When planning a kitchen renovation, one of the most common questions Sydney homeowners ask is: Can I combine open and closed cabinets to create style while maintaining functionality? The answer is a resounding yes. A well-balanced mix of open shelving and closed cabinetry not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but also improves storage efficiency and accessibility. Whether you live in a compact apartment in Surry Hills, a terrace in Paddington, or a modern family home in Chatswood, this design approach can work beautifully.
By strategically combining open and closed cabinets, you can display your beautiful dishware, glassware, or cookbooks while keeping less attractive items hidden, achieving a clean and sophisticated kitchen design.
Benefits of Mixing Open and Closed Cabinets
1. Visual Interest and Style
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Open shelves create an airy, open feel, making kitchens in smaller apartments, like Surry Hills or Zetland, appear larger.
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Closed cabinets maintain a clean and minimalist look by hiding clutter, especially useful in family homes in Chatswood or Lane Cove.
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This combination allows for personalized styling – displaying decorative pieces, plants, or artisanal ceramics while keeping everyday items organized.
2. Accessibility
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Frequently used items can be placed on open shelves for easy access.
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Items that are less visually appealing or infrequently used can remain behind closed doors.
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In busy family kitchens in Ryde or Mosman, this setup reduces time spent searching for everyday items and keeps counters clear.
3. Flexibility and Customization
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A mixed cabinetry approach allows customization according to household needs.
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Open sections can accommodate kitchenware, cookbooks, or wine bottles, while closed cabinets store pantry staples, cleaning supplies, or appliances.
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Homes in Paddington or Balmain, with older kitchen layouts, often benefit from combining open and closed cabinets to modernize the look without extensive structural changes.
4. Enhanced Lighting and Space Perception
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Open shelving encourages natural light reflection, making compact kitchens feel brighter.
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Placing open cabinets near windows or under lighting fixtures in apartments like Surry Hills or Darlinghurst can enhance the perception of space and depth.
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LED strip lighting can also highlight open shelves, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Design Principles for Mixing Open and Closed Cabinets
1. Balance and Proportion
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Avoid overwhelming the kitchen with too many open shelves; balance is key.
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A common strategy is to dedicate the upper third of the cabinetry to open shelving while keeping lower cabinets closed for storage efficiency.
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In smaller kitchens like those in Zetland, this proportional approach prevents visual clutter while maximizing utility.
2. Strategic Placement
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Place open shelving where items are easily accessible and visually appealing.
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Closed cabinets are best for items that are bulky, less attractive, or require dust protection.
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In L-shaped or U-shaped kitchens in Chatswood and Lane Cove, open cabinets over counters near prep areas improve workflow and convenience.
3. Material and Finish Coordination
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Ensure that open and closed cabinetry materials and finishes complement each other.
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Closed cabinets can be matte, gloss, or timber veneer, while open shelves can match or contrast subtly to create depth.
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In luxury homes in Mosman or Cremorne, combining timber open shelves with lacquered closed cabinets adds texture and sophistication.
4. Functional Integration
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Consider integrating functional accessories like pull-out drawers, spice racks, or dividers within closed cabinets.
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Open shelves can be styled but should remain practical for daily use.
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In modern Sydney homes, homeowners often use open shelves for decorative items while keeping pantry staples in closed units.
5. Maintenance Considerations
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Open shelving requires more frequent dusting and cleaning compared to closed cabinets.
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Items stored on open shelves should be organized and displayed neatly to maintain aesthetic appeal.
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In family homes in Chatswood or Lane Cove, heavy-use areas like kitchens benefit from placing frequently used items in easily accessible closed cabinets, reserving open shelving for décor or lightweight items.
Practical Tips for Sydney Homeowners
1. Use Open Shelves to Showcase Style
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Display artisanal crockery, wine glasses, or small kitchen plants on open shelves.
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Rotate decorative items seasonally to refresh the look of the kitchen.
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Inner-city apartments in Surry Hills or Darlinghurst can leverage open shelves to enhance visual appeal in limited space.
2. Keep Closed Cabinets for Essential Storage
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Store bulky appliances, pantry items, or cleaning supplies in closed cabinets to keep the kitchen tidy.
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In family homes in Chatswood or Ryde, closed cabinets reduce clutter while keeping hazardous items out of children’s reach.
3. Consider Lighting and Accessibility
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Integrate under-cabinet lighting or LED strips for both open shelves and closed cabinets.
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Ensure open shelving is within comfortable reach for daily use; high open shelves may require a step stool, especially in kitchens with tall ceilings common in Paddington or Balmain terraces.
4. Harmonize Color and Texture
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Use complementary colors or contrasting materials to differentiate open and closed sections subtly.
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White or neutral-toned closed cabinets paired with timber open shelves create a modern yet warm kitchen vibe, ideal for coastal homes in Bondi or Manly.
5. Personalize to Lifestyle
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Tailor the mix according to family needs:
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Open shelving for frequently accessed items in single-person apartments.
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Closed cabinetry for large households with high storage demands in Chatswood, Lane Cove, or Ryde.
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Examples of Successful Mixed Cabinet Designs in Sydney
Inner-City Apartments (Surry Hills, Zetland, Darlinghurst)
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Use open shelves for coffee cups, wine glasses, or cookbooks above closed lower cabinets for pantry and appliance storage.
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Creates a sense of space in compact kitchens while maintaining functionality.
Family Homes (Chatswood, Lane Cove, Ryde)
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Open upper shelves display decorative items and frequently used cooking utensils.
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Closed lower cabinets store heavy pots, appliances, and pantry staples, keeping the kitchen organized for daily family use.
Luxury Homes (Mosman, Cremorne, Vaucluse)
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Custom open shelves integrated with LED lighting for a premium look.
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Closed cabinets with soft-close hinges conceal larger items while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
Heritage Homes (Paddington, Balmain, Annandale)
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Mix of open and closed cabinets modernizes the kitchen while respecting period architecture.
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Timber open shelving adds warmth and authenticity, complementing classic closed cabinetry finishes.
MB9 Expertise in Mixed Cabinetry Solutions
At MB9 Australia Pty Ltd, we specialize in designing and installing kitchens that balance open and closed cabinetry to meet style, functionality, and lifestyle needs:
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Custom layouts for apartments, terrace homes, family residences, luxury properties, and heritage buildings in Sydney.
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Integration of open shelving, closed cabinets, soft-close drawers, and modern accessories.
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Professional installation ensures durability, ergonomic access, and aesthetic cohesion.
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Tailored solutions for neighborhoods including Surry Hills, Zetland, Paddington, Chatswood, Mosman, and Cremorne.
Our team ensures your kitchen is both visually appealing and highly functional, making the most of every inch of storage space while reflecting your personal style.
Conclusion: Mixing Open and Closed Cabinets
In summary:
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A combination of open and closed cabinets is both stylish and practical.
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Open shelves create visual interest, display decorative or frequently used items, and enhance spatial perception.
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Closed cabinets hide clutter, store heavy or unattractive items, and maintain kitchen organization.
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By balancing placement, materials, and functionality, this approach works in small apartments, family homes, luxury residences, and heritage properties across Sydney.
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With professional design and installation from MB9, your kitchen can be both a beautiful showpiece and a highly efficient workspace.
Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.
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