In previous kitchen design, I opted for open shelving; however, I made the decision to exclude them in the new layout.
Amy Reeves, an experienced interiors and renovation journalist, recently underwent a kitchen renovation and opted for open shelving using scaffold boards and black steel brackets. However, she found the open shelving more for show than for practicality due to her tendency to clutter and the constant rearrangement it led to.
The open shelving was positioned on either side of the hob, leading to a quick accumulation of grease and grime residue. This constant cleaning and the unclean glassware, which required frequent washing, causing embarrassment when offering drinks to guests, were challenges Amy faced.
Weekly wipe-downs and subtle design details like a small rail or lip can help with organization and cleanliness of open shelving. However, for Amy, these measures were not enough to keep her kitchen tidy. She suggests that open shelving near the sink or less grimy areas could be a better option.
When choosing open kitchen shelving, practical considerations include your lifestyle, cleaning habits, and willingness to maintain organization and aesthetics. Open shelves offer easy access and visibility for frequently used items, making cooking more efficient and kitchens visually open and airy, especially in smaller spaces.
However, they require frequent cleaning because exposed surfaces collect dust, grease, and food splatters, often needing complete shelf emptying and item washing during deep cleans. Additional important factors to keep in mind are organization and clutter control, material choice, hybrid storage approach, functionality vs decoration, and maintenance commitment.
Richard Davonport, founder of Davonport Kitchens, suggests positioning shelves slightly away from cooking zones and using what's stored regularly to keep them cleaner. He also notes that the visual aspect of open shelving can be a challenge, as everything is on display, putting pressure on how to style and maintain the space. Davonport suggests that open shelving might not be suitable for those who are not tidy or clean.
In Amy's latest kitchen renovation, deep drawers were installed as an alternative to open shelving. Glass-fronted kitchen cabinet ideas or a freestanding dresser could be good alternatives to open shelving for those who find it challenging to maintain.
A more minimal, streamlined kitchen might be more appropriate for those who struggle with clutter, like Amy. As Ina Garten suggests, display only items you regularly use and love to keep the kitchen feeling "alive" rather than just decorative.
[1] Kitchen Trends: Open Shelving (https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/45835326/list/kitchen-trends-open-shelving) [2] Pros and Cons of Open Shelving in the Kitchen (https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/pros-and-cons-of-open-shelving-in-the-kitchen-356344) [3] The Truth About Open Shelving (https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/open-shelving-kitchens-pros-cons) [4] Ina Garten's Kitchen Renovation (https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/ina-garten-kitchen-renovation)
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