Organizing

How To Achieve Gorgeously Organized Open Kitchen Shelves

Avoid clutter and create an eye-catching display

Photography: Michael Angelo Chua and Kurt Alvarez/ACME Visual Productions (Main Photos)

Gone are the days when homeowners simply stick to cabinets, drawers, and bins when storing essentials in the kitchen. Nowadays, niches, open shelves, and perfectly concealed pantries have taken over cooking areas. Those who wish to have a bright and homey kitchen explore the many ways of incorporating open shelving into their space. Going for these shelves seems like a good option if you want to maximize the available vertical space while keeping your supplies within reach.


However, not regularly cleaning and organizing these storage nooks may result in an eyesore. “Open shelves are meant to store items and at the same time, display them. Avoid stacking your items and space them out evenly for a more organized and aesthetically pleasing look,” shares interior designer Peaches de Guzman-Grey. Achieve an IG-worthy shelf in your cooking area with these handy hints.

Watch the full video here:

Arrange your items according to need and not by item.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

How often do you use condiments and other powdered ingredients? If you use these on a daily basis, make sure these are placed in front. “We do three things in the kitchen: prepare, cook, and serve. It is best to zone out your shelves according to these categories,” shares Peaches.

Depending on the number of shelves you have, you can allot one compartment for each task, this way you know where to get and return the items you used. You can also place the essentials you often use on the lowest shelf for convenience.


Avoid placing everything in one shelf.

One cause of clutter is not having enough storage for your belongings. Given the number of shelves you have, pick the ones you need to be on display. Keep boxes of cereals, condiment bottles, and canned goods in your pantry. Regularly check your shelves for expired items and things you don’t often use. Utensils, small boxes, and other catchalls can be kept inside drawers and cabinets.

CONTINUE READING BELOW
watch now

Consider displaying big items.

“Too many small items look insignificant and cluttered,” says the designer. Big jars, small appliances, and pretty plates can liven up your shelves. Powdered ingredients like flour, sugar, and grains can be kept in mason jars and displayed on your shelf. Other small items can be placed in mini woven baskets which you can also showcase as part of a vignette.


Opt for a simple color palette.

Depending on the look of your cooking area, your shelves need to keep within the theme. “You can stick with white or clear glass,” Peaches suggests. As an option, you can also explore the wonders of wooden shelves. You can have slim ledges and open shelves alternating with your cabinets—the former allows you to showcase pictures and books while the latter lets you display some of your favorite small appliances—as seen in one of our featured homes above.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

For an industrial look, you can work with wood, metal, and pipes. These materials can be used in crafting unique shelves for your space.

Follow @dekko.ph on Instagram to get started on your customized shelf.

Treat your shelf like a gallery.

Don’t just fill your shelves with food items, jars, and bins as you can use it to showcase photos of your favorite dish, a framed recipe, and other accents. Paintings, prints, and collections can add character to your cooking nook and make it more personalized.


Don’t forget to put things back where they belong.

Breeze through tasks by knowing where to find what you need. If you group your items by task or category, you can get things done faster, plus returning each to its original spot will be easier as well. Regularly dust your shelf and make sure everything’s in order to avoid a cluttered look.

For inquiries and additional questions, you can get in touch with interior designer Peaches de Guzman-Grey through e-mail at designsgrey[at]gmail.com or mobile at (0920) 928-0508.

More on Realliving.com.ph

Shares

Read more stories about

Latest Stories

3 Ways to Cool Down Your Home, According to Architect Oliver Austria

Bring the heat down with these useful tips.

5 Budget-Friendly Makeover Tips To Revamp Your Tiny Home

Discover 5 budget-friendly tips from expert architects Richard Manlulu Garcia and Gianne Borlongan.

Wooden Finishes Transform This Condo Into the Ultimate Bachelor’s Pad

The owner requested for “a modern design with dark wood accents.”

10 Wallet-Friendly Smart Devices for Your Home

Let's make life easier when we can.

Mid-Century Meets Tropical in this Sprawling Resort-Like Home in Calamba

It is located at the foothills of Mt. Makiling and surrounded by lush greenery.

This 150sqm Family Home in Bacolod is the Perfect Blend of Luxurious and Homey

This hotel-like space has dark colors, ultra-modern elements, and more.

5 Container Home Building Essentials for First-Time Builders

Top 5 essentials for building a container home with expert architects Richard Manlulu Garcia and Gianne Borlongan.

Learn About Homebuilding From the Experts: Here Comes RealLiving Masterclass!

Get the best design advice from two of the country's top architects.

This 24 Sqm Condo Unit Was Transformed Into a Stylish Home for a Family of 5

Learn more about how an interior design studio utilized the space's small footprint with a P350,000 budget.

Want to Learn How to Decorate a Small Space? Check Out This 54sqm Condo

This Pasay City condo highlights lots of small-space hacks you'll want to see.
Load More Stories