Open shelves aren’t strictly necessary in the kitchen, so they’re not a must-have. It all depends on your design style, but it’s worth noting that in some cases, fitting open shelves instead of closed kitchen cupboards can be a cost-effective solution. Please note! We only recommend this to those who can keep them tidy on a daily basis! We’ve put together some inspiration in the hope that you might be inspired to give it a go too.
What should go on the shelves?
It’s not just the shelves that need to be designed; it’s also important to consider what items we’ll be storing on them. The shelves themselves must complement the other elements of our kitchen furniture, and the items placed on them must also blend in with the interior. Some people display a neutral-coloured or even a unique, attractive set of crockery, whilst others arrange their cookbooks on them. It may also be the case that, even without the shelves, we have sufficient storage space, so we can afford to fill them with decorative items. Whatever we decide, let’s keep a cohesive look in mind and always keep the items on the shelves clean, as they are likely to gather dust and get dirty.
Natural colours are always a hit
Not only have natural colours not gone out of fashion, but they are becoming increasingly popular. The combination of wood and white, and the use of pastels and natural earth tones, exude a sense of calm and balance, bringing harmony to the space. Make sure the shelves are neither too cluttered nor left looking too bare. The arrangement of items on the shelves is crucial, so feel free to try out several different layouts before settling on the final arrangement.
Let’s jazz up our kitchen units with colourful accessories
A common concern regarding modern kitchen furniture is that it can be too sterile and lacks a homely feel. On the one hand, this can be avoided right from the design stage, but it can also be livened up later on with various accessories. In this kitchen, for example, the entire row of wall units has been replaced with shelves. The white crockery and clear glass tumblers naturally complement the white kitchen units beautifully, whilst the colourful accessories liven up the space and make the overall look more welcoming. Don’t be afraid of colour – use it in moderation and with good taste!
Let’s have a go with the patterns!
Don’t be afraid to design a cheerful back panel behind the shelves to liven up the whole arrangement. This will make the overall effect much more welcoming. In the photo, you can see a white dinner service on the bottom shelf, whilst above it, the designers have boldly continued to play with colours. A beautiful set of patterned glasses, along with the colourful accessories and cookery books, lend the whole display a homely feel.
Incorporating open shelves can transform the whole atmosphere of our kitchen. We can use them throughout the entire wall unit, but it is much more common to combine them with closed kitchen cupboards. Don’t be afraid of them – feel free to use them for both storage and decorative purposes.
If you would like to seek the help of a professional kitchen designer for your project, Look for Mobilan staff, who not only provide brilliant designs but also craft your dream kitchen furniture to the highest standards. For more inspiration, follow Our Facebook page or browse the Mobilan Magazine more of his writings!
