Open shelving is one of the biggest trends to hit kitchen design in the past few years. Many homeowners dream of opening their kitchens…but can’t quite open their minds enough to follow through. It’s true: Open shelving isn’t for everyone. If you’re hesitant to take the plunge, allow us to assist. 

Here are some things to consider before turning your kitchen inside out!

Consideration 1: Your Lifestyle

Do those perfectly staged Pinterest pics have you drooling over kitchen designs that feature open shelving? We hear you. But before you decide to incorporate open shelving into the plans for your new build, it’s important to make sure that the look fits your personality, preferences, and lifestyle. We’re proud to be a design-forward construction company, but that doesn’t mean we prioritize pretty over practical. Especially in the kitchen. 

Do you find cleaning the kitchen to be cathartic? Do spotless counters make you swoon? Are your curio cabinets crammed with perfectly curated china? Then open shelving sounds like the perfect choice for you.

If those questions don’t resonate, on the other hand, the incorporation of too many open kitchen shelves might lead to stress and regret. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t go for it. In your case, open shelves will just need to be more strategically designed—an accent rather than the main event. Nobody wants to present their messy storage spaces to the world, right?

If your open shelves will play a purely decorative role, keep in mind that they will need regular upkeep and attention. Grease and dust accumulate. Quickly. 

Want to avoid that extra dusting duty? Keep everyday staples and frequently-used dishes on shelves near the sink for easy access and washing. 

If you’re hesitant to put all your kitchen gadgets and gizmos on display, don’t be afraid to mix open shelving with closed cabinetry. It’s completely possible to incorporate open shelving in your kitchen without compulsive cleaning or chaotic clutter.

Browse our Southern Living Idea Home for chic open shelving ideas that can conform to fit any lifestyle! 

Consideration 2: Your Layout

If your planned kitchen will be on the smaller side, open shelving can prove to be an aesthetically-pleasing addition and a space-saving solution. 

Going for a gorgeous galley kitchen? Opening up a few shelves could work wonders for your workspace. We love the integrity and charm that galley kitchens add to a traditional floor plan. Without the proper lighting, color scheme, and shelving, though, galley kitchens can feel somewhat claustrophobic. Bright, open shelves and abundant natural light help to widen narrow spaces, giving smaller kitchens a feeling that’s more cozy than constricted.   

Looking to make a space saving statement with only one wall? Have a corner where cabinets won’t fit? Desperate to add storage to a short or shallow space? Open shelves may become your kitchen’s saving grace. In this home, for example, open shelving was the perfect solution for tying together shiplap and herringbone tile.

With creative construction, the open shelving trend can create the feel of an open kitchen without an open concept floor plan. See our Smilax Vine II Idea Home for proof—open shelves and glass cabinetry divide the kitchen and den without completely shutting out whoever winds up on clean-up and dish duty. 

Consideration 3: Your Look

Now for the fun part. Shelves can solve décor problems, too! Once you’ve committed to the logistics and planning that accompany open kitchen shelving, it’s time to decide how to execute the look. 

When this trend first appeared on the scene, open shelves were associated with utilitarian design. Today, though, open shelving is known for adding to your home’s functionality, personality, and helping your design dreams come true.

In the Moreland Cottage, our team employed open shelving to break up dark cabinetry while still adding depth (and storage) to an area of the wall that may have otherwise gone unutilized. The addition of white dishware kept the space bright—but not blank.

There are whimsical ways to use open shelving to personalize your home and kitchen, too. We love the rustic shelves and beautiful wallpaper used in the laundry space of our Kahn Waterfowl home.  

Open shelves also make it easy to update your home’s style seasonally. Take advantage of the shelving trend to show off your festive dishware and décor...without actually having to cook any holiday dinners!

The kitchen is the heart of your home, and the open shelving trend puts that heart on display. For this reason, the transition from closed cabinetry to open shelving can be intimidating. If you’re grappling with making the right design decision for your next build, try removing the doors from your existing cabinets to see how it vibes with you and your family’s lifestyle. Next, check out our gallery of Idea Homes for more inspiration. And, of course, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. We would love to help you build a custom home in the Lowcountry that’s perfectly suited to your lifestyle.