Should I include open shelving for display items or decorative pieces? (Kitchen | Kitchen Cabinetry & Storage Solutions)

When designing a kitchen in Sydney, one of the most impactful choices homeowners can make is whether to include open shelving for display items or decorative pieces. Beyond simple storage, open shelves offer an opportunity to enhance the kitchen’s aesthetic, personalise your space, and showcase your style.

From modern North Sydney apartments to heritage terraces in Paddington and Balmain, the decision to incorporate open shelves for display requires careful consideration of kitchen workflow, style, and practicality. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits, design tips, and best practices for using open shelving as a decorative and functional element in Sydney kitchens.

1. What Are Open Shelves for Display in Kitchens?

Open shelves for display are wall-mounted or integrated shelves without doors, designed specifically for decorative or visually appealing items rather than purely functional storage. Items commonly placed on display shelves include:

• Stylish crockery, mugs, and glassware

• Cookbooks, recipe cards, or framed prints

• Plants, vases, or small indoor herb gardens

• Decorative trays, jars, or artisan kitchenware

Unlike standard cabinetry, these shelves blend utility with aesthetics, allowing homeowners to express personality while maintaining some level of accessibility for frequently used items.

2. Benefits of Open Shelving for Decorative Items

A. Personalised Aesthetic Appeal

• Open shelves allow homeowners to showcase personal style

• Works particularly well in open-plan apartments in North Sydney, Ryde, or Chatswood, where the kitchen is visible from living areas

• Allows mixing of decorative and functional items for a layered, curated look

B. Creates Airy and Spacious Feel

• Visible shelves make kitchens feel larger and more open, ideal for compact apartments

• Breaks up the monotony of continuous cabinetry in modern or minimalist kitchens

• Enhances natural light flow, particularly in coastal homes in Mosman, Manly, or Vaucluse

C. Encourages Organisation

• Items on display must be kept tidy, encouraging homeowners to maintain an organised kitchen

• Ideal for multi-functional family kitchens in Turramurra, Lane Cove, or St Ives, where daily access to both functional and decorative items is frequent

D. Flexibility in Design

• Shelves can be custom-sized, adjustable, or modular, allowing for changing displays over time

• Combine open shelves with closed cabinetry for hybrid storage solutions, balancing beauty and practicality

3. Ideal Locations for Display Shelving in Sydney Kitchens

A. Above the Benchtop

• Perfect for frequently used decorative items or attractive glassware

• Ensures items are visible but accessible, maintaining aesthetic flow

• Popular in open-plan North Sydney and Chatswood apartments, where visual continuity is important

B. Near Eating or Coffee Zones

• Display your favourite mugs, teapots, or coffee accessories near the breakfast bar or kitchen island

• Enhances the morning coffee routine in family homes or apartments

C. Integrated into Islands or Peninsulas

• Open shelves at the ends of kitchen islands can create visual interest while providing functional storage

• Suitable for family homes in Turramurra, Lane Cove, or St Ives, where islands are central to both cooking and socialising

D. Framing Windows or Nooks

• Use open shelving around windows or small kitchen nooks to display potted herbs, decorative jars, or cookbooks

• Works well in heritage terraces in Paddington and Balmain, integrating modern design with classic architecture

4. Material and Finish Recommendations

Selecting the right material ensures durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance:

Material Benefits Ideal Context Solid timber Warm, classic finish; strong Heritage kitchens in Paddington or Balmain Laminated MDF Sleek, contemporary; easy to clean Modern apartments in North Sydney, Ryde, or Chatswood Stainless steel Hygienic, industrial look Coastal homes in Mosman, Manly, Vaucluse Glass Light, visually unobtrusive Small kitchens or open-plan layouts

Finishing touches, like matching brackets, integrated LED lighting, or painted backsplashes, can enhance the visual impact of open display shelves.

5. Design Considerations for Display Shelves

A. Balance Between Function and Decoration

• Avoid overcrowding shelves with purely decorative items

• Mix in frequently used kitchenware like plates, mugs, or spice jars for dual functionality

B. Height and Accessibility

• Place shelves at comfortable reach levels for adults

• Consider lower shelves for children’s cups, plates, or small plants in family kitchens

C. Depth and Weight Capacity

• Typical depth: 150–250mm for decorative items

• Ensure mounting brackets or supports can handle the weight of heavy ceramics or glassware

D. Cohesion with Overall Kitchen Style

• Modern kitchens: Minimalist, floating shelves with clean lines

• Heritage kitchens: Wooden or brass brackets matching classic cabinetry

• Coastal homes: Light timber or stainless steel for durability and aesthetic harmony

6. Advantages for Different Sydney Home Types

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

• Enhances visual openness, preventing kitchens from feeling cramped

• Showcases decorative items without overwhelming limited space

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

• Display favourite crockery, kids’ mugs, or small decorative items

• Keeps functional items within reach while maintaining an organised appearance

C. Heritage Terraces (Paddington, Balmain)

• Timber or glass shelving complements classic kitchen architecture

• Works alongside modern cabinetry for a balanced mix of old and new

D. Coastal Homes (Mosman, Manly, Vaucluse)

• Stainless steel or treated timber resists moisture and salt air damage

• Shelves can hold display items, glassware, or indoor herb gardens for visual and functional appeal

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading shelves with heavy or oversized items, leading to sagging

• Placing shelves too high, making items hard to reach

• Using open shelving exclusively without closed storage, resulting in clutter

• Ignoring kitchen aesthetics, leading to a visually chaotic space

• Poor material choice, causing warping or damage in humid coastal environments

By avoiding these mistakes, open shelves remain both practical and visually striking.

8. Maintenance Tips

• Dust and clean items regularly to prevent grease and grime buildup

• Avoid overloading shelves; respect manufacturer weight limits

• Organise items thoughtfully, rotating displays to refresh the look

• Check mounting brackets periodically for stability

• Use liners or trays for small decorative items to protect surfaces

Proper maintenance ensures shelves remain durable, clean, and visually appealing for years.

9. Styling and Organisation Tips

• Group items by colour, size, or function for a curated look

• Mix decorative and functional pieces for practicality and style

• Include plants or herb jars to add life and greenery

• Use integrated LED strip lighting for highlighting displays and improving visibility

• Combine with closed cabinetry to maintain clutter-free surfaces

This approach works for modern, heritage, coastal, and family homes alike, creating an attractive and organised kitchen environment.

10. Final Checklist for Open Shelving Displays

✔ Decide which items are decorative versus functional
✔ Choose materials and finishes suited to your kitchen style and environment
✔ Ensure proper support and safe mounting
✔ Position shelves at accessible heights for adults and children
✔ Maintain tidy and visually balanced displays
✔ Combine open shelves with closed storage for hybrid functionality

By following this checklist, Sydney homeowners can create a kitchen that is both beautiful and practical, with open shelves that enhance style while keeping essentials accessible.

Conclusion

Incorporating open shelving for display items or decorative pieces is a strategic way to blend style and functionality in Sydney kitchens. From compact apartments in North Sydney and Chatswood to family homes in Turramurra or Lane Cove, and heritage terraces in Paddington and Balmain, open shelves can enhance the visual appeal, maintain organisation, and elevate your kitchen design.

For expert guidance on open shelving solutions, decorative displays, 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.