One trend in kitchen remodeling that has been gaining in popularity in recent years, with both designers and homeowners, is open kitchen shelving. Open kitchen shelving is a great way to display cherished pieces... holiday or non-holiday. It also keeps often-used items within reach and allows a stunning backsplash tile to shine through. But open shelving is not for everyone. Those who dislike it say that dust and clutter are significant problems. Others feel that open kitchen shelving is a wonderful addition in the kitchen. It can create a stunning visual focal point and enhance your design. So who's right? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of open kitchen shelving and you can decide if it's right for you.
*The Pros*
The biggest advantage of open kitchen shelving is its ability to open up the kitchen visually. While traditional cabinetry can create a stark, solid look, open shelving can lend a fresh airy look to your kitchen design.
Open shelves are also a great place to display treasured pieces, artwork, cookbooks, or frequently used ingredients like pasta, rice, or cereal in colorful canisters.
Open kitchen shelving is also a great look if your taste runs toward a more modern or contemporary kitchen style.
*The Cons*
They can look “Busy”: Sure, access to all of your kitchen items can be convenient, and a lack of upper cabinets can make your kitchen look brighter and airy. However, if you're not organized, having all of your kitchen items exposed can look busy, cluttered and frankly, a quite messy.
No Privacy: If you have chipped dishes, dirty appliances, or unattractively packaged food, with open shelving there's no place to hide. Who wants to look at cereal boxes all day? It's definitely something to consider when weighing your options.
Maintenance: Open shelving is exposed to indoor air and as a result will need more frequent dusting and cleaning.
Creating a “Hybrid Design” For Your Kitchen
One option that many designers and homeowners have embraced is a “hybrid” design that incorporates both open shelving and upper cabinets into their kitchen design. With creative planning, it's possible to have the best of both worlds, without the downsides. Work with us to think outside the box and combine the features you love about both options into your kitchen design.
You can also customize upper cabinets doors with glass inserts to create a more open look without losing the functionality.
The bottom line is that whether you choose traditional upper cabinets, open kitchen shelving, or a combination of the two, it's a personal style choice. Look at your budget, needs, aesthetic, lifestyle, and kitchen layout when making your decision. Looking at these elements of your remodel is essential to ensure you end up with the storage features that enhance the aesthetic beauty and provide the functionality you want in your new kitchen.
Contact
us today as we will work closely with you to help you choose the perfect storage options for your new kitchen!
