Open shelving in kitchens can enhance the overall aesthetic and create an inviting atmosphere when executed effectively. By substituting some or all your upper cabinets with open shelving, you can achieve a kitchen that feels more spacious, airy, and modern. With proper organisation and upkeep, open shelving can offer functionality comparable to traditional cabinets. Whether you’re considering a complete renovation or a minor update, explore these inspiring open shelving kitchen designs to revitalise your home.
Check these latest kitchen POP design ideas for your cooking space
Why opt for open shelving kitchen designs?
Open shelving proves beneficial for individuals desiring visibility and accessibility to daily essentials or decorative items, fostering an open and airy ambiance by forgoing upper cabinetry for floating shelves. However, while open shelving suits the organised and those inclined to stylise, it may induce clutter for those lacking organisational prowess. Additionally, open shelving requires more frequent dusting and cleaning compared to closed cabinetry shielded by cabinet doors.
Top open shelving kitchen designs
Here are some of the best kitchen designs with open shelving to inspire you.
Rustic wood open shelving kitchen design
In farmhouse-style kitchens, floating shelves are commonly crafted from stained or reclaimed wood, adding rustic charm to the space. These wooden shelves are further enhanced with wire hooks that support each shelf, creating an additional rustic element. Ultimately, they are secured by the exposed wooden beam ceiling above, completing the rustic aesthetic of the kitchen.
Source: SwankyDen (Pinterest)
Edgy stainless steel open shelving kitchen design
Embrace an edgy aesthetic in your kitchen with stainless steel open shelving. This sleek and contemporary design choice adds a touch of modern sophistication to your space. The reflective surface of the stainless steel creates a sense of spaciousness and light, while the open shelving allows for easy access to kitchen essentials. Perfect for those seeking a bold and industrial-inspired look.
Source: Pinterest
Symmetrical open shelving kitchen design
Achieve a harmonious balance in your kitchen with a symmetrical open shelving design. This approach creates a sense of visual equilibrium and orderliness, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the space. By arranging shelves in a balanced and symmetrical manner, you can create a cohesive and organised look that complements the style of your kitchen. This design is perfect for those who appreciate clean lines and structured arrangements in their home décor.
Source: Most Lovely Things (Pinterest)
Kitchen design with corner open shelving
Enhance the functionality of your kitchen with corner open shelving. This innovative design utilises corner spaces effectively, maximising storage and accessibility. By installing open shelves in corners, you can make use of otherwise underutilised areas and create additional storage for kitchen essentials. This design adds a practical and stylish element to your kitchen, making it perfect for those seeking both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Source: Remodelaholic (Pinterest)
Glass and brass open shelving kitchen design
This sophisticated design choice combines the sleek transparency of glass with the luxurious warmth of brass accents. The glass shelves provide a modern and airy feel, while the brass detailing adds a touch of timeless glamour. This stylish combination creates a visually stunning display for showcasing kitchen essentials and decorative items, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined and sophisticated kitchen aesthetic.
Source: Backsplash.com
Kitchen design with open shelving against wallpaper backdrop
Create a striking focal point in your kitchen with open shelving against a wallpaper backdrop. This design choice adds depth and visual interest to the space, combining the functionality of open shelving with the decorative impact of wallpaper. Whether you opt for bold patterns or subtle textures, the wallpaper backdrop enhances the overall aesthetic of your kitchen while providing a stylish backdrop for showcasing your favourite dishes and decor items.
Source: Curbed (Pinterest)
Contrasting dark and light open shelving kitchen design
Achieve a captivating contrast in your kitchen with dark and light open shelving. This design juxtaposes dark-coloured shelves against a light backdrop or vice versa, creating a visually dynamic and eye-catching aesthetic. The contrast adds depth and dimension to the space, making a bold statement while maintaining functionality. Whether you prefer sleek modern lines or rustic charm, contrasting dark and light open shelving brings a stylish and dramatic flair to your kitchen décor.
Source: Pinterest
Kitchen design with open shelving against tile backdrop
This design choice combines the practicality of open storage with the decorative appeal of tiled walls. The tiles provide a durable and easy-to-clean surface, while the open shelving allows for convenient access to kitchen essentials. Whether you opt for subway tiles for a classic look or patterned tiles for a bold statement, this design adds character and style to your culinary space.
Source: Pinterest
Colour-coordinated open shelving kitchen design
Achieve a harmonious and integrated look in your kitchen by matching the colour of your open shelving with the surrounding kitchen decor. This design approach involves selecting shelving that complements the colour palette of your cabinets, walls, or countertops, creating a seamless blend throughout the space. By coordinating the colours, you can create a cohesive and unified aesthetic that enhances the overall visual appeal of your kitchen. This design technique is ideal for those seeking a polished and cohesive look in their home.
