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Emily A. Clark

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Would I Choose Open Kitchen Shelving Again?

August 13, 2019

It’s easy to rave about things around your house when they’re brand new and don’t have the wear and tear of everyday use. I’ve had several people ask me if I’m still happy with our open shelving three years after our kitchen renovation so here’s the quick update. . .

kitchen-open-shelving

I knew going into our remodel that I loved the look of open shelving and less heavy cabinetry; I just didn’t know how it would translate to everyday use for our family. Fortunately, it’s worked out great for us and I don’t have any regrets about foregoing more closed cabinets.

green-white-kitchen-cabinets-open-shelves

One reason it works well is that they’re directly behind each of the dishwashers (yes, two). I keep (most of) the dishes we use on a daily basis on these shelves–cereal bowls, white plates, smaller blue and white plates, glasses, coffee mugs, etc. I do think this whole look works best if you keep the dishes simple and limited to one or two colors. I also don’t mind if pieces are not-so-perfectly stacked. (Our not-so-pretty plastic bowls and cups are stored in the deeper bottom drawers.)

open-shelving-everyday-dishes

I know some were concerned about the dust that would accumulate when we first had them installed. I’ll just say there’s no more dust here than anywhere else in my house (take that for what you will. . . ) and that I’ve never been one to make a decision based on dust potential. Again, because everything is used almost daily (especially on the bottom shelves), it rarely has time to get very dusty.

open-shelving-kitchen

I’m also happy to report that they’ve stayed up well (thanks to the metal rods that our contractor mounted through them) despite the adjacent door closing/slamming shut 197+ times each day.

Anything else you’d like an update in a future post?

would-I-choose-open-kitchen-shelving-again

 

 

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Filed Under: kitchen renovation, kitchens, our home, Simple Design Ideas Tagged With: decorating, kitchen, kitchens

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa says

    August 13, 2019 at 11:34 am

    Open shelves might work well at our house. Since my kids never close the cabinet doors anyway!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 13, 2019 at 1:27 pm

      Speaking from experience, they still won’t close drawers ;)

      Reply
  2. Susie says

    August 13, 2019 at 12:33 pm

    Thank you for the update. I love open shelving in the kitchen! Are you still loving your green cabinetry?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 13, 2019 at 1:28 pm

      Yes, I really am. Although I may eventually change out the green wallpaper.

      Reply
  3. Karen says

    August 13, 2019 at 1:48 pm

    I wish I had a way to incorporate some open shelving in my kitchen, especially for things that are used frequently. The only shelf I have is above that dumb desk that builders insisted on putting in kitchens. I want to tear it out, replace it with drawers, and find a way to clear off the desk clutter. We’re empty nesters, so I can’t even blame the kids!

    I love the green in your kitchen so much. It gives it personality and keeps it from being yet another pretty white kitchen.

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 13, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      Wait, are you telling me my house isn’t going to be completely clean when I’m an empty nester?? 😂

      Reply
  4. Caroline says

    August 13, 2019 at 1:58 pm

    Hey Emily! I love touring your kitchen. It still looks great three years later! Still all 😍😍 over that green. Would you be willing to link the slide in range you have? I couldn’t find it in the renovation post. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 13, 2019 at 4:59 pm

      That came with the house thanks to the previous owners but I can email you the brand/details when I get home :)

      Reply
  5. Paige Cassandra Flamm says

    August 13, 2019 at 6:06 pm

    I love that this has been positive for you! I definitely think it’s something that our family could pull off, although I know it’s not for everyone! It’s definitely something I’d like to try in our next home!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

    Reply
  6. Alicia says

    August 13, 2019 at 9:05 pm

    Hi, Emily! I’m curious to know how your wood floors do with kitchen traffic and dirt. Would you recommend wood as kitchen flooring?

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 15, 2019 at 9:01 am

      After having lived with both tile and wood, I’d always go with wood. Clean up is so much easier with no grout.

      Reply
  7. Brenda Murphy says

    August 13, 2019 at 9:15 pm

    I have had open shelves for over 20 years and love them. Maybe its my restaurant background, but I do take all dishes, pots, pans, glassware off once every 10 days to two weeks because dust definitely accumulates just like the rest of the house. I am a fan and love yours too. Nicely done.

    Reply
  8. Ann Ruggles says

    August 14, 2019 at 10:53 am

    Those green cabinets are amazing! I recently got a short strip of open shelving for everyday things, and had the same concerns you did. But like you, those things are used nearly daily, so no problem with dust. And yes, he still leaves cabinet doors and drawers open!

    Reply
  9. Chelsea says

    August 16, 2019 at 1:21 am

    So pretty and practical! May I ask if you still love having white lower cabinets in a busy family household? About to take that plunge soon and hoping I don’t regret going white on lower cabinetry :)

    Reply
    • Emily Clark says

      August 20, 2019 at 8:28 am

      I do love the white cabinets. They’re easy to wipe down.

      Reply
  10. Linda says

    August 28, 2019 at 3:36 am

    Wondering how long the shelves are. 30 or 36″? I like the amount of things that you have displayed on them. Also, without a kitchen desk,(which we don’t use either), do you have a land line and a place for desk things (scissors, pens and pencils)in your kitchen, and if so, where do you keep/hide those things?

    Reply
  11. Kendra says

    March 1, 2021 at 4:56 pm

    Which wood floor do you have in your kitchen? Thanks!

    Reply

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