Maximize Storage and Style with Open Concept Kitchen Cabinets
Open concept kitchens have risen in popularity over the past decade, combining the kitchen, dining area, and living space into one large, cohesive area. While this free-flowing design has many benefits like promoting conversation and natural light, it also comes with challenges like increased noise and mess.
One potential pain point of open concept kitchens is storage. With so much exposed space, where do you put all your dishes, food items, and small appliances? This is where creative open shelving and cabinetry come in.
Benefits of Open Concept Kitchens
Let's first look at why open concept kitchens have become so popular.
By removing walls between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, you create a more airy, expansive space. This makes entertaining easier as people can flow freely between areas. It also enables the cook to engage with guests instead of being isolated. Visually, it provides a clean and modern aesthetic.
Open floor plans also allow natural light to filter through the entire space, creating a bright and inviting area. The increased sunlight can make the home feel more cheerful and lively.
Potential Drawbacks
However, open concept living isn't for everyone. It can feel too exposed for some. Noise travels easily without barriers, so a noisy kitchen may disrupt conversations or TV watching. The kitchen mess is also on full display.
Lack of separation means you lose some privacy and defined spaces. It can also make decorating more challenging.
Incorporating Open Shelving and Cabinets
One concern with open floor plans is keeping your kitchen items organized but not in the way. This is where creative shelving and cabinetry come in.
Glass door cabinets provide concealed storage while still allowing you to display decorative dishware and glassware. For example, hang a glass cabinet near the dining area to show off your best plates and drinkware.
Display cabinets also enable you to neatly organize items behind doors but allow you quick access to everyday essentials. Install one near the fridge to hold oils, spices, etc.
Open Shelving Design Tips
Completely open shelving has a minimalist, industrial vibe. Though it requires some maintenance to keep tidy, with smart storage tricks it can work beautifully.
Use baskets, bins, or containers to corral small items like packaged food, tea bags, or utensils. This hides visual clutter.
Display decorative dishes or glassware interspersed with frequently used mugs and mixing bowls. Arrange items in neat rows grouped by color or function.
Lighting is key for open shelving. Accent lighting illuminates and highlights what you want to showcase. Under-cabinet lighting provides task lighting for food prep.
Choosing the Right Style
The key to effectively incorporating open shelving is choosing a style suited for your kitchen size and needs.
Industrial style emphasizes exposed materials like wood beams, concrete, metal pipes, and hardware. Open shelving suits this aesthetic. Fill shelves with vintage tins, woven baskets, and factory-style stools.
For modern kitchens, aim for clean lines and a muted color scheme. Open shelving looks great against a white backdrop. Use pops of brightness with freshly displayed fruits or colorful cookware.
Rustic kitchens feature natural materials like wood and stone paired with woven accents. Open shelving can complement this with wood crates, ceramic jars, and ironware displaying onions and garlic.
With some creativity and organization strategies, open floor plan kitchens can provide both style and smart storage. A few tips:
- Frequently tidy and edit your open shelving so only your aesthetically pleasing and needed items are on display.
- Close the clutter in drawers, cabinets, and pantries. Reserve open shelving for your gorgeous glassware and cookbooks.
- Incorporate different storage solutions like mounted rails and pull-out drawers to maximize vertical and corner space.
- Use lighting and decor to draw the eye to your stylish shelving displays.
With the right blend of concealed and open storage, your open concept kitchen can remain organized and on-trend. Embrace the industrial charm of open shelving or opt for glass door displays. Just be sure to display with intention and always tidy before guests arrive!