Are you in search of fresh ideas to decorate kitchen shelves that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional? Do you want to know how to merge practicality and beauty without cluttering your kitchen? In this article, I will show you how to stylishly arrange kitchen shelves using both decorative and functional pieces. These ideas will work for modern, farmhouse, or minimalist kitchens, allowing you to transform the look of your kitchen while enhancing beauty and efficiency.
We will cover everything from how to style open shelves with everyday dishes to adding woven accessories for texture. You will get ideas on how to use natural elements, clear containers, and arrange seasonal decorations that change throughout the year. Together, let’s explore the intersection of decor and function, where every shelf becomes a centerpiece in your home.
Styling Open Kitchen Shelves With Everyday Essentials
In my opinion, everyday items can and should be displayed with all the significance that accompanies decorative pieces. With open shelving, essential items like plates, bowls, and cups can now be stylish. This is particularly true for most contemporary or Scandinavian kitchens where advanced minimalism and vanitas function are blended. Open shelving also helps in visually creating space in the kitchen, which is useful for small kitchens.
In my experience organizing plates by size works best, neat stacks of cups or mugs grouped nearby always look great. Earthy wood cutting boards leaning against the walls bring style, combined with dry goods in ceramic canisters soften the space further. Glass jars filled with pasta or rice not only provide texture but also improve visibility for inventory. These jars encourage daily use while helping reduce clutter in cabinets.
In my kitchen, I have an open shelf that displays my favorite mugs and breakfast bowls. This makes my morning routine easier, while adding warmth to the kitchen. Also, as Shea McGee points out, using everyday items as decor ensure the spaces we create remain “real and refined.”
If you are looking to soften the style, you might add some greenery such as eucalyptus stems or a small trailing pothos in a glass. These ideas complete the shelves by tying to both function and aesthetic.
Farmhouse Inspired Shelf Decor For A Cozy Kitchen Look
Canadian province-realistic decors are my favorite and the cozy vibe farmhouses give their kitchens has always caught my attention. These vintage characteristics are for the most part noise rooted, inspiring the style’s use of well-used textures and charm to make the space feel more inviting. It features antique touches, wood tones, neutral color palettes, and even decor.
Add some of these to your collection: enamelware pitchers, vintage glass jars, and ceramic mixing bowls. Small woven baskets that hold napkins or fruit work too. Adding aged wooden signs with handwritten text or small chalkboards create a personal feel. Each and every item must be honest and meaningful, that is the key.
After styling numerous farmhouse kitchens for my clients, it’s clear to me that reclaimed wood shelves with brackets really add to the rustic feel of the kitchen. Joanna Gaines never fails to mention the importance of incorporating some sentimental possessions or family collectibles into shelf decor to make the design more personal.
In case of missing something, a classic kitchen scale in a galvanized finish, or a similar container for the cooking utensils would further reinforce the farmhouse atmosphere. Such details enhance the room and pay homage to the utilitarian nature of the design.
With Straight Edged Lines Comes Minimalism
Minimalist decor for shelves puts emphasis on no excess whatsoever. Everything’s ordered and with great attention to detail without any small faux pas existing. This style is particularly good for tighter spaces, like smaller modern kitchens, where every inch has to justify its existence. A calming and tidy appearance is achieved by stripping away anything past the bare minimum, which is made possible by the implementation of minimalist design.
To enhance the uncluttered aesthetics, consider mounting floating shelves in light wood or solid matte white. That feeling should equally be maintained near the countertop, where only a few high-caliber items should be placed: a couple of mugs made of ceramic, a decanter which is made of glass and transparent, a salt grinder that’s matte black as well as a single cookbook featuring a muted cover. Nothing should clash with anything else visually and a lot of whitespace is to be provided around the remaining space, so balance is achieved.
From what I have experienced, the part that would be the most difficult while styling minimalist shelves is trying to not accessorize too much. My choices here are almost always guided by Marie Kondo’s principles of joy and simplicity. For example, a wonderful piece of interest may come in the form of a simple marble slab or concrete vase.
To break monotony without overpowering the space, you may think about adding wall-mounted artwork or even a small potted succulent. It’s about design unity through careful arrangement of elements.
