Nate Berkus' Unique Kitchen Cabinet Choice Is The New 2024 Trendsetter
You can find cabinets in every kitchen, but that's where the similarities end. It can be tricky to choose the right kitchen cabinet for your space, as styles range from insets and glass to open shelving and everything in between. Some cabinet styles crop up more than others. Shaker cabinets, for example, are utilitarian in nature with a versatile frame structure that lends them to lots of different kitchen styles. With the charming integration of reclaimed wood and shiplap, country and farmhouse cabinets are another popular choice.
To avoid falling into a design rut where your kitchen cabinets are concerned, it might be helpful to turn to the experts for inspiration. Enter HGTV star Nate Berkus, who shared an Instagram post in March 2024, walking viewers through some of his current favorite design ideas. But perhaps the real star of the video was the wire-mesh kitchen cabinet in the foreground, which Berkus recommends as a trendy alternative to the ubiquitous glass you might otherwise see. A modern choice, wire meshing is also a surprisingly versatile design that will elevate the look of the kitchen by exposing the silhouette of your everyday utensils in an unexpected way. Wire mesh has recently grown in popularity, giving rise to a new wave of creativity in kitchen cabinetry. Designers are tapping the trend as a big one for 2024 — and with benefits ranging from easy, cost-effective installation to versatile design, wire mesh cabinets feel like a no-brainer.
Why wire mesh kitchen cabinets?
There's so much to love about wire mesh cabinetry, which might be exactly the overhaul your kitchen needs. For starters, wire mesh evokes the free-flowing nature of an open shelving plan, without looking cluttered. You can see this reflected in Berkus' Instagram video, as he stands in front of his beautifully displayed plates and glasses. It's also a unique storage solution for showing off utensils or decorative goods — especially those you don't use every day. "With tall ceilings, using wire mesh on top-tier upper cabinets allows the homeowner to store items not used daily in a functional and visibly yet charming manner," designer Caroline Thomas explained in an interview with Livingetc.
Wire mesh is equal parts functional and aesthetic. Unlike glass, wire mesh allows for better airflow so that your utensils and plateware stay in better condition. And, as far as materials go, wire mesh is durable and long-lasting, making it a practical choice for your kitchen. An added plus: it will make even awkward, skinny cabinets look chic! This is because wire mesh has the power to break up basic cabinetry and add visual interest. As designer Artem Kropovinsky explained, not only does wire mesh complement your basic countertops or appliances, but it also provides a sense of texture. Texture is key to upleveling any space, but especially the kitchen, which is the most hands-on room of any house. There's a good reason why Pinterest is obsessed with texture for making a home feel more expensive!
DIY inspiration for your wire mesh cabinets
While traditionally associated with rustic or cottage core design, wire mesh is extremely versatile, offering minimalist, industrial, and vintage aesthetics to suit your preferences. For example, wire mesh is available in brass, bronze, steel, and nickel materials, though spray paint is another option. You can also have your pick of patterns, from diagonal to square. If you're feeling up to it, you can even add a metal design atop your existing wire mesh for a more industrial look. The options are endless — at the end of the day, it really comes down to what you feel is best for your space!
Major home retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot typically carry wire mesh, and from there you can take the DIY route to install it in your kitchen cabinets. First, find a wire mesh pattern that speaks to you. Start by taking off your cabinet doors with a screwdriver. If you're removing glass beforehand, use a screwdriver to remove existing screws, then gently tap out the glass from the back with a dowel. Next, measure and cut your wire mesh with wire cutters, taking care to leave 1.5 to 3 inches extra all the way around. Use a staple gun to staple the mesh wire to your cabinet doors, pulling it taut so nothing is sagging. Before reattaching your doors, consider adding plug-in light strips, or any kind of light fixture that will really show off your gorgeous utensils and wire mesh inserts.