Are you in the midst of designing your kitchen and take note of this trend! The incorporation of exposed units and shelving is an ideal option for those who are looking for a fresh, light and decorative air in their kitchens. Whether you have an open or closed concept kitchen, this type of furniture offers great advantages and endless possibilities for decoration and organisation. We tell you how to integrate them successfully!
One of the main advantages of opting for shelves or units without doors is the feeling of spaciousness they generate. By eliminating closed structures, the environment feels much more spacious and airy (which is essential in small kitchens).
In addition, they allow decorative objects to be displayed, such as designer crockery, vases or small electrical appliances, converting everyday items into part of the decoration; as in this project by our distributor Muebles Fran:
Muebles Fran
On the other hand, these pieces of furniture are extremely versatile. If, for example, you like rustic-style kitchens, a worn wooden shelf will give a cosy and natural feel. If, on the other hand, you prefer a more minimalist and contemporary design, metal or black lacquered structures will be your best allies.
In this Sistema Cuina project, including floating shelves has been a great way of giving a cosy and modern touch to the kitchen, as well as being an excellent way of making the most of the walls without visually overloading the room:
Sistema Cuina
Including shelves also has a practical component. Having everything in sight and within easy reach makes daily tasks such as cooking or cleaning much more convenient. However, it is important to maintain order and harmony in what you display. A good idea is to combine useful elements with decorative details: place glass jars with ingredients, cookbooks, small plants or natural fibre baskets to organise the less aesthetic objects.
JF Cocinas
In closed kitchens, exposed units can act as focal points that break up the monotony of door units. For example, a small shelf above the worktop (as in the example from JF Cocinas above) or next to an extractor hood can be used to hold spices or pretty utensils.
In open kitchens, on the other hand, where the design flows into the dining or living area, shelving can be used to visually integrate the spaces. A shelf with books and decorative pieces will make your kitchen feel more welcoming and personalised.
Apal
don't limit yourself to the walls! Exposed base units are an excellent option for storing baskets, bottles or large kitchen utensils or those things you want to have easy access to and thus clear the worktop. For example, this detail of a Sistema Cuina project:
Sistema Cuina
If you are concerned about maintenance, opt for easy-to-clean materials. In any case, the key is not to overload the shelves. Leave empty spaces so that the composition breathes and does not add chaos to the environment. This idea is also applicable if you decide to install base units, which work very well for organising dishes or everyday utensils.
The exposed shelving and units are also a perfect solution for those who like to change their décor frequently. With no doors or structures to limit what you can display, it's easy to change the style with the seasons or current trends.
Studio DAless
All in all, including exposed shelving and cabinets in the kitchen is a great way to give your home a fresh, modern and functional look. Whether you prefer a minimalist, industrial or rustic style, these structures adapt to any design and offer endless decorative possibilities. All you need is a little creativity and good taste to transform your kitchen into a space full of personality.