open shelving

Lighten your kitchen’s look and add charm with stylish shelves and built-in cubbies that provide display space as well as a chance to introduce color and personality.

Kitchens jam-packed with cabinets offer tons of useful storage space, but sometimes they can look too, well, kitcheny. Replacing a few upper cabinets with open shelves—or just taking off the doors—can provide visual relief and lighten the overall look. This strategy is ideal for small kitchens but can be used anywhere to enhance a room’s vintage charm and showcase favorite collectibles that help make your kitchen your own.

Of course open shelves also make everyday items more easily accessible, because there’s no cabinet door to open and close. Consider using shelves near the sink or range to hold everyday dishes, or add open storage to an island to keep pots and pans or cookbooks within reach. Add open shelves where they make the most sense to you—and celebrate the informal charm they bring to your kitchen.

Removing cabinet doors enhances this kitchen’s open and airy look and shows off colorful dishware. Chalkboard paint and hand-written labels add charm at the back of the cabinets.

Built-in bookshelves flank an eating area at this wenge-wood-topped island—creating handy storage space for cookbooks and collectibles. Petite corbels add ornate detail and complement the kitchen’s traditional style.