When you remodel your kitchen, the number of design choices can feel overwhelming. From countertops and flooring to backsplashes and hardware, every detail plays a role in creating your dream space. One of the most important and most debated involves your storage: should you choose open shelving or traditional cabinets? With so many kitchen cabinet trends out there, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons to determine which option works best for your home, style, and life.
5 Factors to Consider When Deciding Between Open Shelving & Traditional Cabinets
When choosing between open shelving and traditional cabinets, it’s important to look beyond the latest kitchen cabinet trends and think about what will work best for your home. Each option has its own advantages, challenges, and style considerations. By thinking about factors such as lighting, kitchen size, and space, you can make a choice that balances both function and design. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Lighting and Atmosphere
Lighting plays a major role in how your kitchen looks and feels. Open shelving creates a more airy, spacious look by allowing light to flow through the room. This can be especially effective in smaller kitchens or areas that don’t get a lot of natural light.
Cabinets, on the other hand, can make the space feel more structured and traditional since darker cabinet finishes absorb more light. If you want to keep things bright, combining open shelving with lighter cabinet finishes can strike an ideal balance.
2. Kitchen Size and Space
When considering various cabinet trends, the size of your kitchen should also influence your decision. Open shelves can give a small kitchen the illusion of more space, making it seem larger than it is. Yet, it can also limit storage. Meanwhile, cabinets provide valuable hidden storage that’s essential in larger households with more items to organize.
3. Aesthetic and Style Preferences
Your design aesthetic is key when it comes to deciding which kitchen cabinet trends to incorporate into your space.
- Open shelving lends itself well to modern, farmhouse, and eclectic kitchen styles, where displaying everyday dishes or decorative items becomes part of the look.
- Traditional cabinets work best for timeless, classic designs and for homeowners who prefer a clean, uncluttered appearance.
Ultimately, the question comes down to whether you want your kitchen to feel more “styled” with visible displays or “streamlined” with everything hidden away.
4. Lifestyle and Maintenance
Think realistically about your lifestyle. Open shelving requires a commitment to organization and cleaning since items are exposed to dust and grease. If you don’t mind frequent dusting and enjoy styling dishes, cookbooks, or décor – or changing out items during certain holidays and seasons – shelving may be a great fit.
Minimalists also often find open shelving ideal because it encourages simplicity and keeping only what you love and use daily. However, for busy families who juggle work, school, and activities, the upkeep may feel overwhelming.
Cabinets, on the other hand, work well for households that cook frequently or need to maximize storage space. With enclosed storage, you can easily stow away bulk ingredients, small appliances, and everyday clutter, keeping your kitchen looking clean and organized. Cabinets also make sense if you prefer a more classic look and don’t want to worry about constantly maintaining styled shelves.
5. Functionality and Other Considerations
Beyond looks, functionality is key. Cabinets offer more storage overall, including space for larger items like small appliances or pantry goods. Open shelving can feel limited if you rely heavily on storage. However, shelves can be perfect for items you reach for daily, like plates, glasses, or coffee mugs, since they’re easy to grab without opening doors. You’ll also want to consider safety. Open shelves aren’t always ideal for households with young children.
Blending the Best of Both Kitchen Cabinet Trends
The good news is that you don’t have to choose one option exclusively. Many homeowners are embracing the best of both worlds by using cabinets for most of the kitchen and incorporating open shelving as an accent feature.
One popular kitchen cabinet trend is to install open shelves on a single wall, such as above a sink, next to a window, or in a corner space that might otherwise feel closed in. This allows you to highlight decorative items, store everyday essentials, or display heirlooms while still relying on cabinets for the bulk of your storage needs. The combination also creates visual interest, adds personality, and allows you to experiment with this kitchen cabinet trend without sacrificing practicality.
How N-Hance Can Transform Your Kitchen
No matter which direction you lean, whether it’s open shelving, traditional cabinets, or a mix of both, N-Hance® can help you achieve the perfect look for your kitchen. Our team offers design guidance to help you navigate today’s kitchen cabinet trends. From choosing the right finishes to deciding where open shelving makes the most impact, our designers will work with you to create a space that balances both beauty and function.
We then bring your vision to life through services, which includes:
- Cabinet refacing – Update the style of your cabinets without the need for a full cabinet replacement.
- Cabinet refinishing and repainting – Breathe new life into your existing cabinetry with fresh finishes and colors.
- Custom open shelving – Add character and functionality with well-designed shelves that complement your kitchen.
- Interior storage solutions – Upgrade the inside of your cabinets with pull-outs, organizers, and more.
- Accenting and hardware – Elevate your cabinetry with custom touches such as glazing, torching, new knobs, pulls, and other accessories.
- Crown molding and trim details – Add finishing touches that make your kitchen feel elevated and complete.
At N-Hance, we believe your kitchen should reflect your personality and suit your lifestyle. Whether you want the timeless elegance of cabinets, the modern charm of open shelving, or a combination of both, our team will guide you through every step of the process and help you embrace the latest kitchen cabinet trends. As a result, you’ll get a look that’s tailored to your unique needs, ensuring your kitchen feels fresh, stylish, and completely your own.
Ready to explore the latest kitchen cabinet trends? Call your local N-Hance at (855) 642-6230 for a FREE consultation and discover how our custom solutions can transform your kitchen.