Doing it Right: Open Shelving in the Kitchen

Getting rid of your kitchen cabinet doors? Read this first.

We're seeing open kitchen shelving everywhere these days. Sometimes the cabinets have no doors, other times there are simply open shelves hung above the cabinets and appliances. Either way, they always look so well-kept. Whenever I flip through shelter magazines, I always see at least one open kitchen with perfect dishware, well-staged and sometimes looking like no one ever actually cooks in it!

If you're looking to try this in your own home without feeling the need to re-stage it every single day, it can be done. But, I suggest you take a look at some of our tips before ripping off those cabinet doors.

1. Stage it the way you will use it. Put function first, because the kitchen is the last place you want to be hunting around for a casserole dish or running across the room for that bowl you need. Put things where you need them -- items you use for cooking and baking should go next to the oven. Plates, cups and glasses should be further from the cooking center. Do what works for you. It might some time to get it just right but once you do, you will be amazed at how fast you can cook without having to open up cabinets and root for the right item.

2. Don't buy things just because they will look pretty. No one has a perfect set of dishes. Sometimes we inherit things that we love and they don't go with anything else. Or, we buy bowls because they're on sale even if they don't match the set at home. We fall in love with finds at thrift and vintage shops. Or, we have a teapot collection or cookie jar that we just adore. Put it on display! There is no shame in showcasing your existing dishes and plates. In fact, sometimes it can be even more charming than a boring old perfectly-matched white set.

3. Invest in some good dusting cloths and products. Dust is going to be your nemesis with open shelving. Not only will things get dustier when out in the open, but they're there for all to see! Instead of dusting around items, once every two weeks remove the items from the shelves and thoroughly clean the shelf surface. I never said having open shelving wasn't more work!

4. Create groups of items. Grouping items by color or size is more aesthetically pleasing than random placement. Treat each item or grouping as a sculpture. Step back and take it all in. Group your drinkware, plates and bowls, and baking items. Also, be sure to place heavier and larger items on the bottom shelf otherwise it will be more difficult to grab them at a moment's notice.

5. Avoid showing food items. Try to hide your food-related items with storage boxes, bins or baskets.

6. If you don't want to go all the way, ease into it. Add some glass-front doors or frosted glass to get the open feeling without -- well -- actually being open!

Looking for another kitchen "wow factor"? How about computerized kitchen cabinets?