10 Open Shelving Ideas for your Kitchen

When the designers at Habitar put together a kitchen, one important aspect we consider is the incorporation of open shelving. A great layout will set your kitchen apart and really impact how you use your space. Personalizing your design with open shelving is a one way to make your kitchen match your lifestyle functionally and aesthetically. Here are 10 open shelving tricks-of-the-trade to factor into your own kitchen:

1. Open Cabinets
   Selecting some open cabinets, without doors, will decrease the visual weight of the room and lend to the illusion of a larger space.

Floating Shelves
Floating shelves will take the open cabinetry a little further with an even cleaner look, especially effective in smaller kitchens.

Wine Racks
Wine racks are more than a savvy visual display for your wine. Most importantly they store wine in an orientation that minimizes exposure to light and keeps the cork from drying out (when the cork dries it’s easier for air to sneak in and spoil the wine). At Habitar we custom design-and build these racks to keep your wine aging gracefully.

Stemware Racks
Stemware racks allow you to display and access your precious glassware efficiently. Incorporating both wine and stemware racks not only looks great, it makes pouring a glass of wine for your guests quick and easy.

Built-In Bookshelves
Built-in bookshelves are another great option for open shelving. They can be designed to fit any area of your kitchen to better utilize unused spaces. In the photo below the bookcase is integrated into the back of the island, adding a great deal more display and storage for books, pottery, trinkets, etc.

Modular Shelving
Modular shelving is a great solution and an ideal choice for kitchens with an odd amount of wall space. You can position the shelves in any way that you like, as well as mix and match materials, finishes, and textures.

1. Drying Racks
   Try mixing in a drying rack or two in the modular shelving over or near your sink for an easy-access, clutter-free dish-drying solution!
2. Hanging Shelves
   Open shelving doesn’t always have to be hung against the wall. Hanging shelves are a good solution in a kitchen with limited wall space. They allow you to add storage to your kitchen in an area that normally wouldn’t allow for it, without obstructing the view.

Spice Rack
Keep your spices near-at-hand and highly organized with a spice rack built in to a cabinet side or wall. This makes cooking and baking a little easier and less messy. Not to mention fresh spices add a pop of color to whatever decor you’ve already established.

Plate Racks
Plate racks improve the overall functionality and work-flow of your kitchen. A fine display for your fine dishes makes serving food for large gatherings a breeze.

MacKenzie Cain is an Assistant Designer at Habitar Design, a Chicago Interior Design firm that specializes in luxury home, bathroom, and kitchen remodels.