It’s time to be frank and honest about open shelving. It is undoubtedly the hottest trend in kitchens right now with everyone trying to achieve that farmhouse look. The big question, however, that you need to ask yourself is, is this trend for you?
I personally am a huge fan of open shelving and we added it when we did our kitchen remodel that you can see right here. I am guilty of pinning these beautiful images on Pinterest and I’ve even dog-eared them in my favorite magazines for future reference or just inspiration in general. For me, having a combination of closed cabinetry and the openness of shelves helps me achieve a much-loved farmhouse look.
There definitely is a debate, though, as to whether having open shelving is practical. This restaurant-style look provides easy access and can make a small space seem airy, but whether you’re tearing out your upper cabinets for a more expansive look or penciling the design into your new build or remodel, there are things to consider.
Via BHG
This super hot trend is a great way to display your stylish dishes. No more hiding them behind closed doors. You can leave them out and about and at your fingertips. However, it does require a bit of neatness and tidiness so if organization is not your forte, you might want to reconsider. You want to enhance the room’s look and not detract from it. Your dishes need to look organized and not like a hot mess. Choosing dishes in the same color will keep your shelving looking neat and cohesive. Grouping like items together will help keep a cluttered look at bay. If your dishware consists of sippy cups, tumblers and mismatched plates, this might not be for you.
Plan Ahead
If you’re doing a remodel of your kitchen and planning ahead of time on adding open shelves, be sure and match the look to your space. If you’re wanting a farmhouse vibe, using repurposed planks or wood with pipe brackets will do the trick. Floating shelves will give you a more contemporary look where white shelving and corbels tend to lead more toward traditional.
Via Look Linger Love
Open shelves are definitely to your advantage financially. They typically are more budget-friendly than cabinets and can free up your money to invest in other things in your space such as appliances. If you can even do the install yourself, that’s a win-win.
Via Our Vintage Home Love
Via Magnolia
This is a debate that definitely will continue. If you’re a neat freak and don’t want to think about a little extra dusting or if you have an amazing ironstone collection that you want to display or you’re looking to have your everyday dishes right at your fingertips, there’s an argument to be had on all sides. Let’s continue the conversation in my comments below. Let me know what you think.
Marsha Waldron says
Hey girl! I love the look! I also love my furry babies. My main issue with the look is that we have two Australian Shepherds and one RadDoll cat. We are pretty clean and tidy people but once in a while, out of no where, a chunk of fur will float in front of you. Yes, we groom our kids once a month, at the groomer, and the cat is constantly grooming himself and getting a comb out from yours truly. So with that, you see my concern with open shelving? HAIR! Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t do it on a wall to show off some of my cool stuff I’ve inherited from my southern family. Just not thinking it would be practical for my dishes and glasses.
Kristi Bissell says
You’re preaching to the choir girl. I TOTALLY get it. I am dusting every couple of days and rotating the dishes I don’t use on a daily basis. It’s a compromise for sure. BUT, one I’m willing to live with. Gotta love our fur babes. LOL
I am 100% FOR open shelves, if you want them! In My Wee Abode, there were no upper cabinets in the little kitchenette, so I opted to install open shelving. It give me additional storage space, room for pretty decor, and my landlord loves it! I’m still figuring out the look I want for the what I keep on the shelves, but it sure is fun learning! 😉