Source: Liz Marie (Pinterest)
Open shelving kitchen design with hanging storage
Optimise your kitchen space with open shelving design complemented by hanging storage. This innovative approach combines the functionality of open shelves with the versatility of hanging storage solutions. By incorporating hooks, rails, or racks above the shelves, you can maximise storage capacity and keep frequently used items within easy reach. This design not only adds practicality to your kitchen but also enhances its visual appeal with a dynamic and efficient storage solution.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens (Pinterest)
White kitchen design with black open shelving
This striking contrast adds depth and sophistication to the space, creating a visually captivating aesthetic. The white backdrop provides a clean and bright atmosphere, while the black shelving adds a bold and modern touch. This design choice creates a stylish focal point in your kitchen, perfect for those seeking a sleek and contemporary look with a touch of contrast and drama.
Source: Club Monaco (Pinterest)
Curved open shelving kitchen design
Introduce a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your kitchen with a curved open shelving design. This innovative approach deviates from traditional straight lines, adding a sense of fluidity and sophistication to the space. Curved shelves create visual interest and a dynamic focal point, while still providing practical storage solutions. Whether you opt for gentle curves or more dramatic arcs, this design choice adds a stylish and distinctive element to your kitchen decor.
Source: Pinterest
Open shelving kitchen design with metallic accents
This design choice infuses a touch of sophistication and luxury into the space, elevating its overall appearance. Metallic accents such as brass, copper or stainless-steel trim add a sleek and contemporary feel to the shelving, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop. This design not only adds visual interest but also adds a hint of glamour to your kitchen decor, making it a stylish and chic choice for any home.
Source: Emily Henderson (Pinterest)
Kitchen design with golden open shelving
Transform your kitchen into a luxurious space with golden open shelving design. This opulent choice adds a touch of glamour and sophistication, elevating the overall aesthetic of your culinary haven. The golden hue of the shelving imparts warmth and richness to the space, creating a captivating focal point. Whether paired with sleek modern decor or traditional elements, golden open shelving brings a sense of elegance and grandeur to your kitchen design.
Source: Addison’s Wonderland (Pinterest)
Kitchen design with soft pastel open shelving
Infuse your kitchen with a soft and inviting atmosphere with pastel open shelving design. This charming choice adds a subtle touch of colour and warmth to the space, creating a welcoming ambiance. Soft pastel hues, such as blush pink, pale blue, or mint green bring a sense of tranquillity and freshness to the kitchen. Whether incorporated into a modern or vintage-inspired design, pastel open shelving adds a delightful pop of colour and character to your culinary space.
Source: L’ Essenziale (Pinterest)
Housing.com POV
Incorporating open shelving into your kitchen design can elevate its overall aesthetic and create an inviting atmosphere. By replacing some or all your upper cabinets with open shelving, you can achieve a kitchen that feels more spacious, airy, and modern. While open shelving offers benefits like visibility and accessibility, it also requires careful organisation and upkeep. Explore these trending open shelving kitchen design ideas to revitalise your home and make a statement in your culinary space.
FAQs
Is open shelving suitable for all kitchen styles?
Open shelving can complement various kitchen styles, from modern and minimalist to rustic farmhouse and traditional. However, it's essential to consider the overall aesthetic of your kitchen and choose shelving that aligns with the design theme.
How do I keep open shelving organised and clutter-free?
To maintain organised open shelving, use containers, baskets, or bins to corral items and prevent clutter. Regularly edit and declutter the shelves by removing items that are no longer needed or used. Rotate decorative pieces to keep the display fresh and visually appealing.
Are there any safety concerns with open shelving in the kitchen?
While open shelving can enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen, it's essential to ensure that heavy or fragile items are securely anchored to prevent accidents. Avoid overloading shelves with too much weight and be mindful of placing breakable items within reach of children or pets.
How do I choose the right materials for open shelving?
When selecting materials for open shelving, consider durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Common options include wood, metal, glass, and acrylic. Choose materials that complement your kitchen decor and meet your functional requirements.
Can I install open shelving in a small kitchen?
Yes, open shelving can be particularly beneficial in small kitchens as it creates a sense of openness and visual spaciousness. Go for shallow shelves to maximise wall space without overwhelming the room. Additionally, strategically placed lighting can enhance the illusion of space and highlight the contents of the shelves.
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