Unlock the Benefits of Mixing Open Shelves with Kitchen Cabinets
Open shelves are often seen as the perfect way to spruce up the otherwise unfussy kitchen. They offer convenience, easy access, and a vintage charm that is difficult to find anywhere else. Yet many homeowners worry about sacrificing storage space when swapping out the traditional cabinet for open shelving. While it does require a bit of organization and upkeep, the design possibilities—and additional benefits—are worth the effort.
Planning Ahead
When it comes to switching up the traditional cabinet for open shelving, it is important to plan ahead. Think about the layout of the kitchen; how much storage space is needed and what kind of cookware, dishes, and decor is going to be used. Where will refrigerators and sinks fit in? Will these shelves need to be additionally reinforced to support heavier items? Working with a kitchen designer can help ensure that items fit in the space without too much clutter and that it is built to support the needed items.
Organization and Storage Solutions:
- Reorganizing your cabinet items and appliances to match the look of open shelves can be a daunting task. First, you should sort through the items and separate what you need on a regular basis, like plates and cutlery, from less-frequently used items. Then, group similar items together and be sure to create a sense of balance by alternating heights and colors. Place the most frequently used items within easy reach so that you can grab them quickly and easily. Finally, take the time to rearrange and style the items. Map out a plan for how you want the items to be displayed and use a few accessories, like vases or framed artwork, to add visual interest and cohesive appeal. With some careful planning and organization, you can transform your shelves into a stylish and practical storage solution.
- Utilizing wicker baskets to store kitchen objects is a great way to help keep your kitchen organized and clutter free. Wicker baskets are an ideal choice because they are sturdy, lightweight, and stylish. They can be used to store everything from vegetables, to canned goods, to dishes, to kitchen appliances. Wicker baskets can also be used to store dry ingredients and pantry items, allowing them to be easily accessed when needed. Not only can wicker baskets help keep your kitchen organized, they can also add a touch of charm and personality to the space. Furthermore, they come in a variety of sizes and colors, making them easy to customize to fit any kitchen's aesthetic.
- Vertical storage is a great way to maximize space and minimize clutter in your home. With vertical storage, you can store bulkier items like bicycles, ladders, and large sports equipment in a safe and secure way. This type of storage can easily accommodate items of various sizes and shapes, as well as heavier items like tool boxes and golf bags. By using wall-mounted cabinets, shelves, and other storage solutions, you can also make use of wall space that may otherwise go unused. Vertical storage solutions can even be used to create a workspace or craft area! This way, you can keep your items up and out of the way while still having easy access to them.
- Hang hooks in your kitchen, pantry, or other storage spaces to keep mugs and other items safely stored while freeing up valuable counter and shelf space. Hang a few rows of hooks on the wall to hang multiple mugs and keep them organized and accessible. Or, use one hook to hang a larger, heavier mug. You can also use the hooks to hang other items such as pans or utensils. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using hooks to bring convenience and organization to your kitchen.
Design Flexibility:
- Put shelves on the walls in your kitchen to better organize and store items. You can opt to hang shelves over the sink so that you have quick access to frequently used items like spices and other condiments.
- Gathering different materials such as wood, metal, and glass can give your kitchen an interesting texture. Wood and metal can add a rustic feel, while glass can add a modern and sleek atmosphere to the room.
- A floating shelf is a great way to save space while still having beautiful items around your home. Consider placing a floating shelf in your kitchen for displaying cookbooks, vases, and dishes.
- Reinforcing a chic, modern look in your home can be accomplished easily by incorporating illuminating elements such as sconces and hanging lights. Positioned in the alcoves, hallways, or passages of the home, sconces can help create a unique atmosphere and ambience as the low mounted level of light shines with a delicate and elegant presence.
Conclusion
Investing in open shelves not only offers an aesthetically-pleasing upgrade to the traditional kitchen cabinet, but also provides additional storage solutions and design flexibility. With delicate attention to details and organization, open shelves can revolutionize the way a kitchen looks and is used.





