Six reasons to consider open shelving

At Kitchen Design Centre we like to keep you in the loop with the hottest style and homeware trends. Right now in kitchen design, it’s popular to lose some of your cabinets and replace them with open shelving. While this keeps the kitchen looking interesting, getting the right mix of items to make the shelves both functional and attractive can be difficult.

In today’s blog, we’re going to be exploring the benefits of open shelving, and explaining how to make it work for you…

Reason 1 – Everyday items will be in reach

When it comes to filling up your open shelves, opt to display items you use on an everyday basis, such as seasonings and spices. This way, you needn’t go into the cupboard each time you need to use them – saving you time, while adding a touch a style to your kitchen walls.

Reason 2 – They create a great focal point

Who said shelving had to be useful? While you may choose to pop some useful everyday items on your shelves, many customers choose to use shelving as an opportunity to create a centerpiece in the kitchen. You could display objects of sentimental value, photographs, wine, flowers – anything works!

Reason 3 – They break up your kitchen design

Blocks of closed cupboards can be a little boring, so open shelves are great for breaking up the design and adding a little interest to your home. Place them after a row of cabinets or cupboards, or above the hob or oven, to give a slightly more open vibe.

Reason 4 – They offer an opportunity to add texture or colour

Like any focal point, shelving can be used to add a touch of colour to your kitchen, especially if you’ve selected a neutral theme. Add a splash of vibrancy with a zingy green, or go deep and mysterious with plum or mahogany.

Open shelving also offers a great opportunity to add a contrasting texture to your kitchen design too. Add a natural touch to your modern kitchen with wooden shelving, or if you’ve gone for something traditional in style, why not add a touch of Corian as a nod to modern design?

Reason 5 – They add height to your kitchen

Open shelving is particularly useful in smaller kitchens, which can look closed in with a traditional cupboard design. Open shelving really heightens a space as eyes are drawn to those things displayed on the shelf, making the room feeling larger.

Reason 6 – Open shelving is relatively inexpensive

Style and budget-friendly options rarely come together, so when they do we know the trend is going to be huge. New cabinets aren’t cheap – but open shelves offer an attractive, budget-friendly alternative, ideal for storing all those usual cupboard items – such as crockery.

If you want to give your kitchen a new look for 2016, get in touch with the Kitchen Design Centre Team. You can come and view our hottest designs in store, at one of our North West kitchen showrooms, and begin planning your brand new kitchen today!

Do you have open shelving in your kitchen? If so, tell us what you like most about the look in the comments below, or tweet us @ModernKitchens