10 Open Kitchen Cabinet Ideas That Transform Small Spaces: How I Learned to Love (and Design) Open Kitchen Cabinets

Once, a client told me she wanted her kitchen to “look like a cozy bookstore, but still cook-worthy.” At first, I thought she was joking — until I realized she meant open shelves and cabinets filled with colorful plates, cookbooks, and little potted herbs. That project taught me one simple truth: small spaces push you to think bigger and bolder. So today, I’m sharing my take on 10 open kitchen cabinet ideas that can take your kitchen from cramped to charming.

1. Mix Open and Closed Cabinets

I often blend open upper shelves with sleek lower cabinets to balance display and storage. It lets you show off the pretty stuff while hiding the chaos. I once used a room planner to test the balance before committing—it saved a lot of headaches later.

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2. Color-Coordinated Displays

Grouping plates, mugs, or jars by color makes the open cabinets look intentional instead of messy. It’s like curating a mini art gallery in your kitchen—and yes, it means your turquoise mug finally gets the appreciation it deserves.

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3. Glass Front Doors

Technically not fully open, but glass panels keep dust out while keeping the airy feel. It’s my go-to for clients who are reluctant to ditch doors entirely.

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4. Floating Shelves Above Counters

Perfect for displaying daily-use items like coffee cups and bowls. Just a friendly tip: keep the stuff you actually use often in easy reach, or you’ll end up climbing counters every morning.

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5. Rustic Wood Shelving

Warm wood tones instantly make a kitchen feel cozy. They pair beautifully with white backsplashes or colorful tiles—but do keep in mind that wood needs occasional TLC to look fresh.

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6. Minimalist White on White

An all-white open shelving scheme can make even the tightest galley kitchen feel bigger. I used a free floor plan creator to visualize how it would work in a narrow space, and it proved that clean lines really do stretch the eye.

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7. Built-In Lighting

Adding LED strips under open shelves not only spotlights your prettiest dishes but also adds a soft ambient glow at night.

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8. Mix Materials

Combining metal brackets with wood shelves or marble with brass accents can add depth and charm. The trick is to keep it to 2–3 materials max, or it starts to look like a hardware store exploded.

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9. Corner Open Shelving

Don’t ignore awkward corners—open shelving there can be perfect for plants or cookbooks. I planned one using a kitchen layout planner and it turned a dead spot into the kitchen’s most Instagrammable nook.

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10. Seasonal Styling

Here’s the fun part—swap out displays by season. Fresh lemons in summer, dried flowers in autumn. It keeps your kitchen feeling alive and ever-changing without a full renovation.

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FAQ

Q1: Are open kitchen cabinets practical?

Yes, if you maintain them regularly. They work best for items you use often, which helps avoid dust build-up.

Q2: How do I keep open shelving organized?

Group items by color, height, or function. Use matching containers to create consistency.

Q3: Do open cabinets collect more dust?

They can, but frequent use and occasional cleaning keep it manageable. According to Good Housekeeping, dusting every 2–3 weeks is ideal.

Q4: Can open shelves work in small kitchens?

Absolutely—they can make a small space feel bigger by eliminating heavy cabinet doors.

Q5: What’s the best material for open kitchen cabinets?

Wood is warm and classic, while metal and glass are modern and easy to clean.

Q6: Should I add lighting to open cabinets?

Yes, LED strips or puck lights make displays pop and provide additional task lighting.

Q7: Can open shelving increase home value?

It depends—if styled well and practical, it can enhance the kitchen’s appeal for potential buyers.

Q8: How do I stop clutter on open kitchen cabinets?

Be intentional: only display what you love or use daily. Store the rest behind closed doors or drawers.