The open shelf kitchen trend has been around for a while and it’s not slowing down. But while there’s lots to love about the look, some homeowners aren’t sure if it’s right for them. There’s the fear of dust collection and the potential chaos of exposed dinnerware. It’s hard not to adore the idea of open shelves though – especially when its history is rooted in old Parisian apartments.
Whether you go full-force with entirely open shelves or opt to mix in a few with traditional cabinets, they create a relaxed effect where both cooks and guests feel at ease. Because nothing makes a guest feel more welcomed than being free to help themselves or lend a hand with no need to ask where things are kept.
Still not won over? Here are our top-five reasons to include open shelves in your kitchen:
1. Show off special pieces
Removing some upper cabinets in favour of open shelving allows you to showcase beautiful serving pieces or heirloom collections. It also gives you easy access to these items so they can be put to more frequent use.
2. Easy access
Open shelves on the kitchen island are an ideal place to store a cookbook library for easy access to all your favourite recipes.
3. Take advantage of overhead space
Closed cabinets are fixed spaces. They can be awkward to access or limited in size, which can prohibit the storage of larger or bulkier items. With open shelving, you can arrange the shelves in a way that allow you plenty of overhead space for storing taller items such as large decanters or vases.
4. Fake a bigger kitchen
Open shelves give the appearance of a larger, more open kitchen space. While upper cabinets can close in a smaller kitchen footprint, open shelves will lighten the look of the entire room.
5. Introduce colour
Open shelves provide an opportunity to introduce a new material or colour to the kitchen. Try painting the shelves and brackets in a different colour than the lower cabinets. Or select a finish that’s in an entirely new material for a look that really pops.
Photography by A Plus Creative
