Open Shelving

To Open shelf or not to open shelf, that is the question…

A huge trend for the last few years has been open shelving. It’s beautiful in theory, but if you are anything like me you have a lot of crap in the kitchen that is NOT pretty or for display.

I love showcasing tile in a kitchen so I do often use some open shelving to showcase beautiful heirlooms, plants, stoneware, matching coffee cups, place settings, you get the idea.

Two places I recommend for open shelves are either sandwiching a range hood or on either side of a window–typically the window that is over the sink area–a perfect place for a few potted herbs or that special hand thrown vase your cousin Kate made you. But for functionality, which is usually my primary goal when working with clients who are remodeling their kitchen, the more closed shelving the better.

No one, including you, wants to see a box of Lucky Charms, World’s Best Dad mug, or spaghetti stained Tupperware that may or may not end up there at some point in a rush.

You will thank me later.