Should I include open shelves for frequently used items? (Kitchen | Kitchen Cabinetry & Storage Solutions)

One of the most debated topics in Sydney kitchen design is whether to include open shelves for frequently used items. From compact apartments in North Sydney and Chatswood to spacious family homes in Turramurra, Lane Cove, and St Ives, homeowners often struggle to balance accessibility, aesthetics, and storage efficiency.

Open shelves offer quick access, style, and the opportunity to display your favourite kitchenware, but they also require careful planning to maintain order and functionality. In this guide, we explore the benefits, design strategies, material choices, and best practices for incorporating open shelving into Sydney kitchens, ensuring they complement your home while optimising storage and workflow.

1. What Are Open Shelves in Kitchens?

Open shelves are wall-mounted or integrated shelving units without cabinet doors, designed to store or display items such as:

• Everyday crockery, plates, and bowls

• Glassware and coffee mugs

• Cooking utensils and spice jars

• Decorative items, such as plants or cookbooks

Unlike traditional cabinets, open shelves keep items visible and accessible, making them a popular choice in modern, open-plan kitchens in North Sydney apartments or coastal homes in Mosman and Manly.

2. Benefits of Open Shelves for Frequently Used Items

A. Quick Access and Convenience

• Items on open shelves are easily reachable, saving time during cooking

• Ideal for busy families in Turramurra, Lane Cove, and St Ives, where multiple people access the kitchen throughout the day

• Makes everyday items like mugs, plates, and spices visible and grab-ready

B. Enhanced Kitchen Aesthetics

• Creates an airy, open feel, especially useful in compact apartments in Chatswood or North Sydney

• Allows homeowners to showcase stylish crockery, jars, or decorative pieces

• Can visually break up cabinetry to add modern or rustic charm

C. Encourages Organisation

• Visible storage motivates keeping items neat and organised

• Prevents clutter from accumulating behind closed cabinet doors

• Supports multi-functional kitchens, where workflow efficiency is critical

D. Customisation and Flexibility

• Shelves can be height-adjustable or modular, fitting a variety of items

• Can be combined with closed cabinetry for hybrid storage solutions in family homes or heritage terraces in Paddington and Balmain

3. Ideal Locations for Open Shelves in Sydney Kitchens

A. Above the Bench or Prep Area

• Store frequently used spices, utensils, or plates

• Allows quick access while cooking

• Popular for open-plan apartments in North Sydney or Ryde, where kitchen visibility is part of the aesthetic

B. Adjacent to Cooking Zones

• Place shelves near ovens or stovetops for quick access to pots, pans, or trays

• Reduces steps and improves workflow in family kitchens in Turramurra, Lane Cove, or St Ives

C. Display Areas

• Use open shelves for decorative crockery, plants, or cookbooks

• Enhances the visual appeal of open-plan kitchens in modern homes or apartments

D. Integrated into Islands

• Open shelving at island ends can provide accessible storage while maintaining a stylish design

• Perfect for entertaining spaces or multi-functional kitchens, allowing access to coffee cups, wine glasses, or serving dishes

4. Design Considerations for Open Shelves

A. Material Selection

Open shelves are highly visible, so materials should be durable and aesthetically appealing:

Material Benefits Ideal Context Solid timber Classic, warm finish; strong Family homes, heritage kitchens in Paddington or Balmain Laminated MDF Smooth, modern look; easy to clean Compact apartments in North Sydney, Ryde, or Chatswood Stainless steel Durable, hygienic, contemporary Coastal homes in Mosman, Manly, Vaucluse Glass Lightweight, elegant, visually open Small kitchens where light flow is important

B. Weight and Support

• Ensure shelves are anchored to studs or with heavy-duty brackets

• Especially important for frequent-use items like plates, pots, or glassware

C. Height and Accessibility

• Position shelves at comfortable reach levels for adults

• Consider children’s access in family kitchens, using lower shelves for kids’ plates or cups

D. Shelf Depth

• Standard depth: 250–300mm for general items

• Narrower shelves (150–200mm) for spices, jars, or small crockery

• Deeper shelves can accommodate plates and small appliances

5. Benefits for Different Sydney Home Types

A. Compact Apartments (North Sydney, Chatswood, Ryde)

• Open shelves reduce visual clutter and make kitchens appear larger

• Quick access to coffee mugs, spice jars, or plates

• Ideal for open-plan layouts, integrating kitchen and living spaces seamlessly

B. Family Homes (Turramurra, Lane Cove, St Ives)

• Encourages children and adults to reach frequently used items easily

• Enhances workflow efficiency in multi-person kitchens

• Can be paired with closed drawers for bulky cookware

C. Heritage Terraces (Paddington, Balmain)

• Wooden open shelves maintain classic charm

• Can be combined with modern cabinetry and concealed appliances for a hybrid aesthetic

D. Coastal Homes (Mosman, Manly, Vaucluse)

• Stainless steel or treated timber prevents moisture damage from coastal humidity

• Shelves can hold frequently used cooking essentials or display decorative coastal kitchenware

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading shelves with heavy items, risking sagging or damage

• Placing shelves too high, making items hard to reach

• Using open shelving exclusively without closed storage, leading to clutter

• Poor material choice, causing warping or moisture damage

• Ignoring aesthetics, creating a disorganised or mismatched look

Correct planning ensures open shelves remain functional, safe, and visually appealing.

7. Maintenance Tips

• Regularly dust and wipe down shelves, especially in coastal or humid areas

• Avoid overloading, respecting manufacturer weight limits

• Rotate and organise items to maintain tidiness and easy access

• Use shelf liners to protect surfaces from spills or scratches

• Periodically check brackets and fixings for stability and safety

Proper maintenance ensures open shelves are durable and practical for years.

8. Styling and Organisation Tips

• Use matching containers or jars for spices and small items

• Keep everyday items at eye level for quick access

• Combine open shelves with closed drawers for bulky items

• Include decorative items sparingly to avoid visual clutter

• Consider LED strip lighting under shelves for enhanced visibility and ambiance

This approach works for modern apartments, coastal homes, or heritage terraces, balancing practicality and style.

9. Final Checklist for Open Shelves

✔ Identify frequently used items suitable for open display
✔ Choose materials that match the kitchen aesthetic and handle weight
✔ Ensure proper support and mounting to prevent sagging
✔ Maintain easy accessibility for adults and children
✔ Combine with closed cabinetry for clutter-free storage
✔ Regularly clean and organise items to maintain visual appeal

By following this checklist, homeowners in Sydney’s apartments, family homes, and heritage kitchens can enjoy a functional, attractive, and efficient kitchen with open shelving.

Conclusion

Including open shelves for frequently used items in your kitchen is a smart combination of convenience, accessibility, and style. From compact apartments in North Sydney and Chatswood to family kitchens in Turramurra or Lane Cove, and heritage terraces in Paddington or Balmain, open shelves enhance workflow, organisation, and visual appeal while keeping essential items within reach.

For expert guidance on open shelving solutions, custom cabinetry, and complete kitchen renovations, visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more about kitchen renovation and bathroom renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.