At Romano Builders, we know that kitchen remodels are all about balancing beauty with functionality. One trend that’s been turning heads recently is the use of open shelves. The idea of showcasing your pristine white plates and sparkling glassware sounds like a dream come true. But is it truly practical, or just a style trap? Let’s dive into the love-hate relationship with open shelving and find out if it’s the right choice for your kitchen remodel.
The Love Side: Pure Style
Let’s start with the obvious—open shelves look fantastic. All it takes is a few designer wine glasses, some neatly stacked porcelain plates, and a touch of greenery, and suddenly your kitchen feels like it’s straight out of a design magazine. Open shelving creates a sense of airiness and makes your kitchen feel larger and more inviting.
Many of our clients in Los Angeles rave about how open shelves push them to stay organized, curating only the most visually appealing items to display. It’s like having a kitchen that’s Instagram-ready at all times. If you’re someone who enjoys keeping your space immaculate and showing off beautiful kitchenware, open shelves can certainly be a stunning feature.
The Hate Side: When Reality Kicks In
But, let’s be real. Not everyone has a kitchen full of designer plates and polished glassware. Most of us have plastic picnic plates, mismatched mugs, and bulky kitchen gadgets that aren’t exactly fit for display. Open shelves leave no room to hide these everyday items.
And then there’s the dust. That beautiful display can quickly lose its charm when you realize your plates and glasses are covered in a layer of dust after sitting on the shelves for a week. Without regular cleaning, your open shelving can go from stylish to cluttered and unkempt. This is something we remind our clients in Southern California when they’re considering this design element in their kitchen remodel.
Aesthetic vs. Practicality: The Great Debate
So, are open shelves a smart choice for your kitchen, or are they just eye candy? It really depends on how you use your space. If you’re someone who enjoys a minimalistic, curated look and you don’t mind the extra maintenance, open shelving can add a lot of charm to your kitchen. However, if you prefer to keep things out of sight or don’t want to be cleaning your shelves every week, closed cabinets might be the better option.
As a trusted local general contractor in the Los Angeles area, we always advise our clients to carefully weigh the aesthetic appeal of open shelves against the practicality of their daily routines.
Tips for Styling Open Shelves Without the Headache
If you’ve decided that open shelves are right for your kitchen, here are a few tips to keep them looking great without losing your mind:
- Consistency is key: Stick to dishware in matching colors or similar tones. White plates and clear glasses are always a safe bet.
- Categorize your shelves: Dedicate each shelf to a specific category—one for mugs, one for plates, and maybe one for decorative items or plants. This helps keep things organized and visually pleasing.
- Add some greenery: Small potted plants can soften the industrial look that open shelving can sometimes create, bringing warmth and life into the space.
- Minimalism is your friend: Don’t overcrowd your shelves. Open shelving is all about a curated, clean look—less is definitely more.
- Regular upkeep: Make cleaning and rearranging part of your weekly routine. This will keep your open shelves looking their best and prevent the dust from piling up.
Love or Hate—It’s Your Call
At the end of the day, open shelves can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen remodel, but they do require extra care and attention. If you’re up for the challenge and love the look, they could become the highlight of your kitchen. If not, closed cabinets might be more your style. Either way, Romano Builders is here to help you create the kitchen of your dreams—whether you’re an open-shelf lover or someone who prefers to keep things tucked away.
Looking to transform your kitchen? Contact Romano Builders, your trusted local general contractor, and let us bring your vision to life!