Are you struggling with styling your open shelves? Balancing practicality with aesthetic appeal can transform your space into a functional and visually captivating area. Follow these steps to master open shelf styling. I used these steps to style my sister’s gorgeous kitchen.
1. Prioritize Functionality
When styling your open shelves, start by organizing essential items. In this kitchen, my sister wanted glassware, coffee mugs and cutting boards accessible.
- Group Similar Items: Arrange the essential items (in here – cutting boards, glassware, and coffee mugs) together. Grouping similar items ensures easy access and a neat appearance.
- Mix Materials: Combine different materials such as wood (cutting boards, wooden bowls), glass, and ceramics. Avoid overloading on one material to maintain visual interest.
- Place the Essentials on the shelves: Put them on the shelves in their groupings and then you can start to style around them.
2. Fill in with Height and Visual Interest
After organizing functional items, enhance your shelves with elements that add height and visual interest:
- Vary Heights: Use items of different heights to create a balanced look. Place a stack of cutting boards at one end and a taller vase or decorative container at the other.
- Incorporate Visual Layers: Break visual monotony with decorative pieces like ceramic bowls, stylish pitchers, or art. Lean cookbooks against the wall to introduce color and depth.
3. Bring Life with Plants and Flowers
Incorporating greenery or flowers can make your shelves more vibrant and inviting:
- Choose Low-Maintenance Plants: Opt for herbs like basil or small succulents. These add a touch of nature and are practical for cooking.
- Use Attractive Planters: Select planters that complement your material palette for a cohesive look.
- Seasonal Flowers: A vase of fresh flowers can add color and elegance, serving as a focal point.
4. Incorporate Ambient Lighting
Lighting is key to highlighting your shelves and creating a warm atmosphere:
- Install Sconces: Place sconces above the shelves to provide focused lighting. Adjustable sconces can direct light to accentuate your display.
- Add a Lamp: A strategically placed lamp adds warmth and additional illumination for tasks near the shelves.
5. Styling Items CAN BE Affordable
If you have heirlooms, vintage finds, anything you love to use – STYLE WITH THEM! Some of the top shelf ceramics are treasured pieces my sister has collected. BUT in her case, most of the shelf styling is from Target. You can shop the items here:
Conclusion
Styling open shelves is all about balancing functionality with visual appeal. By organizing essential items, incorporating varied materials, and adding height and interest, you can create a display that is both practical and stylish. And don’t forget to enhance your display with ambient lighting!
For more styling tips and more beautiful content/DIY + affordable tips, follow me on Instagram.
xo, Kristin
PHOTO CREDIT: Kate Wichlinski
HOME: Megan Conway (my sister, co-designer of this kitchen, and realtor extraordinaire)
