Open shelving has become a popular trend in modern kitchen design, offering both style and practicality. At Karin Ross Designs, we believe open shelving can transform your kitchen into a more inviting and functional space. Whether you’re showcasing beautiful dishware, adding a personal touch with decorative pieces, or simply enhancing accessibility, open shelves provide endless possibilities. Our Kansas City interior design company explores the many benefits of open shelving in your kitchen, from creating an airy, spacious feel to making everyday items easier to reach.
What Is Open Shelving?
Open shelving is a kitchen design element that features shelves or cabinets without doors. This style allows you to display your dishes, cookware, and other kitchen decor openly. Open kitchen shelving creates a more modern and minimalist look while offering easy access to your kitchen items.
Is Open Shelving Out of Style?
Open shelving is not out of style! Using open shelves in kitchens remains a versatile and stylish option for many homeowners, especially those who enjoy showcasing their dishware, plants, or decorative items. Open shelving works well in certain kitchen styles, such as farmhouse, industrial, or minimalist designs, where the focus is on simplicity, functionality, and showcasing unique items. Ultimately, whether open shelving is “in” or “out” depends on your taste and the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. It’s still a great option for creating a more open and airy space when used thoughtfully.
Benefits of Open Shelving in Kitchens
Open shelving in kitchens offers a range of benefits, both practical and aesthetic. Here are some key advantages:
Enhanced Accessibility
With open shelving, items like dishes, cookware, and pantry essentials are easily within reach, making daily tasks more convenient and efficient.
Creates a Spacious, Airy Feel
Open shelving opens up the space, giving the kitchen a lighter, less cluttered look compared to bulky cabinets, making the room feel larger and more inviting.
Showcases Your Style
It allows you to display decorative items, unique dishware, and personal accents, adding a touch of personality and style to your kitchen.
Easy Maintenance
Without doors to open and close, open shelves are easier to clean and access. Plus, you’re more likely to keep things organized since everything is on display.
Customizable and Versatile
Open shelving can be easily customized to suit your kitchen’s size, layout, and style, and can be used in combination with traditional cabinetry for a balanced look.
Encourages Organization
With everything visible, it promotes better organization and keeps you mindful of what’s on your shelves, encouraging you to keep things tidy and minimize clutter.
Open shelving can be an attractive and functional choice for homeowners looking to add style and efficiency to their kitchens. If you’re interested in redesigning or remodeling your kitchen, schedule a consultation with Karin Ross, a top-rated Kansas City designer.
What to Put On Open Kitchen Shelves
When styling open kitchen shelves, it’s important to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Here are some ideas for what to put on open kitchen shelves:
Everyday Dishware
Display your frequently used plates, bowls, and glassware. Choose matching or coordinating sets for a clean, cohesive look.
Cookbooks
Stack or lean your favorite cookbooks to add personality and a pop of color to your shelves.
Glass Jars or Canisters
Use clear or decorative glass jars to store dry goods like pasta, rice, coffee beans, or spices. This adds both function and charm while keeping essentials within reach.
Ceramics and Serveware
Show off unique ceramic dishes, serving bowls, or pitchers that are too beautiful to keep hidden.
Houseplants or Herbs
Add a touch of greenery by placing potted plants or fresh herbs on your shelves. This brings life to the space and complements a natural design.
Decorative Items
Use small decorative pieces like vases, candles, or framed art to personalize your space. Just be sure not to overcrowd the shelves.
Cutting Boards
Lean wooden cutting boards against the wall for a rustic touch. They add warmth and are easy to grab when needed.
Glassware or Wine Bottles
Display your favorite wine bottles, glasses, or barware, making your shelves both stylish and functional for entertaining.
Baskets
Woven baskets can be a great way to store items you want to keep accessible but out of sight, like napkins or utensils.
Mix Textures and Colors
Play with different textures and colors by mixing metal, wood, and ceramic items to create an inviting, dynamic display.
The key to nailing open shelving in kitchen design is keeping the shelves curated, with a mix of useful items and decorative pieces that reflect your style.
Design Your Dream Kitchen With Karin Ross Designs
At Karin Ross Designs, we believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and creating a space that reflects your style and meets your functional needs is our top priority. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a kitchen renovation – you’re getting a personalized design experience tailored to your unique vision. From the initial consultation to the final reveal, our top-rated kitchen remodelers in Kansas City will guide you through every step of the process.
Whether you’re looking for a modern, sleek kitchen or a warm, earthy design, we ensure that every element, from cabinets to countertops, is carefully selected to match your vision. We use only high-quality materials and focus on maximizing both style and functionality, ensuring that your new kitchen is not only beautiful but also practical for everyday use.
By working with Karin Ross Designs, you’ll benefit from expert guidance, creative solutions, and a commitment to delivering a kitchen that enhances the value and enjoyment of your home. Let us turn your dream kitchen into a reality!