Decorating Small Kitchen Shelves With Big Style
Having small shelves does not mean a lack of creativity. I have encountered many compact kitchens and the thoughtful design makes even the smallest shelf feel grand. Maximizing vertical space while considering visua impact is the golden rule here.
For small shelves, I employ layered styling. Background pieces should be framed prints, or vertical cutting boards, and smaller objects should include spice racks, narrow jars, and of course, espresso cups. Functionality paired with charm can be brought in through copper measuring spoons and colorful ceramics as well.
As per my past experience, narrower shelves have a greater visual appeal with subtle color palettes as they help avoid overcrowding. Real Simple shares that having a uniform motif helps make confined areas feel more spacious and organized.
A horizontal visual counterbalance is often overlooked; adding sconces or placing a slim mirror nearby helps create height and draw the gaze upwards. Even suspended greenery can improve the design flow and creativity.
Using Focal Dishes That Are Coordinatively Colored As Shelf Decor
Using color-gradeed plates helps keep kitchen shelves tidy and helps avoid additional decorations. This decor strategy is particularly useful for open-shelf kitchens where dishes are constantly showcased. It fuses functionality with beauty.
Begin the project by choosing one or two primary colors for example blue and white or beige and blush pink and then group dishes accordingly. Stack bowls, cups, and platters should be leaned behind other items. In the same color scheme, using both matte and glossy finishes brings more vibrance and intrests.
In my kitchen, I change dish colors seasonally, which renews the area without having to purchase additional decorations. Emily Henderson and other designers suggest incorporating functional pieces into the design to reduce clutter and cost while still having a dramatic visual impact.
If your shelves are lacking a certain depth, try to add a contrasting color with a linen towel or ceramic vase to add dimension without disrupting the color scheme.
Incorporating Potted Herbs Into Kitchen Shelf Styling
Adding potted herbs to the kitchen is not only about good presentation, but also serves a purpose. It’s one of the first things I recommend to clients who want to incorporate plants but don’t have space for full-sized planters or gardens. Basil, thyme, and rosemary are some of the herbs that add beauty and scent to shelves in any kitchen.
To extend their style, use terra cotta pots, white ceramic planters and even vintage tins. Creating balance requires placing them with wooden utensils and small cutting boards, as well as hung cups that could maintain the layout. Herbs can also be placed at different heights using risers or stacked books.
For my part, I keep a trio of herbs close to the stove on the lower shelf. This makes it easy to grab them for cooking and serves as a beautiful decoration in the kitchen. A New York Times article on small kitchen design once highlighted this exact tip for combining greenery with convenience, and I’ve found it spot-on.
They may also consider adding lighting to bring out the best in the herbs and improve ambiance, so patients can thrive to their fullest potential.
Rustic Wood Shelves With Vintage Kitchen Decor
I as well adore the feel it brings when rustic wood shelves meet vintage kitchen décor. In many cases, I use this design in traditional or cottage kitchens where the personality and texture is given more importance than minimalism.
Imagine a collection of brutal, raw wood shelves alongside antique brass candlesticks, pitchers, and ceramic jugs. Ranged with aged cutting boards, old cookbooks, and wrought iron trivets, this collection will certainly serve a purpose. Each piece, whether real or curated, needs a touch of history.
Stunning is one way to describe the first impression I had when a client asked to turn old \Pyrex\ he inherited along with salt shakers into a shelf display.” As stated in Architectural Digest, “authenticity offers anchor” and certainly adds “soul” to any given space and I stand by this 100 percent.
Consider easing the heaviness of a given space by adding modern touches. A subtle pop of color or a clear glass vase can certainly elevate the elegance in the area without making the decor old fashioned.
Display Your Cookbooks With Ceramics On Open Shelves
Styling kitchen shelves is one of the most delightful activities, and the arrangement of the cookbooks along with ceramic pieces is one of my favorites. This arrangement is very personal since it shows the owner’s cooking interest and completes the warm feel of the kitchen. This arrangement is even more appealing in transitional kitchens that have both modern and traditional elements.
