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Open Shelves in Kitchens

January 12, 2016 By Rhoda 26 Comments

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For the last several years, open shelving in kitchens has become almost the norm.  So many people are attracted to a bank of open shelves instead of the traditional upper cabinets all around the kitchen.  I fell for it too, in my own Ikea kitchen and love it.  I do keep large platters and bowls up there and arrange it so it looks really nice, but I can’t say I use it for everyday pieces.

open shelves kitchen

I used reclaimed wood shelves from Southern Accents in Cullman, AL, along with iron brackets that I bought from them, but there are so many ways to mix up open shelving.

I thought it would be fun to share some inspiration pics of open shelving and discuss this growing trend in kitchen design.  It does have pros and cons, but for me the beauty of open shelving outweighs any of the cons.  I love having something different and open shelves can be mixed up so many ways, with reclaimed wood shelves and a myriad of brackets to choose from.  You an use iron, wood, or contemporary metal brackets to get a personalized look and that to me is the beauty of using this type shelving.  It lets you display large pieces of pottery or dishware, keeping it handy for use, but also attractive to look at on a daily basis.  The only con I see is you will have to dust your pieces once you take them off and use them, but that’s a minor inconvenience, I think!

Here are some inspiration pics for you.

Rustic Kitchen by Claremont Cabinets & Cabinetry Crown Point Cabinetry
This pretty bank of open shelves on subway tile is a favorite and this kitchen has a rustic vibe with the stained wood cabinets. I love the trend of countertop to ceiling tile too.
54c7056c75c88_-_08-openshelving-francescolagnese
{via House Beautiful}
This one is totally beautiful to me, with the what looks like marble tile behind those unique glass and silver toned metal shelves.  Looks like the bottom part might be marble as well.  Love this look!
Contemporary Kitchen by San Francisco Design-Build Firms Nerland Building & Restoration, Inc.
Some folks have opted to remove cabinet doors in simulated open shelving in the kitchen, which isn’t bad, but I prefer the true open shelving look.
open-shelving-near-sink-bhg
{via BHG}
This shot totally inspires me with the painted beadboard backsplash, charming wood brackets, and farmhouse sink.  Shaker style cabinet doors are still a favorite too.  I guess I’m really a cottage loving girl at heart.
open-shelving-on-upper-cabinets-bhg
{via BHG}
Another version of taking the doors off for open shelving. All painted white, it is a nice and clean look, but I’d almost like to see a pattern or color on the backs of the cabinets.
Eclectic Kitchen
 This kitchen shelving is very unique and has a European vibe with the materials and X bracket on each end.
Eclectic Kitchen by Oakton Interior Designers & Decorators Lauren Liess Interiors
Simple white shelves and very plain black brackets make for a pretty kitchen.
Transitional Kitchen by Hinsdale Design-Build Firms Normandy Remodeling
This sleek and modern kitchen has a nice feel with smooth shelves that match the cabinets on either side, lights installed to highlight the shelves at night.
6a00d83451be3369e20167639377b1970b
{via Heather Bullard}
One of my favorite open shelving pics is this one from Heather Bullard, longtime stylist and contributor to Country Living magazine.  This had me wanting open shelving since the first time I saw it.  She has the best styling ideas and I love what she does.  Heather has been around blogland I think longer than I have and I love to see what she’s up to.
Heather-Bullard_French_Zinc_Display_Low-10
{via Heather Bullard}
Apparently she has built a new house (called Grove House) with a gorgeous new kitchen and I loved this free standing piece of furniture with open shelving.  Of course, she has it styled to perfection! I look forward to seeing more of her new house as she unveils it on her blog.
cottage-kitchen-tidbits-62
Here are a few more favorite open shelving ideas from bloggers I know and have featured before.  Cami from Tidbits, did a fantastic job with her updated cottage kitchen.  Open shelving was a big part of her kitchen design and it looks beautiful.
Beneath_My_Heart_Kitchen1
{via Beneath My Heart}
One of my favorite open shelving renovations is from my friend, Traci. I love how she made over her dated kitchen and used open shelves throughout for a clean and classic look.  It was inexpensive too, using MDF boards and simple wood brackets.
kitchen-4_thumb.jpg
{
{via Lauren Liess}
Lauren’s 70’s kitchen renovation was one of the best I’ve seen yet and I love her open shelving. She has since sold this house and is on to her next venture, a Cape Cod renovation.  I love following what she does!
So, that’s a lot of talk about open shelves in the kitchen. How do you feel about them?
Yay or nay?  I’m a definite open shelves lover in at least one spot in the kitchen and if I ever do another one, I hope to incorporate open shelves again.  They just add a lot of character to me!

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Thanks for stopping by! I’m Rhoda, from Atlanta, GA and I love decorating and DIY projects. Decorating a home doesn’t have to cost a fortune and I’ve spent years thrifting at antiques markets and yard sales, finding those treasures that make a home unique. I’m here to inspire and encourage other women to find their own inner creativity. Won’t you join me?

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