Current interior design trends are veering towards kitchens that are more laid back, casual and highly functional. As a result, a number of homeowners have decided to ditch the doors and go for kitchens with open shelves. Kitchen storage is extremely important regardless of the size of the space. Having a large kitchen that lacks storage space for necessities like bowls and plates will make the space as functional as a kitchenette.
If you are building a new kitchen or there is a remodeling project on the horizon for the existing kitchen, then open shelving is an option that should be taken into consideration. Below are just a few reasons why kitchens with open shelves are beneficial and are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners:
Cost Element
Having quality kitchen cabinets can be quite expensive. When shopping for cabinetry, thousands of dollars could be added to the budget for upper cabinets. Opting for open shelving will significantly impact the budget in a positive way.
More Storage Room
Shelves can provide storage for as much or even more items, at a much lower cost, than closed cabinets. Large dinner plates will not fit inside a narrow cabinet. Cabinets are ideal for storing smaller food items and drinking glasses. However, open shelving can store a tremendous amount of glassware and dishware with no hindrances.
Effortless Access
In many cases, items that are stored in closed cabinets are not often used; they are out of sight so homeowners often forget about them. Kitchens with open shelves enable homeowners to view everything that is stored on them and provide easy access to the items.
A Method to Displaying Decorative Items
When crammed into a curio cabinet or inside kitchen cabinets, accessories and other elements of the kitchen décor are not very impressive. However, when decorative items are displayed on open shelves, they can add personality and pops of color to the space, making the kitchen both functional and visually appealing.
Kitchens with open shelves do not cheapen the appearance of the space. In fact, high-quality shelving and neatly displayed items will amp up the look and feel of the kitchen. However, there are some guidelines that should be followed to ensure that the kitchen will continue to shine throughout the years. Bear in mind that less is more; make sure that the shelves are not crammed with mismatched items. Use a closed freestanding pantry to store food items and save the open shelving for a lovely set of dishes and coordinating glassware.
Martha Stweart‘s cappuccino counter. 
Sophie Conran‘s pretty pink kitchen.
Via Victorian House, Better Homes and Gardens, Remodelista, the kitchn, Country Living, i29, House Beautiful, design sponge, LIVET HEMMA, delight by design, traditional home, belgian pearls, diy network, style at home, dwell, desire to inspire, ACHICA
