Open Shelving 101: What It Brings to Your Kitchen

Adding in open shelves to your kitchen is either a bold interior design move or a recipe for disaster. On one hand, open shelving creates an airy, aesthetically-pleasing appeal to your kitchen. On the other hand, open shelves can quickly become a rest stop for clutter. 

Our West Palm Beach kitchen design company happens to love open shelving, because we know how to do it right. With a clear vision and dedication to zero clutter, open shelves can be just what your kitchen needs - keep reading.

Curated Kitchen Co. remodel featuring natural stone open shelving 

Why Are You Choosing Open Shelves?

A simple but important question - while open shelves easily flow with current interior design trends, it’s best to choose them for more than just that. 

Consider how you will make use of your open shelves: will they be used to showcase unique pieces like art, glassware, and ceramics? Or, will they become a place to toss mismatched cups, dishes, and plastic containers? 

Hint: Choose the first option! 

While we all have mismatched dishware and plastic containers, they aren’t the most visually appealing and should stay far away from your open shelves. Instead, think of open shelves as a chance to display fine items, giving you and guests a taste of curated kitchen design.

The Balancing Act

Open kitchen shelves complement closed cabinetry, which is why it’s best to incorporate both into your space. 

For example, think of open shelves as a cohesive part of your kitchen layout’s cabinetry plan. In doing this, your open shelves remain the place to showcase both functional items and aesthetic pieces - not a catch-all. 

Due to their open nature, this type of kitchen shelving brings an airy, flowing quality in your home. A key way this can complement the rest of your cabinetry is by breaking up space and creating an appealing focal point. 

Furthermore, open kitchen shelves contribute to design continuity in your space. This is especially relevant in open-concept kitchen layouts, as open shelves can carry over certain materials, finishes, and even design themes. 

Pro tip: If you’d like to include open kitchen shelves in your space, try placement above a coffee/beverage station or near a range hood.

Image by Clay Banks / Unsplash

Keep Open Kitchen Shelves Simple

A kitchen with open shelves is exposed to some degree. And while this is the point of open shelves, keep this idea in mind when you’re entering the styling phase. 

Prioritize the following:

Visual cohesion: Open shelves bear it all, which is why it’s key to ensure whatever items you place on them remain organized. Play around with how you want to arrange these items without it turning into clutter! Materials like stoneware, wood, and glass are all great options when it comes to the pieces you display. 

Symmetry & repetition: When stacking items on your open kitchen shelves, group similar pieces together. This adds to the visual cohesion and natural organization of your kitchen. 

Neutrality: Consider placing items on your open shelves that are neutral in tone and color. This comes in handy when your open shelves are full, as it provides a simple, clean look. Take this example: stacking white dinner plates on light, natural oak shelving.

Curated Kitchen Co. remodel featuring natural wood open shelving 

…And Keep It Real, Too

We love the way open kitchen shelves allow you to showcase your personal style. But it’s important to also avoid over-styling, as that can come off as sterile or impersonal. 

To stay away from this design faux-pas, play around with functional decorating. We’re talking some stacked dishware, a framed print, and potted herbs - or a similar variation. Why is this so key? Because a home - especially a kitchen - is meant to be lived in! 

However, stick to the simplicity that we talked about earlier. Avoid overcrowding and excessive stacking (AKA, leave some negative space to let the eye breathe). 

Open shelving is perfect for seasonal decor. Think on what you can add throughout the spring, summer, fall, and winter months to really show off your personal interior style.

Image by Jason Leung / Unsplash

Experience a Classic, Breezy Kitchen Interior Today 

Open shelves play a key role in the visual flow and functionality of a kitchen. Our kitchen design company understands how to seamlessly incorporate this unique shelving option to create an elevated, aesthetic interior. 

Curious about adding open shelves into your kitchen remodel? Contact our team today.