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10 Tips for Making Open Storage Work in the Kitchen

July 07, 2015

By: Keri Sanders

Beautiful and perfectly on trend, open shelving in the kitchen is as stylish as it is practical. We've got 10 tips for keeping yours chic and clutter free.

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Kitchen with large windows and open shelving

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At Your Fingertips

Open shelving just above the cooking space is a great way to keep the most-used items within reach. Reserve the lower shelves for frequently used dishes, cookware, spices and more, and store special occasion dishware on the higher shelves.

From: Nomita Joshi Gupta

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All-White Alternative

As a relaxed and stylish alternative from the popular all-white kitchen, designer Nomita Joshi Gupta gave this previously dated kitchen a brand new look, complete with gorgeous wooden shelving that creates a feeling of warmth and nature in the space.

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Why So Serious?

While it is important to keep open shelving clutter free, a couple of personal effects can add tons of charm to your cooking space. Use a favorite toy or memento to lend personality and whimsy to any space.

Open White Shelves With Green Dishes & Art in Pink Kitchen

Photo: Eric Roth

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Perfect Display

Do you love art? Open shelving is the perfect place to display your favorite artwork and still make the most of storage in your kitchen. This stunning shelving by designer Judy O'Neil Labins stores plenty of dishes while making a big statement.

Overall beauty shots of the kitchen after the reveal of the Martinez home.

Photo: Chris Amaral

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Bold + Basic

Since this sparkling kitchen features a beautiful glam backsplash, the dishes are kept basic white in order to not compete with the bold backsplash.

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Small Stacks

Be sure never to overload your shelves with too many dishes. A good rule of thumb for open shelving is to keep stacks of dishes small in order to keep your space looking clutter free.

Orange Country-Style Kitchen With Open Shelving

Photo: Photo Credit: Edward Addeo ©. From: Barry Dixon

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Make It Yours

While simple white dishes seem to be the most popular look on open shelving, warm wooden dishware against a zesty orange wall adds a cozy look to this fun space that is anything but basic.

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Photo: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Add Storage Anywhere

For kitchens that lack shelving altogether, open shelving is a great way to store extra dishware while also adding a major dose of style. Designers Dan Faires and Brian Patrick Flynn put this striking shelf together using pine planks and plumbing supplies for less than $250!

White Open Shelves With Colorful Dishes & Hanging Tea Cups

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Dish Decor

With a beautiful white beadboard backsplash, colorful dishes make a bold statement in this sweet cottage kitchen. Shelf hooks are a great addition to open shelving for extra storage without taking up a lot of space.

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Color-Coded Creation

And if you love color in the kitchen, color-coded dishes can be a fun way to showcase color on open shelving. Whether you use just a few hues or incorporate all the colors in the rainbow, color-coded shelves are sure to garner attention.