bringing Warmth with Materials
If you’re not quite ready to embrace the full open shelving look, consider incorporating a single row of shelves, as the interior design firm BHDM did in one of their projects. This allows you to display your favorite mugs or a collection of spices while keeping the rest of your kitchen’s storage hidden. For an extra touch of warmth, consider using natural wood shelves, as designers Marshall Watson and Mercedes Ganes did in a Napa Valley kitchen, where the light wood shelving and pendant lighting created a cozy, intimate feel.
Incorporating Open Shelving in Small Spaces
Even if your kitchen is on the smaller side, there’s still room for open shelving. Lark & Linen’s design proves that you don’t have to commit to an entire wall of open shelves to reap the benefits. By limiting the open shelving to a single section of the wall, you can experiment with the look without feeling overwhelmed by the exposure.
Diversifying the Display
Open shelving isn’t just for stacks of plates and bowls – it can also be a great way to showcase your cookbook collection. As designer Nicole Franzen demonstrates, dedicating a portion of your open shelving to cookbooks can make them easily accessible and add a touch of personality to your kitchen.
A Utilitarian Touch
For a more industrial-chic vibe, consider opting for steel or metal open shelving, as seen in the kitchen designed by Amber Interiors. This adds a utilitarian element that pairs perfectly with a bold, statement-making range.
Softening the Look
On the flip side, if you’re aiming for a more soothing, serene aesthetic, designer Kelie Grosso’s sophisticated kitchen offers inspiration. By incorporating open shelving with crown molding, she was able to achieve a warm, sophisticated look that could easily be replicated in any ABC Home & Renovations kitchen.
Embracing Color and Contrast
If you’re feeling bold, don’t be afraid to experiment with color when it comes to your open shelving. As seen in this kitchen, painting the exterior and interior of the open shelves in contrasting shades can create a playful, eye-catching display.
Multifunctional Moments
Open shelving isn’t just for the kitchen proper – it can also be a useful addition to a small breakfast nook or dining area. As demonstrated in this design, open shelving can function as a stylish, space-saving “bureau” to hold all of your serveware and dining essentials.
A Sleek, Industrial Touch
For a more modern, industrial-inspired look, consider opting for a metal shelving unit, as seen in this kitchen featured on House Beautiful. The sleek, polished aesthetic adds a touch of glamour to the space.
Embracing the Exposed
If you’re truly committed to the open shelving look, you can take it one step further by forgoing upper cabinetry altogether, as seen in this small kitchen with an industrial-chic vibe. This creates a light, airy feel and puts your collection of cookware and dishware on full display.
Pairing with Subway Tile
Open shelving also pairs beautifully with another kitchen trend – subway tiles. By allowing the horizontal lines of the shelves to complement the vertical lines of the subway tile, as seen in this monochrome kitchen, you can create a visually striking, cohesive look.
Embracing the Journey
Ultimately, the journey of incorporating open shelving into my kitchen has been one of exploration, trial, and (mostly) error. But through it all, I’ve learned to embrace the imperfections, the messy moments, and the sheer joy of putting my culinary personality on display. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
