10 Tips for Making Open Storage Work in the Kitchen
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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July 07, 2015

By:
Keri Sanders
Related To:
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.
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.
From:
Nomita Joshi Gupta
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From:
Barry Dixon
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!
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.
From:
Kathryn Ireland
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.
