It wasn’t too long ago that we didn’t think too much about styling our kitchens, much less about how to style dishes, pantry essentials, and other items needed and loved. Then again, these spaces were largely hidden away, so it was relatively easy to hide everything behind closed doors. With more focus on organization and the rising popularity of open shelving, styling this space has not only become an area of interest, but also a needed area of consideration. Gerard Construction has the tips and tricks you need to make this space look great.

1. Consider shelving. The first step to styling open shelving is in the design plan from the start. You want to consider how much open shelving you want. We recommend keeping some space whether traditional upper cabinets, extra storage downlow, or additional allotment in your pantry for items that simply don’t work when exposed. From there, consider your overall style for the dimensions, materials, and quantity used for your shelves.

2. Par down. Like the point above, there are items that simply don’t work on open shelving. A full set of plastic cups your kids love to use that are left over from their favorite movie may not be the best choice for display. Every single coffee mug you have collected on your travels may feel overwhelming for your space. By being choosey, you can pick the best items to display and contribute to your overall design with this selection. You can also consider rotating through different favorite items that are easily accessible elsewhere, giving your look a refresh every once in a while.

3. Mix and match. To help the eye travel around the space, you should mix and match items, textures, and colors, to a certain degree. Don’t just place dishes on the shelves and call it a day – display your most beloved cookbooks and vases that compliment your dishes and paint color. Frame artwork in a similar wood to a nice cutting board and pizza peel to add height and interest. Plants and a simple veggie bowl bring in natural elements that are key to many design plans.

4. Have a hierarchy. Items you use most frequently should be most accessible on lower shelves. Additionally, you want to avoid stacking too much, even if they are all the same type of dish. Your shelving won’t help you if you pull everything down and break multiple items on a daily basis.

5. Size it up. Don’t be afraid to adjust and tweak a bit in your first few days of unpacking. Start with larger items and arrange from there. If you like a combination, but want to try something else, take a picture on your phone so you can refer back later. Play with the spacing and overlapping of items as well.

6. Bonus shelving. The space on your counter should be designed and styled to the same degree. Use this space effectively with the same types of items, dishes, and decor so the space looks cohesive. This can be a great place for larger items too, like your stand mixer or larger decorative containers of frequently used pantry items.

If you already have open shelving, enjoy spending the weekend designing to your heart’s delight. If you are considering a renovation and want to include open shelving in your design, for your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or some other space, let our Gerard Construction team know. We can help build out your perfect space in an existing home or help you start from scratch, contact us today.