Pros and Cons of Open Shelving in the Kitchen

If you’re planning to do some kitchen remodeling in Philadelphia then you’ve no doubt spent a lot of time thinking about what types of counters, cabinets, and furniture would be perfect for you space, both in terms of looks and functionality.  Here at Airy Kitchens, we’re here to help you through these crucial design decisions that can make or break your next kitchen remodel.  Today, we’d like to talk about open shelving in the kitchen; here are some pros and cons of removing your upper cabinets and replacing them with shelves:

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Pros of Open Shelving in the Kitchen

·       Low Cost – Hanging new cabinets around the perimeter of your kitchen can definitely be an expensive proposition.  By opting for open shelves instead, you could easily free up hundreds or even thousands of dollars from your budget.

·       Convenience – Searching for that rarely used kitchen gadget can eat up a lot of time, and when you’re cooking for a big meal, that’s time you just don’t have to spare.  By utilizing open shelves in your kitchen, it will be easier to find what you’re looking for; plus, you won’t have to tell guests where the glasses are located.

·       Visual Interest – If you’re a collector of interesting kitchenware, you wouldn’t want to hide it away in the cabinet where nobody can see it.  With open shelving in your kitchen, you can take your favorite pieces and make them part of the décor!  In addition, open shelves give you a place to display purely decorative pieces where they won’t take up valuable counter space.

Cons of Open Shelving in the Kitchen

·       Cleaning – While open shelves look great in the kitchen, in can be tough to keep them looking that way.  With open shelves, you’ll need to keep up on the dusting; in addition, you may have to rinse and wipe down any kitchenware stored on your shelves before using it for food service.

·       Clutter – If you appreciate a clean, minimalist aesthetic, open shelving may offend your sensibilities.  Having individual pieces perpetually on display can lead to a cluttered feel if you put out too many of them.  The best strategy for streamlining the look of your open-shelf kitchen is to retain some closed cabinetry where clutter can be concealed.

·       Resale Value – If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, ripping out the top cabinets may not be the best choice.  Not every buyer is on board with the latest trends, and open shelving may be one of those design ideas that simply doesn’t appeal to everyone, meaning you might have trouble making a quick sale. 

Kitchen Remodeling in Philadelphia

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, it’s always a good idea to think about design choices like these.  An even better idea would be talking to a designer, like Airy Kitchens’ Sean LewisContact us today to schedule your free Meet and Greet session, where you can discuss your needs and design preferences with a designer who has over 15 years of professional experience.  No matter what look you want for your kitchen, Airy Kitchens can help you design a space that makes you happy