Open shelving in the kitchen can be a beautiful and functional design choice, but it's easy to go wrong. In this article, we'll explore the top mistakes people make when styling open shelves and offer practical solutions to keep your kitchen looking tidy and organized. From bulky cookware to small knickknacks, we'll cover the items that should be avoided and the stylish alternatives that will elevate your kitchen's aesthetic.
The Pitfalls of Open Shelving
Open shelving can be a beautiful way to display your favorite items, but it's crucial to be mindful of what you choose to showcase. Here are the top 13 items that designers recommend keeping off your open shelves:
- Bulky Cookware: Pots and pans can weigh down a room and make your kitchen look unstyled. Instead, consider storing them in a cabinet or on a rolling rack for easy access.
- Small Appliances: Blenders and toasters are often oddly shaped and collect dust. Store them in a lower cabinet or an appliance garage for a neater look.
- Food Storage Containers: Plastic or glass containers can vary in size, color, and shape, creating visual clutter. Opt for a consistent style and store them in a pantry or drawer.
- Packaged Foods: Worn cereal boxes and chip bags disrupt the visual flow and can attract pests. Decant them into glass jars and store them in a pantry.
- Miscellaneous Everyday Items: Random mugs and plastic cups can make your shelves look chaotic. Curate a selection of items that fit your aesthetic.
- Small Knickknacks: Tiny figurines and small pieces can look muddled and topple over easily. Keep them in a display case or on a shelf in a different room.
- Spices: Heat and light can degrade the freshness of spices. Store them in a dedicated pantry or drawers fitted with spice organizers.
- Clear Glassware: Clear glasses show fingerprints and dust. Reserve them for daily use or store less-used glassware behind cabinet doors.
- Paper Goods: Napkins and paper towels can appear messy. Tuck them away in drawers or pantry baskets for easy access without clutter.
- Utensils: Reaching overhead for utensils while cooking is impractical. Store them in a countertop crock next to the stove for convenience and aesthetics.
- Cleaning Supplies: Countertop spray bottles can look messy. Store them in a closet or under the sink for a neater appearance.
- Holiday Decor: Too many seasonal decorations can feel cluttered. Display the bulk elsewhere in your home.
- Dust-Prone Objects: Dark items and infrequently used objects tend to collect dust and grease. Keep them in a closet or on a shelf in a different room.
Stylish Alternatives for Open Shelving
Now that we've covered the items to avoid, let's explore some stylish alternatives that will make your open shelves look curated and beautiful:
- Neutral Everyday Dishware: Matching white stoneware or tonal ceramics pieces create a unified look and stay clean due to daily use. Their consistent shape and color establish a pleasing rhythm on the shelf.
- Ceramics: Hand-thrown bowls or artisanal serving ware with matte finishes (ivory, taupe, charcoal) add warmth and texture without clutter. Be mindful of scale to ensure objects fit comfortably on the shelf.
- Statement Objects: Vintage cutting boards or overscale wood bowls provide visual weight and texture. These are the punctuation marks on any open shelf.
- Art and Photos: Small paintings or sketches bring depth and personality. Varying the scale of these pieces can help fill vertical space and break up the rhythm of plates and bowls.
- Greenery in Simple Planters: Small potted herbs or preserved moss in beautiful containers add life, texture, and color. Herbs are also conveniently located when needed.
- Cookbooks: A curated collection of cookbooks adds personality and practicality. Their vertical form helps break up horizontal stacks of plates and bowls, creating visual balance.
By avoiding these common pitfalls and embracing these stylish alternatives, you can create a kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Remember, the key is to be intentional and mindful of your choices when styling open shelves.
