Open kitchen shelves are a big trend in home design and styling them can enhance both function and aesthetics. From building them strong to styling them fabulous, open shelves of course are one of Designing Dreams most popular requested features. The best part? Styling and snapping pics of these beauties. So, I roped in Melinda Araj a designer for Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling to spill her secrets on shelf design and styling.
Open Kitchen Shelf Styling 101
You decided to add floating shelves to your kitchen renovation. Where do you start? When pulling together materials for your kitchen designer Melinda suggests pulling in an a different material for your kitchen shelves like iron, natural stone or wood. Not only are these materials beautiful, but they add interest to your kitchen design. A quartzite ledge along the backsplash or niche shelves near the range can introduce a stylish design element to your kitchen but it’s also a convenient place for storing cooking oils, spices and other small kitchen items.
Floating shelves can create an illusion of a larger and brighter kitchen space. Wood floating shelves are favored by our clients, as they introduce a warm element to a contemporary kitchen design. Designer Melinda recommends integrating lights in the shelfs or using an accent pendant to highlight your shelf and items.
Combining glass and metal shelves gives a clean, contemporary look that complements many kitchen styles. Decorative brackets and rods in a variety of finishes can also add an attractive element to your kitchen design.
Maximize Your Open Shelf Style and Storage
Your kitchen shelves are installed. So how do you style them like a pro? The daunting task of styling your shelves to avoid an open shelf mess has begun. Because open shelves keep everything visible and accessible, organizing is just as important as styling. Melinda recommends glass jars and canisters for kitchen dry goods and crocks for organizing cooking utensils and gadgets. Small seagrass or wire baskets are great for textiles like dish towels or produce. Use baskets as accents or place several together for a uniform look. A style pro, Melinda recommends stacking plates and bowls on cookbooks to add height and interest and grouping glassware in an accent color to draw your eye in and keep similar items organized. Standing frames with handwritten recipes and cutting boards make a great backdrop for smaller items and live plants give the space an organic feel. Herb pots or succulents are easiest to care for and add life, literally, to the kitchen.
Over the years Melinda has learned a few helpful organizing tips and tricks working with her clients. She says, “no matter what materials you choose for your kitchen floating shelves, styling them is the fun part.” There are no hard rules, just have fun with it and remember to stick to a cohesive color palette to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.
Why Choose Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling
With over 40 years in business, we have remodeled hundreds of kitchens all over the Sacramento area. Awarded the Best Home Remodeler award in Folsom by Style Magazine, our designers are committed to helping you renovate and expertly design a home that fits your lifestyle. Contact us to begin your kitchen renovation today.
By Caroline Sanders
Design Blogger for Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling
