Open shelving in the kitchen is a popular design choice, offering a unique blend of functionality and aesthetics. However, achieving the perfect balance between form and function can be a challenge. In this article, we'll delve into the insights shared by top designers, exploring what items to avoid and what to showcase on open shelves to create a stylish and practical kitchen space.
The Art of Editing
Kate Cunningham, a principal designer at Light and Dwell, emphasizes the importance of editing when it comes to open shelving. It's not just about displaying items; it's about curating a decorative display that enhances the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.
Items to Avoid
Bulky Cookware and Small Appliances
Melissa Roberts, founder of Melissa Roberts Interiors, advises against placing pots and pans on open shelves. These items can weigh down the space and create an unsafe reach. Similarly, Paulina Hospod, president of Aha! Interiors, suggests storing small appliances like blenders and toasters in cabinets or utility closets to avoid dust accumulation.
Food Storage and Packaged Foods
Jamie Gernert, founder of WYC Designs, points out that food storage containers can create visual clutter due to their varying sizes and shapes. Additionally, Cunningham warns that worn or half-empty packaged food items can attract pests and disrupt the visual flow. Decanting these items into glass jars and storing them in a pantry is a more organized approach.
Miscellaneous Items and Small Knick-Knacks
Brittany Farinas, creative director of House of One, highlights the importance of consistency in style, shape, and color when it comes to open shelving. Random mugs and plastic cups can disrupt the curated aesthetic. Grey Joyner, head designer at Grey Joyner Interiors, adds that small figurines can also topple over easily, disrupting the streamlined look.
Spices, Clear Glassware, and Paper Goods
Joyner suggests keeping spices in a dedicated pantry or labeled canisters inside a closed cabinet to maintain freshness and avoid light and heat degradation. Clear glasses, which show every smudge, are better reserved for daily use or stored behind cabinet doors. Hospod recommends storing paper goods like napkins and plates in drawers or pantry baskets to avoid visual clutter.
Utensils, Cleaning Supplies, and Holiday Decor
Farinas emphasizes the impracticality of reaching overhead for utensils while cooking. Instead, she suggests storing them in a countertop crock near the stove. Katherine Moore, co-founder of Murphy & Moore Design, advises keeping cleaning supplies under the sink or in a closet for a neater appearance. As for holiday decor, Moore suggests displaying the bulk of decorations elsewhere in the home to avoid a cluttered look.
Dust-Prone Objects
Monika Zasada, a home renovation expert at De-Mazing, recommends avoiding items that collect dust easily, especially dark-colored ones. Infrequently used items can also accumulate grease, making cleaning a more challenging task, as Joyner points out.
Items to Put on Display
Neutral Everyday Dishware and Ceramics
Joyner recommends matching white stoneware or tonal ceramics to create a unified look. These items stay clean due to daily use and washing, and their consistent shape and color add a pleasing rhythm to the shelves.
Statement Objects and Art
Tracy Kurc, founder of Tracy Kurc Interiors & Styling, suggests adding texture and visual weight with vintage cutting boards or overscale wood bowls. These statement pieces become the focal points on open shelves. Monika Zasada adds that small paintings or sketches from travels bring depth and personality to the space.
Greenery and Cookbooks
Small potted herbs like rosemary or basil, or preserved moss in beautiful containers, add life and color to open shelving. Joyner points out that having herbs within reach is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Cookbooks, arranged by size or color, also add personality and visual balance to the shelves.
Conclusion
Open shelving in the kitchen is an art form that requires careful curation and editing. By avoiding bulky items, maintaining consistency, and showcasing statement pieces, you can create a stylish and organized kitchen space. Remember, the key is intentionality and a keen eye for design. So, take your time, edit with purpose, and enjoy the process of transforming your kitchen into a visually appealing and functional haven.
