The Secret to Making Your Mini Kitchen Look Luxe with Open Shelving
Turning a cramped kitchen into a stylish, inviting space may seem impossible. But with some strategic open shelving, even the tiniest kitchen can go from claustrophobic to chic. Open shelves introduce breezy style while also maximizing every inch of space. Follow these tips to use open shelving to make your small kitchen look luxuriously livable.
Gone are the days when open shelves were reserved for spacious, airy kitchens. Thoughtfully incorporated open shelving can work wonders in awkward, mini kitchens too. Visible storage gives the illusion of a larger space while also ensuring everything you need is conveniently at your fingertips.
Benefits of Open Shelving in a Small Kitchen
There are several advantages to incorporating open shelving in a tiny kitchen.
Open shelves increase visibility and accessibility. Eliminating constantly opening and closing cupboard doors makes cooking in a cramped kitchen much smoother. You can grab ingredients and tools as you need them rather than rummaging around in dark corners.
Open shelves allow you to make use of unused vertical real estate on your walls for storage. Mounting shelves is an easy way to gain storage space without committing floor space to bulky cabinets and hutches.
Displaying your favorite dishes, glassware and decor transforms basic shelves into an artful design feature. Open shelves allow you to incorporate your personal style seamlessly into the kitchen's look.
Ideal Items to Display on Open Shelves
Anything you use daily and want easy access to is a great candidate for open shelving. Everyday dishes, go-to pans and frequented spices will get the most use displayed out in the open. Some specific items to consider:
Show off your favorite decorative plates, bowls or expressive glassware. Vibrant dishes in colors like emerald green or cobalt blue add pops of color. Neutral ceramic sets with interesting shapes also make an impact.
Keep essential pots, pans and kitchen tools within arm's reach. Consider installing a hanging pot rack for easy access but minimal shelf space. Utensils in colorful hues or placed in crocks continue the curated look.
Clear glass canisters allow you to decant staple ingredients like flour, sugar or coffee while keeping them visible. Matching lidded canisters create a unified, upscale appearance.
Incorporate personal touches with aesthetically pleasing cookbooks, plants or unique decor items. Rotate in seasonal accents to keep your shelves looking fresh and inviting.
Design Strategies for Open Shelving
To keep open shelves from looking too busy in a compact kitchen, stick to just one or two areas of open shelving. Anchor open shelves with some closed cabinetry and drawers to balance the look.
Curate shelves with your most visually appealing cookware and serving pieces for an artful display. Rotate items out regularly to incorporate seasonal decor seamlessly.
Proper lighting instantly elevates basic open shelves to a focal feature. Accent with under cabinet lighting or draw the eye up with pendant fixtures or sconces.
Use baskets, bins and risers to neatly corral items. Matching ceramic crocks or woven baskets give a cohesive look. Dividers keep stacks of plates and bowls tidy.
Maintaining Functional, Clutter-Free Shelves
While beautiful, open shelves do require some maintenance to stay dust-free and organized. Here are some tips for maximizing their functionality.
Prevent dust and grease build up by wiping shelves down weekly with a microfiber cloth. Place plates and glass rims down and use lidded storage to deter grime.
Avoid clutter by frequently editing shelves and removing unused or non-essential items. Don't let shelves become a dumping ground.
Keep things tidy and easy to locate with chalkboard labels for storage bins. This also allows you to change up the labeling as needed.
With some creativity and regular care, open shelves can make small kitchens more livable and beautiful. Visible storage provides easy access to necessities and leaves room for artful displays of your favorite things. Follow the storage and design tips outlined here to create a kitchen that feels open and luxurious, no matter its square footage.
Strategically incorporated open shelves allow you to highlight your style even in the tiniest of kitchens. Ditch closed cabinets and opt for breezy, accessible shelves to enjoy cooking in your cozy kitchen.