Open shelving is one of the hottest trends in kitchen design—and for good reason. Not only does it add a touch of personality, but it also keeps your favorite items within easy reach. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to style open shelves in your kitchen so it looks curated, not cluttered.
1. How to Style Open Shelves: Start Fresh
Before diving into how to style open shelves in your kitchen, take everything down and give the shelves a thorough clean. This is your chance to reset and rethink how you want the space to feel. Once the shelves are spotless, take a moment to declutter. Donate or store away items you rarely use.
2. How to Mix Style and Function on Open Kitchen Shelves
The secret to stylish open shelves? Finding a balance between practical and pretty. Stack everyday plates and bowls alongside decorative items like small plants, framed prints, or a few well-chosen cookbooks. Items you use daily should be within arm’s reach, while decorative pieces can add a sense of personality and warmth. 
3. Create Depth: Layering Open Shelves in Your Kitchen
How to style open shelves in your kitchen without it feeling flat? Use a mix of heights and layer objects to create dimension. Place taller items like pitchers or vases at the back and shorter items in front. You can also lean art prints or cutting boards against the wall for an effortless, lived-in vibe.
4. Choosing a Color Palette for Open Shelves
Too many clashing colors can make even the most organized shelves feel chaotic. Try to stick to a color palette of two to three complementary shades. Neutrals with a pop of green from herbs or plants often work well. A consistent palette ties everything together and makes the display feel intentional.
5. Organize with Baskets and Jars on Open Kitchen Shelves
For those not-so-pretty essentials (like coffee filters or snacks), use matching baskets, bins, or glass jars. This keeps your shelves neat while still showing off your organizational skills. Transparent containers are also great for keeping things visible yet tidy.
6. Seasonal Styling Tips for Open Shelves
One of the best parts of open shelving is how easy it is to refresh. Update your shelves with seasonal touches—think pumpkins and warm tones for fall or fresh florals and pastel ceramics in spring. It’s a low-effort way to keep your kitchen feeling new year-round.
7. Keep Open Shelves Minimal and Clutter-Free
Last but not least, give your items room to breathe. Negative space is your friend. It helps highlight what you do have and prevents your kitchen from looking busy or chaotic. Remember: less is often more.
Now that you know how to style open shelves in your kitchen, go ahead and play around with it. It might take a few tries to get the look you love, and that’s okay.
With a little creativity and intention, your shelves can become one of your kitchen’s most charming features.