How to Style Open Shelving in a Kitchen (+ secret ingredients )

Styling open shelving in your kitchen can be both fun and stress-free when you know how to pick and arrange the right items. Whether you’re looking to display practical pieces or add a touch of personal flair, open shelving provides endless possibilities. Below are some expert tips to help you create a visually appealing and functional space using open shelving, kitchen shelf walls, kitchen shelf cabinets, and other shelf types.

1. Pair Practical and Pretty Items

When it comes to decorating your kitchen shelves wall or wooden wall shelves, one effective strategy is to combine practical and pretty items. The items you choose should serve a functional purpose in your kitchen. For instance, you could display a stack of plates, a set of pitchers, or even baskets that you frequently use. These practical items not only make your life easier but also add a decorative touch to your kitchen.

Imagine a set of white plates stacked neatly on your white wall shelves or a collection of colorful pitchers placed on your brass shelves. These everyday items, when thoughtfully arranged, can enhance the overall look of your kitchen while still being within arm’s reach for daily use.

2. Set the Mood with a Color Palette

Another key to styling your open shelf is setting the mood with a well-chosen color palette. A cohesive color scheme can tie together all the elements on your shelves, making them look intentional and streamlined. Start by defining the overall mood or theme you want to achieve—whether it’s serene, colorful, or rustic—and select colors and textures that align with that mood.

For example, a serene theme could include shades of blue and green paired with light wood tones and white accents. If you want to add a bit of contrast, consider incorporating small pops of color like red or yellow. Using a consistent color palette across your kitchen shelves and cabinets will create a harmonious look that enhances the entire room.

One formula I frequently use is:

– A few shades of two main colors

– A wood-tone

– A white tone

– A metal tone

In my kitchen, I’ve used shades of blue and green on the top two shelves of my wood wall shelves. To keep the look cohesive, I added mid-tone wood accents and white dishes, with small touches of red and yellow throughout the display. This approach allows you to create a balanced and visually appealing look that reflects your style.

3. Use Unmatched and Unexpected Items

Styling your kitchen shelves and walls doesn’t mean everything has to match perfectly. Using unmatched or unexpected items can make your shelves more interesting and unique. Mixing pieces that don’t necessarily match—like a vintage fishing basket or a set of eclectic mugs—adds character and makes it easier to refresh the look of your shelves over time.

You don’t have to limit yourself to just kitchen-related items, either. Feel free to incorporate various collected or vintage pieces, interesting textures, plants, books, or even faux or real organic elements like flowers, vegetables, or plant stems. A few well-placed items can turn your open shelf into a focal point of your kitchen.

The beauty of using mismatched items lies in their ability to create a cohesive look despite their differences. As long as they contribute to the overall mood and color palette you’ve chosen, they’ll work together to create a visually pleasing display.

 4. Blend a Mix of Sizes and Shapes

To add visual interest to your metal kitchen rack or tall bookcase, it’s essential to blend a variety of sizes and shapes. Round, cylindrical, rectangular, and even spikey or feathery shapes can all work together to create a dynamic and engaging display.

Avoid overcrowding your shelves with too many small items, as this can make the space feel cluttered. However, incorporating a few small pieces can add detail and make the overall arrangement feel more natural and curated. For instance, a small vase of flowers can add a delicate touch to your art shelf without overwhelming the space.

When blending sizes and shapes, think about how each item contributes to the overall composition. Larger items like serving platters or large cookbooks can anchor the display, while smaller items like candles or small plants can add layers of detail.

5. Pair, Lean, and Layer for Cohesion

One of the best techniques to make mismatched pieces look intentional is by pairing, leaning, and layering them on your kitchen shelf cabinet. Start by placing larger items at the back, and leaning them against the wall. This could be a piece of artwork, a large plate, or even a framed recipe. Once your larger items are in place, layer smaller pieces in front of them to create depth and interest.

Pairing items of different heights and sizes will create a balanced look. For example, you might pair a tall vase with a shorter stack of books or a small potted plant. Grouping items in sets of three is another effective way to create a cohesive and visually appealing display.

Combining different textures and colors also plays a significant role in this technique. For example, a woven basket filled with apples placed in front of a sleek metal vase creates a beautiful contrast that adds both style and function to your brass shelves.

 6. Step Back and Review

Once you’ve arranged your wooden wall shelves or shelf art, take a step back and review the overall look. Does it feel natural and pleasing? Consider how the shelves look as part of the entire room, not just as a standalone element. If the display feels too cluttered or lacks interest, don’t be afraid to nudge items around, add new pieces, or remove anything that feels out of place.

It’s important to remember that styling your shelves is a process, and it’s okay to make adjustments as you go. The goal is to create a display that feels balanced, intentional, and reflective of your style.