Opted against incorporating open shelving in my Fresh kitchen design, detailing my reasons for the decision
In the world of kitchen renovations, open shelving has emerged as a popular trend, offering a unique blend of style and functionality. This approach, however, comes with its own set of practical considerations and potential drawbacks compared to traditional wall cabinets or other storage solutions.
Richard Davonport, founder of Davonport Kitchens, suggests that open shelving can add softness and personality when thoughtfully integrated. It creates a lighter, more open, and spacious look by removing bulky doors and closed volumes, making it ideal for compact or open-plan kitchens. Open shelving allows for the display of cookware and decorative items, adding personality and highlighting architectural features like backsplashes or textured walls.
However, open shelving also presents some challenges. Closed wall cabinets generally offer more enclosed storage capacity, protecting items from dust, grease, and kitchen mess. Shelves have limited capacity and require careful arrangement since there are no doors to hide clutter. Wall cabinets often offer customized interior options (lighting, glass panels) enhancing function and aesthetics.
Maintenance and cleanliness are another area where open shelving may fall short. Exposed stored items are prone to dust, grease, and cooking residues, necessitating more frequent cleaning of both shelves and items. Closed cabinets protect contents, reducing cleaning effort.
Ease of access is another advantage of open shelving. It provides immediate and easy access to items but requires keeping things visually neat. Closed cabinets may require opening doors but often include organizing features for better storage efficiency, especially in challenging corners.
Design flexibility and customization are key strengths of open shelving. It can be installed individually or in series, offering creative freedom and a minimalist look. Closed cabinets come in a wider range of standard sizes and styles, allowing better fitting to kitchen layout and user needs.
Despite these benefits, open shelving does have potential drawbacks. It reduces overall storage volume compared to the enclosed space of cabinets. Items on open shelves are always on display, which can be problematic for those preferring hidden storage. Increased cleaning requirements and exposure to kitchen dirt are also concerns. Open shelving may not be ideal for kitchens with heavy cooking smoke or grease buildup.
Amy Reeves, an experienced interiors and renovation journalist, has renovated a mid-century property and is currently working on an 1800s cottage. After undergoing a kitchen renovation, she opted for open shelving. However, she admits to being a hoarder and a clutter-bug, finding the constant rearranging and maintenance of open shelving to be distracting. She finds open shelving more suitable for tidy, clean individuals.
To mitigate these issues, subtle design details such as a small rail or lip can help with organization and cleanliness on open shelving. Richard Davonport suggests positioning shelves slightly away from cooking zones to minimize grease buildup. Deep drawers were installed for cookware and glassware in Amy Reeves' latest kitchen renovation, providing a practical alternative to open shelving.
Designers and homeowners are striking a balance between open and closed storage, with glass-fronted kitchen cabinet ideas or a freestanding dresser serving as alternative solutions. Amy Reeves, after her experiences, finds open shelving to be more for show than for practicality, particularly near the sink or less grimy areas. A quick weekly wipe-down of open shelving can help maintain cleanliness.
In summary, the choice between open shelving and wall cabinets involves balancing style and openness versus storage capacity, cleanliness, and hiding clutter. Open shelving suits those valuing design and accessibility in visually lighter spaces, while wall cabinets suit needs for more protected and versatile storage.
Open shelving, as part of interior-design, can add a unique touch to a home-and-garden space by offering a lighter, more spacious look, but may require more frequent maintenance compared to traditional wall cabinets due to increased exposure to dust, grease, and cooking residues. Amy Reeves, an experienced lifestyle journalist, found open shelving to be more suitable for tidy individuals after her kitchen renovation, and suggests positioning shelves slightly away from cooking zones and installing deep drawers for practical storage alternatives.
