At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel here in Birmingham, we’re always helping homeowners explore creative ways to personalize and elevate their kitchens. One of the most popular design features we’re asked about is open kitchen shelving. While these airy, minimalist shelves can make a kitchen feel more spacious and stylish, they’re not the perfect choice for everyone. In this blog, we’ll walk through the most common questions homeowners ask us so you can decide whether open shelving is the right fit for your lifestyle and your space.
Is open shelving in the kitchen a good idea?
Open shelving can be a wonderful design choice if you’re looking for a way to make your kitchen feel brighter and more open. Because the shelves remove visual barriers, they help small or enclosed kitchens feel larger. They also give you the opportunity to showcase beautiful dishware, pottery, glassware, or decor that adds charm and personality to your home. For homeowners who enjoy an organized, curated look—or who want easy access to everyday items—open shelving provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution. However, it works best when homeowners are comfortable with maintaining tidy, intentional displays and don’t mind a bit of upkeep.
Do open kitchen shelves get dusty?
Yes, open kitchen shelves can get dusty and may collect grease over time, especially if they’re located near the range. This doesn’t mean they aren’t practical, but it does mean they require slightly more maintenance than closed cabinetry. At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we often recommend placing open shelves in areas less exposed to steam and splatter, such as near the sink or on a wall away from cooking appliances. Choosing easy-to-clean materials and keeping shelves neatly styled can also make upkeep faster and simpler. For many homeowners, a quick wipe-down during weekly cleaning is a small trade-off for the airy, stylish look open shelving provides.
What to put on open shelving in a kitchen?
The best items to place on open shelves are pieces you use frequently or want to enjoy visually. Everyday plates, bowls, and glasses are ideal because they don’t sit long enough to collect dust. You can also incorporate cookbooks, small plants, decorative dishes, wooden cutting boards, or attractive food storage containers to create a warm, curated look. When helping our Birmingham-area clients design open shelving displays, we often encourage a balance of function and style—pairing practical items with a few decorative pieces so the shelves feel lived-in yet intentional. A cohesive color palette and a mix of textures, such as ceramic, wood, and glass, also make shelves look well-styled without feeling cluttered.
What are the disadvantages of open kitchen shelving?
While open shelves offer versatility and aesthetic appeal, they do come with a few drawbacks. The most common concern we hear from homeowners is the need to keep them organized, since everything is on display. If you prefer to tuck away mismatched items or don’t enjoy frequent tidying, open shelving may feel high-maintenance. Additionally, items placed on the shelves may accumulate dust or grease faster than those stored in traditional cabinets. Open shelving also provides less concealed storage, which may require you to be more intentional with your kitchen organization. However, with thoughtful planning and a balanced mix of open and closed storage, these challenges can be greatly minimized.
Why are open kitchens going out of style?
While open kitchens—particularly open floor plans—are still popular, we’re seeing some homeowners shift toward more defined spaces for reasons of privacy, storage, and practicality. Open kitchens can sometimes feel too exposed, especially when noise, cooking odors, or clutter carry into the living areas. Additionally, homeowners who prefer a more streamlined or minimalist appearance may feel that open shelves or open-plan kitchens require too much visual upkeep. However, it’s important to note that these trends are cyclical, and many Birmingham homeowners still love the spacious feel and design freedom an open kitchen provides. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle and how you use your space day-to-day.
What is the 60 30 10 rule for kitchens?
The 60-30-10 rule is a timeless interior design guideline that helps create balanced, visually pleasing spaces—including kitchens with open shelving. Under this rule, 60% of the space should feature your dominant color, which is often cabinetry or walls. The secondary color makes up 30%, typically found in countertops, backsplashes, or shelving. The final 10% comes from accent colors used in decor, hardware, or smaller design elements. When we help homeowners incorporate open shelving, we often use this rule to guide material and color selections so the shelves become an intentional part of the overall palette rather than an afterthought. This approach keeps your kitchen looking cohesive, whether you’re displaying neutrals, bold ceramic pieces, or a mix of natural textures.
At Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, we believe your kitchen should feel both beautiful and functional, reflecting the way you live every day. Open shelving can be a fantastic design element when planned thoughtfully, offering charm, convenience, and plenty of opportunities for personalization. If you’re considering open shelves—or any other kitchen design update—our team is here to guide you through every step, from layout to material selection to final installation, ensuring your space feels perfectly tailored to your needs and style.
Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!
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