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housebeautiful.com - How to Make Your Kitchen's Open Shelving “Click” - House Beautiful

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Open shelving rocketed to popularity thanks to the emergence of in-feed “shelfies,” but the kitchen feature is no passing trend. The simple storage solution has proven its staying power over the years, thanks to its versatile design, flexible nature, and ability to make a space feel more light and open.

But that’s not to say it’s a style that’s easy to conquer, because there’s a lot to consider: Should all the dishes you display on them match? Are floating shelves or brackets a better look? How often do they need to be cleaned?

If your social media is filled with perfectly appointed, open kitchen shelves, but you’re not quite sure how to make that inspiration a reality, head to IKEA—the Swedish retailer has an abundance of shelving options that can be completely customized to fit your space. To bring the style home, consider these seven tips to incorporate open shelving in your dream kitchen.

Keep in mind the size-to-sturdiness relationship

The most important consideration with open shelving is making sure whatever system or style you use is secure. The last thing you want is for your shelves to come crashing off the wall. Avoid this by drilling the anchors for shelves into wall studs, which are much stronger than drywall and less likely to give way. Also, consider the size of your shelves; longer and deeper ones will need more support. You'll want to keep in mind what's going on them, too. (Ceramic dishes and cookbooks weigh a lot more than a few coffee mugs and soup bowls). If you plan to keep heavy items on your shelves, you’ll need the sturdiest anchors available. The most important consideration with open shelving is to make sure the system you use is secure. As far as shelf size, a depth of 10 or 12 inches fits most functions without concern of drooping in the middle, while length should be determined based on where you want to install yours. If you want a long span but are concerned about weight, install adjacent, identical floating shelves, or opt for bracket supports.

Go for a combination of open and concealed

Open shelving doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Create a balanced look by pairing open shelving with some cabinetry that shuts away less beautiful items. Instead of replacing all upper cabinets with open shelves, choose one spot that works for you: over the sink for convenient cleanup, in the serving area for everyday plates and bowls, or beside the stove for spices and condiments.

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Typically, most people will choose to keep lower cabinets enclosed for functional reasons, but open shelving on the base of a kitchen island can create an interesting accent and offer handy storage for “attractive” kitchenware like serving dishes, colorful pots, or a stand mixer.

Approach shelf style subjectively (because it is!)

There's no right choice when it comes to the actual type of shelf you choose—personal preference and overall kitchen design should be your guiding principles. In terms of the latter, floating birch, walnut, or ash shelves look great in a white minimalist or modern farmhouse kitchen with beadboard cabinetry; black shelves, like this BERGSHULT / RAMSHULT combination, are well-suited to a more sleek, modern style. Metal triangle or turnbuckle brackets, like the KROKSHULT , lend an industrial vibe, while a brushed-brass arched support would add midcentury flair. Do keep function in mind when considering bracketed vs. floating, as bracketed shelves can typically hold more weight than a floating shelf.

Go beyond shelves

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There’s more to open storage than just shelving. Consider wall racks or rails with hooks for pans and utensils. Use a hanging bin near the stove for condiments and oil, or hang one behind the sink for your sponge and soap. If wall space is at a premium, add a rack over your island to store small pots, spatulas, and often-used tools. This one also includes a shelf for additional odds and ends.

Fill open shelves with items you use every day

While your instinct may be to line the shelves with your prettiest serve-ware and special-occasion wine glasses, think again. This storage spot is most useful when filled with everyday plates and bowls (the FÄRGRIK and DINERA sets come in an array of colors), your favorite mugs, olive oil, coffee, et al. With no doors in the way, these items stay easily accessible at all times. Plus, since you use and wash them daily, you won’t have to worry about dust buildup. If you have a higher open shelf that requires a stool to reach, this is a good place to store more decorative kitchen goods, like your collection of vintage cake stands or the ceramic pitchers you tend to buy when traveling.

Invest in matching jars for dry goods

Nothing ruins the streamlined look of open shelving like unsightly food packaging. If you plan to store dry goods on your shelves, invest in matching glass jars in a variety of sizes ( VARDAGEN jars have a classic, universal appeal) for a uniform look that’s not too matchy. Not only will your different pasta shapes and colorful grains act as a visual treat, but they’ll stay fresher, too.

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Don’t go overboard with decorative accents

Be sparing with the accents you display; this is the key to keeping open shelves clutter-free. Choose only items that make you happy—an ÅTERTÅG bud vase with a fresh flower, a small plant in a GRADVIS ceramic pot , a framed print—and abide by a one-in, one-out rule: If you want to add something to your vignette, you need to take something away. Whatever you add to your shelves, make sure placement doesn’t negate functionality; you don’t want to have to move a vase every time you need to grab a bowl.

Clean regularly and often

Yes, you will have to clean open shelving more frequently than closed cabinets. (You might want to reconsider if you can’t commit to a regular wipe-down.) Dust and grease easily build up in a kitchen—though, again, if your shelves contain items you’re using every day, they’ll never sit long enough for dust to settle.

Or, opt for transparent-front cabinets

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If you love the idea of putting your dishes on display, but you’re not quite ready to fully commit to open shelving, go for cabinets with glass fronts. You can showcase your glassware and favorite items without worrying about dirt or grease building up. Make open shelving work for your kitchen with just a little extra planning. Whether you need help visualizing what is possible, or are looking for a partner in making your dream kitchen come true, IKEA Kitchen Services is here to help. Schedule an appointment to get started.

housebeautiful.com - How to Make Your Kitchen's Open Shelving “Click” - House Beautiful

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