Designer tips: how to properly and effectively use open shelves in the kitchen interior
Open shelves in the kitchen are beautiful, stylish, but problematic. The first time around, you won’t get a perfect picture. Here are 10 tips for equipping functional and attractive shelves to help you create your dream kitchen.
You shouldn’t use open shelves throughout the kitchen
Kitchen interior by Shelby Wood Design
In the kitchen shown in the photo, you see a moderate amount of shelves – there are only two. But the way they successfully replaced the wall cabinets solved the clutter problem. They also go well with traditional kitchen furniture..
It is advisable to keep the kitchen utensils that you use most often on the shelves.
Kitchen interior from Holst Brothers General Contractors
This means that the necessary things will always be at hand, which is especially convenient when you are half asleep in the morning preparing breakfast or in a hurry for dinner. Such shelves will be convenient for your guests. In the kitchen, which is shown in the photo, the designers wanted everything you need to be close, and so that you can easily find everything without wasting time researching the lockers..
A significant disadvantage of such shelves can be considered the fact that dust and grease accumulate on them. In this case, if you cook a lot and often, it is better to replace such shelves with traditional wall cabinets. But mostly open shelves are a great option and you can always find a way out..
Store items you use daily on the lower shelves
Kitchen interior by Kungsäter Kök Göteborg
This is especially important if you are short. Keep bowls, plates, and mugs close at all times at a comfortable height for you, and items that you use less often, such as vases, higher. In this case, the dark colored decorative lamp that you see in the photo complements the design based on the principle of contrast.
Not everything on the shelf needs to be used. Put on the shelf a few of your favorite gizmos: carnival in the form of a cow, an owl figurine – these items will not only diversify the interior, but will also help to focus on your individuality. In the photo you can also see how well the wall can be seen through such shelves and how, thanks to the play of light and shadow, the decor wins.
On a white background
Allee architecture + design kitchen interior
The idea is very simple. This is the easiest way to sort objects that look holistic. If your kitchen is dominated by white dishes, then open-plan shelves are your option. If we look at the kitchen, the walls of which are tiled with white tiles, we see that the white dishes look great against their background. Wooden shelves add warmth and contrast and prevent white from getting lost against white.
Clear glass and open shelves
Kitchen interior by Whitstable Island Interiors
Another easy way to achieve integrity. This kitchen, which in the past was dark in color and modest in size thanks to the white wall and open shelves, has been successfully changed. The shelves are made of transparent glass that reflects light and makes the room appear brighter.
Use a simple color picker
Kitchen interior by CapeRace Cultural Adventures
If you don’t like the idea of everything white and glass, stick with a simple color palette. See how darker objects are positioned well on these shelves, balancing the entire composition. You can draw a horizontal line along the top border of the objects and match all of them approximately the same height.
Open shelves in the interior of the kitchen
Use an open plan shelf to dilute the white background. If you feel like you are in a hospital room in a completely white kitchen, then install open shelves that add color. The color of the materials from which the shelves are made and the color of the items you put on them, including teapots, mugs and other accessories, will give your kitchen a new twist..
In addition to functionality, open-plan shelves may differ in decorativeness
Kitchen interior by Alys Design
In this cottage in the kitchen, shelves are located close to the ceiling and make you look up when entering the room. In addition, this arrangement balances the entire composition. But it’s not practical to take a ladder every time to get something. Therefore, in this case, it is appropriate to put decorative items on the shelves, for example, a picnic basket, antique boxes, etc..
Open shelves and works of art
Kitchen interior by Garde Hvalsoe
The example in the photo can be considered very successful. Along the upper border of the protective apron, there is a shelf with kitchen utensils, and a little higher – a shelf made of walnut boards as a decorative element. It is located at such a height that decorative objects in the form of figurines and other decorative art objects are conveniently placed on it..
Use open shelves instead of traditional lockers
Open shelves instead of cabinets
Open plan shelves can be used in addition to or in place of traditional cabinets. Ceramic and earthenware adds beauty, color and texture in unexpected ways. But this is a bad idea if animals live in the house, as their hair will always settle on shelves and dishes. In this case, it is not recommended to store food on open shelves..
Install open plan shelves on the window
Kitchen interior by Evens Architects
Most of us imagine a window, first of all, as a source of daylight; it is possible to organize additional storage space on it. Thus, you kill two birds with one stone.
Complete open shelves with side dividers
Kitchen interior by Dillon Kyle Architecture
If you are an adherent of the traditional style, and the open plan shelves are too modern for you, complement them with side walls. The presence of side and back walls gives the shelves the classic look of ordinary cabinets.
If there is a threat that open shelves will cause constant disorder, then it is better to refuse them. However, designers offer a lot of solutions to the problem in this case. We offer an overview of 10 effective ways to clean up the house.
