Is the Open Shelving Look for You?

Open shelving is as popular for its versatility and ability to adapt to any kitchen style. It offers easy access to frequently used kitchen items and provides a place for displaying decorative items such as baskets, plates, and cookbooks that add a pop of personality to your kitchen.

Open Door Policy

If you are planning to add just a shelf or two, open shelving installation can be a simple DIY project You can choose interesting brackets or corbels made from metal, stone or wood to finish the look. Directions and videos on how to install shelves are readily available on the internet. For more advanced projects, you may want to consult with a contractor, especially with an up-scale existing kitchen.

Get Rid of Those Hinges

Are you budget conscious? Uuse existing cabinets! Take off the doors and convert the cabinets into open shelves. You may want to paint the inside of the cabinets a color different than the frame to add a surprising touch or splash of color. 

Another idea to consider is contrast the colors of the upper and lower shelves. Install upper shelves in a lighter color and the cabinets below in darker shades. By matching the shelves to the wall color, the shelves will blend right in. Removing doors from the kitchen island can also become open storage space to house smaller appliances, dry goods and cookbooks.

Traditional open shelves are usually made of wood, while more modern glass shelves are sleek and can really brighten up a wall - especially if the shelf is secured to a tile wall. Metal shelf finishes often coordinate well with other kitchen elements such as the faucet, doorknobs, pulls, and lighting fixtures. Glass is a good choice for displaying barware, especially if is near a wine rack or cooler. You can also create a coffee bar just by hanging mugs on hooks from the shelf above a coffee maker.

Mix Textures by arranging houseplants along with baskets, pottery, and artwork interspersed with practical kitchen items. A single shelf above a stove can conveniently hold an artfully arranged collection of spices, which will also be handy when you're cooking.

Corner spaces work well for storing less attractive small appliances like toasters, blenders or small microwaves in a less visible place. Just be careful not to create cluttered shelves! You want to be sure to create an open and airy feel to the room.

If you're looking at buying a new home - or thinking of selling and want to make some updates - contact us for more ideas on making your kitchen more accessible!