The Kitchen Cabinet Trend Homeowners Wish They'd Skipped

Whether you're renovating your existing cabinetry or considering a mini-style update to improve both the functionality and look of your space, you may have stumbled across the controversial kitchen trend of open shelving. Open shelving has been a trendy kitchen feature, but it also seems to rile up a number of folks who have invested passions regarding the topic. From issues with dust, over-cluttering, damaged dishware, and downright impractical decor, many homeowners regret installing open shelving in their spaces. While not everyone is against adding this feature to their kitchen, it's fair to say you may want to consider a few things before committing to open shelving.

Foremost, you want to ensure your kitchen has enough space and storage to accommodate open shelving alongside existing cabinetry. Upper cabinets often provide larger and deeper shelves with the benefit of doors to hide any messy storage solutions. Since open shelving is, well, "open," you'll have to give up some of that extra storage space and the benefit of hiding your organizational sins. For some with ample kitchen storage, it can be an easy decision. For others, losing valuable space to stash your wares isn't worth the aesthetics. However, a lack of storage isn't the only reason to pass on this kitchen trend.

There is a good reason why real estate agents caution against open shelving in your kitchen. As discussed above, open shelving isn't always the most practical storage solution. Open shelves often have a weight limit, which could dictate what is able to be stored on top of them. Further, you may not be able to add as many things to an open shelf as you could to a traditional cabinet. Worse, open shelving presents a safety hazard for pets and small children. The last thing you need is for your glass or ceramic pieces to come crashing down. Over-cluttering is one of the greatest concerns with open shelving. Practically speaking, this can create issues with damaged dishes, but aesthetically, it looks visually unattractive. Piles of mismatched wares are more of an eyesore than they are a design statement.

If you decide to use your open shelving as a decorative element rather than a practical one, you might find it's easier to show off your best dishes and platters for an aesthetic appeal. However, since the wares on the shelf will only be used on special occasions, you might find yourself cleaning and maintaining the space more often to prevent a gross buildup of dust or other debris. Additionally, not everyone has the space available for a solely decorative element in the kitchen. Chances are, you'll regret your open shelving if you find yourself with a lack of purpose beyond aesthetics for this spot in your kitchen.

Open shelving is still trendy, regardless of the drawbacks this feature could bring to your kitchen design. Truly, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider open shelving in your kitchen, especially if you are intentional about the use of the space. For example, small to medium kitchens can do well with open shelving because this feature can visually open up the look of the space, making the room seem more expansive. If you want to pull off open shelving in your kitchen design, the key is to be intentional and limit the amount of open shelving, making it a statement feature or focal point rather than using it to replace all of your upper cabinetry.

Another tip is to store functional items you are likely to use often, which also add a gorgeous look to the space. Wine glasses, matching canisters, decorative storage containers, ceramic mugs, or simple plates and bowls could look lovely on the open shelves. Be sure that the functional items you add also blend with your kitchen design and avoid over-cluttering the space. You might also consider boosting the functionality beyond the shelf by adding an integrated rail and hooks for hanging items or a magnetic wall-mounted knife block to give the space beneath the shelf greater purpose.