If you are currently working on remodeling your kitchen, you may want to take this opportunity to redesign your kitchen storage layout. Although cabinets are probably the most popular form of kitchen storage, utilizing an open-shelf design can both expand your storage options and refresh the appearance of your kitchen.
Open shelving can be new territory for some people, so with that in mind, we have put together a helpful guide to a few of the best shelf ideas for kitchens. Read on to learn about attractive and convenient kitchen open-shelf ideas.
Open Shelves with Hanging Storage
Get creative with your storage design by combining a shelf with a hanging device. For instance, stylish minimalist shelves with hooks underneath will maximize your kitchen space and act as funky wall decor at the same time.
Keep dishes and pans on the shelf, and then use the hanging hooks for lightweight kitchen tools and cutting boards. Your kitchen will have a rustic and artsy look, but will also be extremely utilitarian.
Remove Cabinet Doors
Want a low-budget option for open shelving? Try removing the doors on your kitchen cabinets. With just a screwdriver and some quality paint, you can give your kitchen a total makeover.
After removing the kitchen cabinet doors, consider painting the interior shelves and the back of the cabinets to give them a clean, fresh look. For a bolder style, experiment with a contrast color or a small amount of statement print wallpaper.
Open Shelving as a Coffee Bar
For the coffee and tea lovers out there, you can use open shelving to make your very own at-home coffee bar. Instead of having your coffee maker, coffee grounds, and tea bags clustered together in a sad mess, display them proudly on an attractive shelf.
Keep your main coffee maker on the countertop below, and then stock up the shelves with stylish glass canisters filled with all your favorite coffee and tea. Don’t forget to keep your go-to mugs there, too!
Corner Shelves
Take advantage of the empty wall space in the corner of your kitchen with some attractive corner shelves. Corner shelving can be an excellent solution for what would otherwise be a visually unappealing corner of kitchen clutter.
The corner space will likely be concealed from view, which makes it ideal for tucking away uglier dishes and kitchen tools. An open corner shelf is also a handy spot for setting up a small appliance like a microwave or toaster.
Shelves Over the Sink
Clear up the space above the kitchen sink by taking out the cabinet and replacing it with some small, aesthetically-pleasing open shelves. These shelves can be an excellent way to store soaps, sponges, and other dish cleaning tools.
Open shelving above the sink creates a more open design and also allows you to draw more attention to an attractive wallpaper or backsplash. If you have extra space on the shelves, consider growing a small potted plant, which will thrive in the damper area over the sink.
Metallic Shelves
Open shelving doesn’t have to be farmhouse style. Put aside the natural woods for an edgier look by using metallic materials like gold, silver, or bronze. The metallics will elevate the look of your kitchen and, depending on the design, create an industrial or glamorous aesthetic.
Depending on the material, metallic shelves can also be easier to clean and maintain, often requiring just a few wipes with a damp cloth. Metallics can also do amazing things with light, reflecting natural or artificial light to brighten the entire space.
Pantry Shelves
For anyone who doesn’t have enough space for a full pantry closet, you can install a set of shelves up and down the wall to create an exposed pantry. With some well-spaced shelves and attractive paint color, this utilitarian storage space will look like a chic interior design choice.
An exposed pantry is a great place for storing all of your regularly used dry goods, such as spices or flour. As an additional perk, the easy visibility means that you’ll have no surprises when you start to run low on a necessary ingredient.
Final Thoughts
Kitchen shelving is a creative and stylish way to open up the space in your kitchen and serves as a unique and attractive storage device. With so many different ways to arrange open shelves, it is worth considering including them in your kitchen remodel.