This addition gets even better with a personal touch where you stack a few ceramic mugs and bowls alongside glossy versions of cookbooks like Ina Garten or Yotam Ottolenghi’s together with matte covers. Mixing textures like shapely pots adds charm too. Incorporating ceramic mugs and bowls alongside vertically placed cookbooks is another refreshing approach that breaks the strict verticals. This technique brings a warm, cozy feeling that we usually associate with a library at the center of the home.
Alongside creativity, functionality is essential and I like to incorporate client-requested cookbooks with stunning covers. Such as Yotam Ottolenghi’s or Ina Garten’s. They’ll also ensure they’re used often. Alongside beloved clients, House Beautiful editors recommend showcasing treasured items to give a cozy, lived-in feel to a kitchen space.
Try using small sconces as spotlights, to allow these arrangements to shine during evening hours.
Mixing Metals And Natural Elements On Kitchen Shelves
I am a firm believer in blending metals and wood when it comes to kitchen shelf design. As a stylistic choice, it adds interest and depth and radiates warmth and sophistication at the same time. It works perfectly for modern rustic or urban kitchens that tend to lean toward a more contemporary feel with a natural foundation.
Achieve balance with warm elements such as brass candlesticks, steel containers, or copper pots, and natural materials like wooden spoons, stone bowls, woven coasters, and linen napkins. Blending both warm and cool tones provides a polished and sophisticated look without feeling unapproachable.
I use a combination of wooden salad servers, a jute-wrapped planter, and a hammered silver tray. As Nate Berkus reminds us, the contrast in materials like metal and wood serves to create dynamism in the space instead of allowing it to feel stagnant.
Completing the look with a few greenery options is an absolute must. These natural elements help to unify the diverse materials while serving to liven up the shelf’s overall aesthetic.
Creating A Seasonal Kitchen Shelf Display
A changing display makes the kitchen decorative shelving effortless and keeps the space feeling fresh throughout the year. I personally prefer to change a few of the main components each season – it’s one of the easiest ways to appreciate and welcome the new season without doing an entire revamp for the room.
With spring, I use pastel ceramic pieces along with fresh tulips, and during summertime ceramic bowls filled with citrus and herb bundles do the trick. In Autumn, the use of mini pumpkins along with earth toned pottery comes out to play, while the winter season brings forth candle holding pinecones and deeper hued mugs. The foundational pieces are kept neutral until the other items are much more easily swapped.
Clients enjoy the kitchen shelf display ritual that comes along with seasonal changes. It is great for keeping the kitchen lively. Better Homes & Gardens designers also suggest using this method as a quick, low-cost season refresh.
Removing off-season items from storage can be quick and easy. If one is added near the kitchen to swap out items without cluttering cabinets, it would greatly benefit the entire shelf display.
Layering Framed Art Prints On Kitchen Open Shelves
Why not display some art in the kitchen? Placing framed prints on display shelves is an effective, yet underused technique to achieve an artistic kitchen decor. It adds charm and an air of sophistication that evokes a pleasing feeling of surprise when one walks into a cooking space.
Pick a few small to medium sized framed artworks – black and white prints, watercolor illustrations, and typography quotes are perfect. Put them on the wall and layer smaller objects in front. Mixing frames (e.g. black metal with natural wood) helps to create variety in style and dimension. Do not hang the artwork; leaning them portrays a relaxed, editorial vibe.
I styled kitchens with vintage botanical prints or fun food-themed illustrations and it never fails to start a conversation. Architectural Digest remarks that artwork in utility areas like kitchens turns them into fully designed rooms, not just functional areas.
If your shelves appear flat, adding layered frames is a great way to solve them. Just pay attention to spacing so everything does not feel overcrowded or teetering.
Applying Baskets And Woven Textiles As Focal Points For Texture
Inserting woven baskets or other natural fiber pieces is very useful in adding texture to flat kitchen surfaces. This technique works very well in boho-modern or farmhouse style kitchens because organic texture is the central focus.
I use small lidded baskets to store tea bags, while larger woven trays are great for displaying dish towels or bread. I even repurpose rattan trivets into wall decor that hang next to my shelves. Combining different materials and sizes is the main trick—use a blend of seagrass, wicker, and jute for a more effortless collected aesthetic.
