That is the question.
Famed blogger and designer Erika McPherson of Urban Grace designed this kitchen for her best friend Marla (who also happens to be a very talented photographer). When I read Marla's post relaying the details of the furnishings, she mentioned that the original plans included upper cabinets, but because of costs, they put in open shelves instead. I know this is a big trend right now and will probably fade in a few years, but I love this look. Think of all the money we spend on beautiful dishes, and serving platters, and charming drinking glasses from Anthropologie, only to hide them away behind a door. Open shelves offer the perfect opportunity to make the kitchen even more beautiful by displaying your stacks of white every day dishes and rows of wine glasses. I even considered taking the doors off the upper cabinets at my place, but this old apartment might be the dustiest place on earth, so that would not have ended well.
What are your thoughts on open shelves?
photos via Urban Grace
I absolutely LOVE open shelving. It creates a casual look in the kitchen which I really like!
ReplyDeleteI love open shelving. If you look at old photos of kitchens, they often included open shelving even in homes that could afford it. We're doing it in our galley b/c it makes it feel less claustrophobic. I think for aesthetic and function, it won't go away. I can't imagine covering up that beautiful brick with real cabinetry!
ReplyDeletelove love it, and i love open shelves too, its just a shame that London has such a avast amount of dust, like no kidding!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite kitchens I've seen :)
ReplyDeleteI love the open shelving concept. I'm a kitchen designer and I try to veer every one of my client's into this direction. Have yet to succeed though!
ReplyDeleteThis is probably the closest thing to my dream kitchen, LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI had it in my last apartment and loved it -- it forced me to keep everything clean and organized!
ReplyDeleteLove the look but opt for glass front cabinets.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I agree that this is a beautiful look for displaying gorgeous dishware. Not so gorgeous dishes, on the other hand...probably should stay behind closed doors. Probably. LOL
ReplyDeleteI love this look. I can't imagine covering those gorgeous walls with cabinets. I am also a fan of the monochromatic/varied texture combo with dinnerware/dishes. It lets you be eclectic but still matchy.
ReplyDelete:)
I LOVE that kitchen. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI would want cabinets but only because I wouldn't want to have to dust those shelves. That might drive me crazy.
I love open shelving but only for things you use quite often. I hate dust and dust in the kitchen is awful. For every day plates and bowls and mugs, I think it's a great idea.
ReplyDelete- agata.
Open please. That kitchen is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love the open shelves....they just feel more homey and make for a cozy kitchen!
ReplyDeleteI am SUCH a fan of open shelvings, but Helena said it: London is like dust central I swear! (Great inspirational images here - thanks!)
ReplyDeleteI love the look of open shelving, but with CA earthquakes- I just don't think I could do it. But that kitchen is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of open shelves. They feel unstudied and casual and light--and old kitchens really didn't have upper cabinets, so maybe this trend really is timeless! What a beautiful kitchen. Dying over that brick.
ReplyDeleteOpen. Absolutely.
ReplyDeleteThis kitchen is perfection.
I love the look, but if I could, I wouldn't have any open storage in my kitchen. I use the space above my cabinets for storage and have a few shelves and they just get so dusty. Either you'd have to clean or dust all of your dishes weekly or just before using. Neither option interests me!
ReplyDeleteI love this room!! Gorgeous. I don't think I could handle open shelves, though. When I get stressed out I like to clean and put everything away and out of sight.
ReplyDeleteWe Love them. But feel they have to be very organized.
ReplyDelete