The Minimalist Shelf Idea That Is Trending Over Cabinets For Kitchens

Minimalism is and has been trending again, whether in fashion, home decor, or lifestyle. Going hand-in-hand, the slow living design trend seems to be taking precedent over embracing excess. This trend has been present in kitchen design for a while, but one of its most recent conquests has been the nixing of upper cabinets. Though the idea of replacing cabinets with open shelving is not a new one, it has been simplified even more, distilled down to a single shelf placed above the backsplash, holding a selection of relevant but curated objects. 

This trend is rooted in owning less but loving what you own, and if your cupboards are currently overflowing, you may have to be willing to downsize a bit and simplify your living. Although open shelving is not new, the intent behind this one is a bit different than previous versions. It is intended first and foremost to be an aesthetic element, which means you will want to put significant thought as to what you plan to keep up there. Since the kitchen is often a high traffic area, it can be used as a way to display your personality to guests — but it can also put your cleaning habits on display. 

While the biggest concern with replacing cabinets this way is loss of storage space, that's not the only issue worth a second thought. With any open shelving, you run into the challenge of dust and cooking grease. Whether it's the items themselves or the just the shelf, you will be faced with the task of more frequent cleaning if you wish to keep it looking nice. Not only will the job have to be done more frequently than with cabinets, it can also become quite the chore. You're not cleaning for aesthetic purposes, but also because you don't want your glassware, dishes, or spices looking dusty and gritty when you go to use them. 

For those with chronic disorganization, this may not be the best trend for you. If you are unable to keep the contents to a minimum and the shelf turns into a hold-all zone, it is an easy way to make your kitchen feel dirty and dingy fast. Plus you no longer have the luxury of hiding stuff behind cabinet doors — here everything is on display. 

If you don't mind keeping an effective cleaning schedule, this can be a great way to display your prettiest glasses, dishes, and other kitchenwares. Since it is out of reach of young children and dogs (cat owners know that open shelving is always a risky proposition) this can be a great way to add some sophistication to your space without worrying that it could topple like a hutch or free-standing shelf. 

When it comes to visually planning out your shelf, the rule "less is more" comes into play. You want to choose items carefully, curating based on what you most want to have on display, and what makes sense to keep within reach. If you have ample storage space elsewhere, you can lean more heavily into the design aspect, filling it more generously with art, decor and floral arrangements. To find a middle ground between function and art, showcase entertainment go-tos — charcuterie boards, cocktail glasses, and your (literal) top-shelf booze. The great thing about a shelf like this is that it is incredibly versatile, and the simple design lends itself to an easy exchange of seasonal decor without taking up space.