Instead of aimlessly stacking your shelves with the entire kitchen cabinet, Emerie Forehand, interior designer at Decorist, explains the elements that create a highly-curated kitchen aesthetic. “Function is key for your open shelving,” Forehand said. “I like to use items that they use everyday, like their plates, glassware, and coffee cups—that way, they’re easier to grab and unload from their dishwasher.” After placing tableware on the shelves, Forehand suggests using decorative filler items, like fresh potted herbs like mint and rosemary to add greenery (and flavor to your cooking), tea canisters, and mixing bowls. To play with layers and heights, Forehand recommends stacking cookbooks, leaning wood cutting boards behind bowls, and filling white space with art prints, vintage kitchenware, or sculptures. As for what products to avoid putting on your shelves, Forehand warns against placing kitchen gadgets, small appliances, and any plastics on open shelves.
