The kitchen is a busy hub in the household where various activities take place, such as hosting gatherings, cooking, and cleaning. As a result, the design and organization of the kitchen can significantly impact your daily life, more than you might realize. I came to understand this firsthand when I moved into a home with a kitchen design detail that I grew to dislike over time: open shelving – a popular modern trend.
Initially, open shelving may seem appealing, especially in small kitchen spaces to create a sense of openness. They can be styled in a visually pleasing way, showcasing your favorite glassware and plates. While I appreciated the aesthetics, I soon discovered a major downside – the accumulation of dust. Open shelving attracted more dust than any other design feature I had experienced, leading to increased cleaning and maintenance efforts.
As the preference for traditional cabinetry over open shelving resurges, I am relieved to have eliminated open shelving from my kitchen. Here are the reasons why I prefer closed cabinetry:
1. Dust Buildup: Open shelves gather dust quickly, requiring frequent cleaning by removing items to wipe away dust thoroughly.
2. Hygiene Concerns: Items displayed on open shelves collect dust faster, necessitating rinsing glassware and wiping plates before use.
3. Pre-Hosting Prep: Extra time is needed to ensure items on open shelves are dust-free before hosting guests.
4. Proximity to Stovetop: Open shelving near the stovetop can attract grease and humidity, making dust cling more stubbornly to glassware.
Instead of open shelving, consider the following alternatives:
1. Glass-Paneled Cabinets: Switch solid cabinet doors for glass panels to maintain a visually open look without the dust concerns.
2. Place Open Shelving Elsewhere: Display specialty items in areas like a wet bar or dining room instead of the main kitchen space to avoid constant dusting of everyday items.
By choosing alternatives to open shelving, you can achieve a visually appealing kitchen without the drawbacks of constant maintenance and hygiene issues.
The hustle and bustle of the kitchen can also help mitigate any dust-collecting humidity. Related: 40 Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Ideas To Revamp Your Cabinetry. What People Think About Open Shelving. Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cox. 5 Old-School Kitchen Trends That Made A Comeback This Year, According To Designers. Trends may become dated after some time, but they always make their way back to the beginning of the cycle eventually, such as closed cabinetry. The 7 Biggest Small Kitchen Decorating Mistakes. Some designers recommend open, or partly open, shelving as a way to make your ceilings appear taller while also taking up less space. Open Shelving Is The Trick To Kitchen Design On A Budget. Moreover, if you are lacking enough cabinetry as it is, open shelves are easier and cheaper to install than traditional cabinetry. However, keep in mind the durability and ease of cleaning when making the choice. Read the original article on Southern Living.
