Open Kitchen Shelving: The Illusion of Space

If you want to get some tips on how to expand your kitchen space, especially if you have a fairly cramped kitchen to begin with, this is the article for you.  We’ll give you some tips on how to expand your kitchen by using open kitchen shelving.  Hopefully, you’ll be able to use this effectively in the future to give yourself more storage space as well as an added attraction for guests in the near future.

Here are some of the most popular tips on how to achieve open kitchen shelving without much effort and difficulty.

If you’re looking for simple storage space, it would be best to keep it uncomplicated in terms of design as well.  This will be effective because by doing this, you will be able to bring focus into the function and not just the aesthetics.  In addition, by doing this, the design will not outshine the content of the shelves in the future.

If you’re going to use open shelves for your kitchen, you have to make sure that you only put the items that you like or are aesthetically good to look at on display.  If you’re going to use some containers, please make sure that these containers have one quality in common: Attractiveness.

It would also help you to group your various displays by their similar features.  You can either choose to group them by color, shape or function.  Either way, this will help unify your design and storage area in the future.

You ought to keep comfort in mind as well. Store everything within reach as much as possible. This will make it easier for you to work around the kitchen as much as possible. Keep the heaviest pots and pans below, to keep it visually pleasing.

Remember that the utensils you will keep on the shelves would always be seen. With this in mind, you have to arrange them in such a way that would be pleasing to the eyes. Try not to pack one set of utensils on one shelf for added space.

You should also not be afraid to play with colors when working with open shelving. Put contrasting colors as a background to the open shelves to highlight it.

Use some mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of space for your shelves and your kitchen as well. This can work, especially if you have a small kitchen.

Try using  decorative plates to keep the shelves balanced and stacked even when it is not in use. You can keep them upright by placing double sided tape on the back.

Always make sure to maintain your shelves and keep it dust free. Keep the kitchenware that you rarely use in storage to keep it from collecting dust and making it harder to clean.

Do not be afraid to switch your kitchenware around or rearrange it in the future. This will give your shelves a fresh look from time to time.

Open shelving can expand your kitchen and add space to an otherwise small area. All you need is a little bit of creativity and ingenuity and it will surely work out for the best.

 Source (1-6): Better Homes and Gardens