Open shelves are having a momentheres everything you better know about installing them.
An expert discusses the design and tips for adding open shelves to your home.
Clint Johnsonis a principal atNewberry Architecturein Houston, Texas.
Credit: Chris Edwards; Styling: Kendra Surface
Why Open Shelving?
“It allows you to bring more colors and patterns into the space.
Plus, your kitchen’s footprint may not be conducive with the design.
Credit: Madeline Harper Photography
“Not every space needs a focal point.”
confirm todust the shelvesevery other week, as well as the items stored there.
Keep items organized and don’t cram too many things in the space.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; styling: Lizzie Cox
Leave some room between items.
How To DIY Like A Pro
The good news?
If open shelvingdoeswork with your layout, they’re a relativelyaffordable DIY project.
Credit: Alexandra Rowley
Though prices can vary, open shelving can cost as little as $60.
“If you are trying to have open shelving, use prefabricated units.
Stay away from metal and glass for cost savings.”
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
But the one thing you shouldn’t skimp on is the anchors and attachments.
(Simply put, you want all of your belongings to stay suspended for years to come.)
“The best open shelving will have concealed attachments,” Johnson adds.
How To Style Open Shelves
Picked out your materials?
Installed your open shelving to last?
Now it’s the fun part:decking out your shelveswith your favorite pieces.
Put your stacks of plates, bowls, and rows of glasses and mugs front and center.
Arrange matching or color-coordinated dishes for a cohesive look, or switch it up according to the seasons.
Matching Canisters
Put pretty storage to good use for decor and function.
Put glass canisters filled with ingredients like pasta and flour or spice jars on the shelves.
Store your most popular ingredients for baking and cooking in sets of pretty matching containers.
Baskets
Hide frequently used items that would look like a jumbled mess.
Artwork, pottery, glass vases, andpretty plattersor cake stands add interest with varying shapes and heights.
Plants
Save a spot for your plants.
Open shelving is a great place to show off plants where they will get some light from a window.
They can also help break up rows of dishes and kitchen ware.
Cookware
Open shelves are also a good spot for your favorite cookware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glass front cabinets let you display dishes while keeping them dust-free.
They are more expensive than open shelves and the glass needs regular cleaning to keep it clear and shiny.
Most of the time, buying shelves costs more than making your own.
Making your own allows you to customize the shelving.
Just confirm they are securely attached.
Grease and grime from cooking can end up on open shelving.
Dust regularly to prevent buildup.