In one client’s beach-style kitchen, we added a more coastal charm by combining rolling pins and baskets. Emily Henderson always discusses the importance of adding warm textures, especially in spaces with tile and steel.
Use baskets or woven trays to soften a shelf’s cold impression. These also break an otherwise flat appearance and introduce soothing curves to the visual design. Try choosing one with a lid to tuck away loose seasoning sachets or tea packets.
Styling White Shelves With Monochromatic Decor
While white-on-white may sound bland, it offers a completely new feeling with the right approach. Mono styled white shelves add a refined touch and airiness that fit minimalist or modern classic kitchens perfectly.
Stay within a strict palette: white, ivory, beige, and maybe a soft grey. Decorate with white ceramic bowls, matte vases, translucent glass, and linen towels. Textures will add visual interest, not colors. Within this framework, depth can be created by layering ribbed and smooth, cracked and matte surfaces.
The last white kitchen I styled was serene and spa-like because I used nothing but white porcelain and clear glass. As Elle Decor editors suggest, this approach works best when the interplay of light and texture—not color—is the focal point.
If the shelf feels too stark, I’d suggest softening the look with a single, subtle green sprig or accenting with a neutral wood tone. It brings life to the look while still maintaining the aesthetic.
Using Clear Containers For A Clean, Organized Look
For good reason, clear containers are a kitchen staple. Whether clay pots or razored pantry spices, containers make everything look more polished and intentional. When styled well, they not only enhance the organization of the room, they contribute to the overall aesthetic, making him versatile.
I usually suggest using glass jars or acrylic tubs with airtight lids. Also, remember to organize them by height or fill level, and don’t forget to label them for both function and style. Oats, lentils, pasta, and flour are some examples of what can be displayed. For a cohesive look, uniformity in shape and material of the lid is important.
In my kitchen, I keep all grains and baking essentials in identical jars with minimalist black labels. Transparent storage, as many Martha Stewart fans know, gives a kitchen an orderly appearance, which is something I also believe in. It projects a sense of efficiency free of unnecessary clutter.
If the rest of your set lacks depth, consider using stacking trays or risers to add several layers. This clever trick transforms simple storage into containers that invite appreciation.
Shelf Decorating Styles For Contemporary Black Kitchen Themes
The sleek and sophisticated aesthetic is what makes black kitchens so appealing in modern homes. When it comes to shelving in this particular setting, my focus is on contrast and texture to bring some levity to the space. Open shelves made of wood or those with a matte black finish add both decorative and storage value without disrupting the design flow also known as the architectural promenade.
Ceramic white dishes, some kitchen brasses, and pantry staples stored in glass containers introduce contrasting textures, and forwerking together looks even better on my matte black slab wall where I place floating wooden or walnut toned shelves. A few black framed artworks resting casually against the wall also create depth and character while subtly tying into the overall theme.
A design choice I especially like is integrating natural wood elements into modern black kitchens. Interior designers, like Emily Henderson, recommend darker tones and organic textures for making these spaces feel more inviting. This approach has been particularly rewarding in several of my client projects.
If anything is missing here, I think a warm, low-profile LED light strip under the shelf would enhance visibility and warmth. I recommend it for functionality and aesthetic purposes.
Hanging Mugs For Functional Shelf Decor
Hanging mugs are one of the most simple methods to decorate a kitchen shelf while adding functionality at the same time. In cozy homes where cabinet space is limited, but the owner still has a desire for a cozy kitchen design with personality, I see that this is often rather useful. When rightfully displayed, mugs can serve as art.
For practical and aesthetic purposes, I would usually go for a wooden shelf with a metal rail or hooks under it. Hand-thrown or color-glazed ceramic mugs will look stunning suspended. On the shelf, I would put a matching kettle, some coffee beans in a glass container, and a few cookbooks to round off the ensemble.
In my experience, this setup adds warmth and tells a story when you choose your travel-themed mugs. Joanna Gaines often talks about the beauty in displaying daily objects in an intentional way and mugs as the perfect way to do that.
To improve this, I recommend that the mugs be in neutral or pastel shades to create a more curated and cohesive look. Additionally, a small potted plant makes the setting more energetic and adds color.
