The latest trend in kitchen cabinets? Surprise! It’s no cabinets at all. Rather than traditional cupboards, kitchen designers are now frequently suggesting open shelving. A second option growing in popularity is glass-front cabinets. Check out the pros and cons of each before deciding on your new kitchen.
Trends in open shelves
Forgoing cabinets and installing open shelving creates additional space and an open feeling, while still offering good storage. A big bonus is that shelves cost significantly less than cabinets. Choose from a variety of different finishes, including wood, glass, and metal. Now for the downsides. Organization is a must. To keep your shelves looking stylish and neat, display different items in a single color or group items using a common type of container. Using one color or material will unify your items to create a more attractive look. Another drawback is the dust and kitchen grime that will settle on your kitchen items and shelving.
Glass-front cabinets
If you want your kitchen to feel light and open, but don’t want to deal with dusty and dirty items, glass fronts may be a good choice. Clear, frosted, or patterned glass are all options. Adding lights inside the cabinets will enhance your kitchen’s brightness. Add pops of color by displaying brightly colored dishes inside them. Glass fronts do come with drawbacks, however. First and foremost, they won’t hide a mess. And second, they will show fingerprints and smudges more than traditional doors. Also, they’re breakable, so they may not be a great choice for families with young children. A single row of glass cabinet doors above traditional cabinets is a great compromise.
Traditional cabinets
While this classic option may seem like a predictable (if not slightly boring) choice for your kitchen, it does offer some key benefits. The solid doors do a great job at hiding messes. Traditional cabinetry takes up a lot of visual space, which may make your kitchen feel smaller and darker. Overcome this by mixing traditional cabinets with a few strategically placed open shelves and glass-front cupboards, breaking up the space and adding interest.
Related – Decorating Trends: Kitchen Cabinets with Color!
