Open Shelving in Kitchens: Pros, Cons & Design Tips
HANNAH A · MAY 23, 2025
The Appeal of Open Shelving
Open shelving offers a sense of lightness and openness that closed cabinetry often lacks. In Spanish and organic modern kitchens, it creates opportunities to display beautiful ceramics, glassware, and natural materials—enhancing the architectural texture of the room. It’s a way to infuse character into your kitchen while keeping it visually accessible and inviting. Shelves can be styled to echo your home’s story, showing off handmade dishware, vintage finds, or earthy pottery, adding to the lived-in warmth that defines many ENE Builders projects.
Things to Consider Before You Commit
While open shelving can make a kitchen feel larger and more curated, it also requires a certain level of upkeep. Because everything is exposed, shelves must be regularly dusted and styled. Everyday items need to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This setup works well for homeowners who value organization and minimalism, but it may not be ideal for those who prefer to store less attractive essentials out of sight. Consider how much open space you’re comfortable managing and whether you’ll realistically keep those shelves styled in a way that complements your kitchen’s design.
Design Tips from the ENE Team
When integrating open shelving, placement and materials are key. We often recommend pairing open shelving with upper cabinetry to maintain storage flexibility. For Spanish-style kitchens, consider rustic wood shelves with wrought iron brackets for a classic, earthy vibe. In organic modern kitchens, floating shelves in natural oak or walnut create a sleek, serene atmosphere. No matter your aesthetic, try to keep your shelving symmetrical and aligned with natural focal points like windows, ranges, or sinks. Layer items in varying heights and textures to add dimension, but avoid overcrowding. Less is more when it comes to a clean, elevated look.
Final Thoughts
Open shelving isn’t just a trend—it’s a design choice that can enhance the beauty and functionality of your kitchen when done thoughtfully. At ENE Builders, we work closely with clients to understand their lifestyle, storage needs, and stylistic preferences before suggesting open shelving or any major layout feature. If you’re dreaming of a kitchen that feels both curated and livable, this design element might be the perfect fit.
Ready to bring your kitchen vision to life? Let ENE Builders help you design a space where form meets function—with or without open shelving.
Contact us today for a consultation and let us show you how we can transform your vision into a space you will love.
ENE BUILDERS | LA + OC Remodeling
Family owned affordable design+build firm
Specializing in Spanish revival , Modern Mediterranean Organic Design
From A-Z: Architecture | Design | General Contractor | Showroom Details obsessed + Planning perfection
