When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, storage is one of the most important considerations. It’s where function meets style, and nothing reflects that balance more than the choice between open shelving and closed cabinets. Both have unique advantages, and the right option often depends on your lifestyle, design preferences, and the overall feel you want to create in your kitchen.
At Modern Day Solutions, we’ve helped homeowners across Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Niagara Falls design kitchens that reflect their personality while delivering everyday functionality. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of open shelving and closed cabinets so you can make an informed, confident choice for your renovation.
Open Shelving: Style Meets Simplicity
Open shelving is one of the most talked-about trends in kitchen design, and for good reason. It brings a sense of openness and airiness to your space, creates opportunities for personalization, and helps break up the monotony of traditional cabinetry.
1. Creates a Light, Airy Look
One of the most noticeable benefits of open shelving is how it visually expands your kitchen. Without the bulk of cabinet doors, walls feel more open, and smaller kitchens, in particular, benefit from the illusion of added space.
If your kitchen feels cramped or boxed in, removing upper cabinets and replacing them with shelves can be a game-changer.
2. Keeps Everyday Items Within Reach
Open shelves are ideal for storing dishes, glasses, bowls, or your most-used cooking ingredients. There’s no need to open and close doors — everything you need is visible and within easy reach. This can be especially helpful when cooking or entertaining.
3. A Canvas for Personal Style
From curated dishware to plants, vintage mugs to stacked cookbooks, open shelves give you a chance to showcase what makes your home unique. They turn storage into décor, blending practicality with personality.
You can style them seasonally or change them as your taste evolves, creating a dynamic and ever-refreshing look.
4. Budget-Friendly Option
In many cases, open shelving is more affordable than closed cabinetry. Fewer materials and simpler installation mean savings you can put toward upgraded countertops, lighting, or appliances.
Closed Cabinets: Classic, Clean, and Clutter-Free
While open shelving has its appeal, closed cabinets remain a timeless choice for many homeowners. They provide ample hidden storage and contribute to a streamlined, cohesive kitchen design.
1. Conceals Clutter
Let’s face it, not everything in a kitchen is display-worthy. Closed cabinets allow you to hide less attractive items like mismatched Tupperware, cleaning supplies, or small appliances, giving your kitchen a tidy and organized appearance at all times.
2. Provides Maximum Storage
Closed cabinets typically offer more storage space than open shelves. With the option of deep drawers, corner units, pull-out racks, and overhead cabinets, you can make use of every square inch, especially in compact kitchens where storage is premium.
3. Protects Contents from Dust and Grease
Kitchen air naturally contains moisture, grease, and dust, all of which can settle on open shelves over time. Closed cabinets help protect your dishes and ingredients, reducing the need for constant cleaning.
This is especially important in busy households where convenience and low maintenance are priorities.
4. Offers Design Flexibility
Cabinets come in countless materials, finishes, and styles, from traditional raised panel doors to sleek flat-front designs. You can choose bold colours, soft neutrals, or natural wood tones to match your kitchen’s vibe.
Cabinet hardware also offers opportunities to personalize your space with handles, pulls, or knobs in metals like brass, matte black, or brushed nickel.
Combining Both: The Best of Both Worlds
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose just one. Many modern kitchens successfully blend open shelving and closed cabinets, creating a layout that’s both stylish and functional.
How to Combine Them Effectively:
- Use open shelves for upper areas to showcase beautiful dishware or add visual space.
- Reserve closed cabinets for lower areas to hide heavy pots, appliances, or food storage.
- Consider adding glass-front cabinets as a transitional option that provides display while offering protection.
- Frame your range hood or sink with floating shelves for balance and symmetry.
This hybrid approach keeps your kitchen functional while offering areas of design interest.
Deciding What’s Right for You
When choosing between open shelving and closed cabinets, consider the following:
- Lifestyle: Are you someone who loves organizing and displaying? Or do you prefer quick cleanups and hiding clutter?
- Cleaning Habits: Are you comfortable with dusting and styling shelves regularly?
- Space: Do you have room to mix both, or do you need to maximize every cabinet inch?
- Aesthetic: Do you love minimalist and modern? Or prefer traditional, clean lines?
Ultimately, it’s about what works for you. Every kitchen and every homeowner is different. That’s why we work closely with our clients to understand how they live, what they need, and how we can bring both beauty and practicality to their space.
Let Modern Day Solutions Bring Your Vision to Life
Whether you’re leaning toward the open, airy charm of shelving or the timeless elegance of cabinetry, Modern Day Solutions is here to help you craft a kitchen that reflects your style, supports your lifestyle, and looks stunning for years to come.
Serving Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Niagara Falls, we specialize in kitchen renovations that feel personal, functional, and inspired.