Craving An Airy, Open Kitchen? Ditch Upper Cabinets For Shelves
Tired of your closed-in kitchen with dreary upper cabinets making the space feel small and dark?Ready to give your kitchen a fresh, modern update? Removing those dated cabinets and installing open shelves can help open up and brighten your kitchen instantly.
Open shelving provides a lighter, airier look that shows off your kitchen's architecture and makes the space appear more spacious. Here's a look at why you may want to consider open shelves instead of upper cabinets for your next kitchen revamp.
Bring In A Minimalist, Modern Look
One of the biggest benefits of open shelving is that it creates a clean, minimalist look in keeping with contemporary kitchen design trends. By removing bulky upper cabinets, you expose the walls, countertops, backsplashes and other decorative elements of your kitchen.
The simplicity of wall-mounted shelves gives your kitchen a sleek, uncluttered aesthetic that feels more spacious. Open shelves work especially well in modern, industrial style kitchens and complement other contemporary elements like stainless steel appliances.
Show Off Your Stylish Decor
Speaking of style, open shelves allow you to decorate your kitchen in ways closed cabinets simply can't. You can artfully arrange your loveliest serveware, cookbooks or kitchen tools for all to admire.
The freedom of open shelving makes it easy to switch up your decorative displays. Go all white and crisp, or go vibrant and eclectic. Easily rotate seasonal kitchen decor from holiday platters to blooming spring plants.
Save On Your Kitchen Remodel Budget
Replacing outdated kitchen cabinets with new ones can get expensive fast. Cabinetry alone can cost thousands before you factor in countertop changes, electrical work and installation labor.
Updating to open shelves provides cost savings since you simply remove the old cabinets and directly install new brackets and shelves. It's one of the most budget-friendly ways to quickly update your kitchen's look.
Be Aware Of Potential Downsides
While open shelves offer some great benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider before removing your upper cabinets entirely.
Decreased Storage Space
The most obvious issue is losing all that enclosed storage space cabinets provide. It limits what you can keep in the kitchen to only what fits neatly on shelves.
More Visible Clutter
Without cabinet doors to hide things, any clutter left out looks messy. Appliances, dishes and food items will be exposed at all times.
Extra Cleaning
All those open horizontal surfaces also means more dusting and cleaning. Grease and food splatters have more exposed areas to cling to.
Tips To Make Open Shelving Work
With some smart strategies, open shelving can work in most kitchens despite the lack of upper cabinet storage.
Strategic Organization
Carefully limit what you display to your most used and decorative items. Group like things, from mugs to baking essentials. Use trays, baskets and containers to neatly corral smaller items.
Intentional Styling
Style shelves as part of your kitchen decor, not just random storage. Coordinate colors and materials for a curated look. Make every item contribute to the aesthetic.
Extra Closed Storage
Add a pantry cabinet or other closed storage to make up for lost space. Use cabinets for frequently used appliances to keep counters clear.
Design Styles Made For Open Shelving
While open shelves can work in many kitchens, some design aesthetics are especially suited to this minimalist look.
Modern and Industrial
Sleek, contemporary kitchens shine with open shelves in lieu of bulky cabinets. The minimalist styling complements stainless steel and other modern materials.
Farmhouse and Cottage
The rustic charm of open shelves suits cozy cottage or farmhouse kitchens. Mix natural wood, baskets, and ceramic for chic-yet-casual styling.
Step-By-Step Guide To Removing Cabinets
Ready to get started on your kitchen's open shelf makeover? Follow these steps:
- Get estimates from contractors for full cost.
- Empty cabinets and prepare kitchen for remodel.
- Have old upper cabinets safely removed.
- Patch walls, paint and prep for new shelves.
- Select and purchase shelves and sturdy brackets.
- Hire pro for proper shelf installation.
Style Your Fresh Open Shelves
Once your shiny new open shelves are up, the fun part begins - styling them! Some ideas:
- Display your prettiest dishes and serveware.
- Show off cherished cookbooks.
- Organize cooking tools in labeled containers.
- Add fresh or faux greenery for color.
- Rotate in seasonal decor items.
Just be sure to keep things organized and tidy so your open shelves remain a beautiful focal point!
With open shelves instead of upper cabinets, you can experience your kitchen in a fresh new way. Your space will feel lighter, brighter and have a stylish minimalist look.
Just be diligent about cleaning and organizing to keep your open shelves functional. Add in some closed storage as needed. Then get ready to enjoy your beautiful, contemporary kitchen!