Open concept came into massive popularity many years ago now when home renovation shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition stared building massive homes with giant kitchen/living room/dining room/foyer open spaces for everyone to see and get obsessed with on television. The open concept idea has not faded in popularity even though there may be a slight return to divided space and privacy in recent building trends. In this blog, we discuss the trend of open concept shelving in the kitchen and 5 things to consider before choosing open shelves versus closed cabinets.
Cheaper to Install
This type of shelving can be a #DIY builder’s dream because almost anyone can install open concept shelving with little knowledge or by watching a few Youtube videos. Installation can also be done faster if you’re doing it yourself without the need for multiple workers helping to align big cabinets or hold them in place while the screws go in.
No Place to Hide
If open concept is your final decision, prepare to continuously display your plates, glassware, pots, pans, and anything else that would otherwise be nicely hidden behind cabinet doors. No more option to get lazy and employ the out-of-sight-out-of-mind cleaning tactic – everyone can always see everything.
Keeping Up with Trends
If you are someone who likes to stay current, and keep up with trends, open concept shelving in your kitchen will insist that your dinnerware matches, is up to date, is not mis-matched, and that your wine glasses are the same size, trendy, and not shoved in the cabinet without care. Everyone can see what you’re using in your kitchen, so you must make sure it looks nice and up to date.
Hard to Light
Having odd shaped object like glasses and plates on display becomes a bit of lighting fiasco in the kitchen. Unlike pot lights that are meant to light the space in your kitchen and give a general lighting source, having open shelves means you have to find a solution to properly and deliberately light the items on your shelves unless you’re okay with ugly shadows on the walls of your kitchen.
Collects Dust
A new problem you will have if you opt for open shelves instead of remodeling your kitchen with classic kitchen cabinets is the brand new need to dust your plates, cups, glasses, pots, and pans. Open shelves don’t keep your kitchenware safe from the dust floating around your house.
Although open concept shelving is cheaper and easier to install, overall, it is more work, less classic, and less functional than cabinets for your kitchen remodel. Visit us online or get in touch for a free in-home consultation about Kitchen Remodeling today.
