For every space we decide to make our home a compromise was made. And if countless hours of HGTV have taught me anything it is that we are not alone in the eventual need to compromise on one of those needs as it is found to be slightly less of a priority given the options at hand. For an outdoor space, garage parking, and dogs allowed, I will sacrifice square footage and apparently even the amount of kitchen cabinets.
As a couple that enjoys cooking and does it often, we have accumulated a relatively large amount of kitchen tools and gadgets. So with a fraction of the cabinets that we need and not a pantry in sight, I have been in search of inspiration on how to maximize the storage space. If you can be open to exposing your pantry in full view, there are some very pretty shelves that are perfect when renovating to build new cabinets is not an option.
{Source: Pottery Barn}
{Source: Cottage Living via Remodelista}
{Source: Flickr}
And if you have the counter space but open wall above, simply adding shelves is always a good option in my book!
{Source: Domino magazine}
{Source: Modern in MN}
I have always had a bit of hesitation with open shelving in the kitchen as I like everything tucked away out of sight. But the never ending quest for more storage has this Type A gal embracing the full disclosure style of kitchen shelving. Any tips on how to keep that open shelving from looking like clutter!?
Twitter: @sillylittle
I too like a neat and tidy kitchen but I have chosen to use open shelving. The key is (and I have not done this yet) to have cute storage like those baskets in the first picture. Open shelving looks more inviting and airy to me.
I love the first picture!
.-= Linda’s most recent blog post: Baked Salmon with Mayo =-.
Twitter: @ecbeck
I have a combination of cabinets and pantry mixed with some extra, open storage. I just try to keep the larger stacks, and more cluttery-looking things behind doors, and leave the open shelving for the prettier pieces – my extensive cookbook collection, glass pitchers, our kitchen herb garden, etc.
I like the way the open shelves look, but I don’t know that I’d be able to actually pull it off… the thing that worries me (other than letting it get overly cluttered) is the issue of dust. We have shelves like that first picture in our office, and it’s a pain to dust every week. Seems like I’d be even more obsessed about dust on our kitchen items.
I guess dust is less of an issue in other places but seems like it’s inevitable in the city… unfortunately being in a big city also means lack of space, thus necessitating the creative storage in the first place!
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Linda, I completely agree with the need for cute baskets! I hope you plan to post up what you are doing for the open shelves…
Elizabeth, That sounds completely ideal! I love that you have included a kitchen herb garden- that sounds very pretty for an open shelf.
Eileen, that is one of my concerns too. Dust is definitely a deterrent!
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Twitter: @magmaeA
I love the way open shelving CAN look, which doesn’t mean it always looks like that, as you know. I think they key is having uniform dishes and tools. Maybe your dishes are all white and you have a modern, crisp look – or maybe they’re all one bright color and pop against an otherwise spare kitchen. Given your aesthetic, I’m sure it can come together beautifully!
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I really like the open shelves look. I think organizing it takes keeping like items together and lots of baskets that match in tone or color or size so that there’s some uniformity. The only thing I worry about is dust. :/
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Twitter: @socalnewlywed
I have those Crate and Barrel shelves in my living room – but they are Espresso instead of white. I LOVE them.
.-= Newlywed Next Door’s most recent blog post: Spring Flowers, Kitchen Upgrade, & Bloggy Friends =-.
Where I live, dust settles on most things wherever they may be, be it out in the open or even things in cupboards. The first two examples here cry out kitchen and houseware store to me I’m afraid. The others seem like classy diners except for number 3 which is still very homey to me. I love the gigantic clock too!
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