Enhancing Small Kitchen Walls Using Floating Shelves
In small kitchens, floating shelves are my unsung heroes. They are sightless vertical space builders because they can be tucked away and installed effortlessly. In tighter spaces, they serve as a way to decorate without cluttering the countertops.
In my experience, three stacked floating shelves or one above the other on a corner or above the sink works wonders. Things like herb containers, olive oil, and cookbooks can all be kept on those shelves. The top shelf works fine for decorative objects—a small framed quote or something like a ceramic vase with texture works perfectly.
Personally, I have used this arrangement in several apartment kitchens where I didn’t have access to cabinetry. HGTV’s experts recommend only floating shelves in small kitchens because of their versatility and price. They offer so much value in such little space.
What this section would benefit from is a straightforward tip: don’t forget to use shelf risers or tiered organizers to make the most of the limited space between shelves.
How to Integrate Open Shelves into Cabinet Decor
The use of open shelves together with closed cabinets offers a stylistic blend and adds depth to the kitchen design. In contemporary designs, I like to include one or two open shelves between traditional cabinetry, as it provides a space to showcase objects and adds character to the kitchen. It provides a break for the eyes and offers the possibility of personalization while still maintaining storage space.
The most striking combinations are white cabinets and natural wood open shelves. To add charm, I place family heirlooms or vintage dishes inside glass jars without going overboard in terms of staging. Most of the time, a small lamp or light positioned under the shelf would complete the look.
In my opinion, this design offers striking form and function at the same time. Many designers like Shea McGee have been utilizing this method of incorporating character into otherwise bland-looking kitchens.
If there was anything lacking, it may be symmetry, so be sure to add matching items to the shelves on both sides or consider placing balanced visual weights on either end.
Show Off Your Shelves with DIY Kitchen Decor
DIY projects are a simple, yet powerful way to add a personal touch to your kitchen decor. They help bring a person’s unique style to life. From handmade wooden signs to painted mason jars and even customized spice label jars, the options are endless.
I proudly display a self-painted vase in my kitchen, alongside a wooden sign I painted and placed next to it. My kitchen is filled with DIY macrame plant hangers that I made. These pieces are extremely meaningful and cannot be purchased anywhere which makes them so captivating.
Following Liz Marie, it is amazing how smaller personal projects make the entire room look warm and inviting. I believe my readers fully resonate with this notion, especially when it comes to seasonal decor changes.
Having said that, I do wish to point out one aspect of it. DIY items could be changed with the seasons to keep things fresh.
Transforming Kitchen Shelves into Coffee Bar Vignettes
If a coffee lover, the sight of a shelf coffee bar can not only serve a purpose but add to aesthetics. I have undertaken this project for a few clients where their coffee machine sits next to glass encased display shelves and even in my own kitchen. It is a lovely way to integrate cyclic activities with elegant decorations.
Begin with installing two floating wooden shelves above a coffee cart or a countertop. On the shelf I would place mugs, glass containers with sealed coffee beans, a french press, and perhaps a small tray for spoons or flavored syrup. To top it off use roll labels and use woven baskets for an inviting cafe feel.
In my opinion no kitchen is complete without a dedicated coffee area. For smaller apartments to larger family houses this is a kitchen zone where multiple people can rotate around in ease to provide functionality and charm, as highlighted by Apartment Therapy.
The only thing I would change is the position of electric kettles or a coffee grinder. A power outlet can make this decor piece not only cute but functional.
Using Shelf Lighting For Stylish Décor
Accent lighting lets homeowners enhance the kitchen shelf decor. It may be used for emphasizing design elements, improving aesthetics, and even enhancing functionality. The use of power packs lights or led strip lights, for example, complete the decor and add depth to the space.
In my practice, I routinely add spice racks and glassware to display cabinets, along with small sculptures that capture attention. Backlighting on open shelves creates an illusion of distance and pulls everyday items, such as cookbooks, or plants into focus. In practically all cases warm white lights is the most flattering color in kitchens.
I have found many clients pleasantly surprised with the enhanced appearance that well-designed lighting brings to their shelves. Designers at Houzz usually understate that lighting is one of the most ignored details of interior design and especially for kitchens.
To complete this section, I would suggest that the best lights for the highest return of utility are motion-sensor lights, which are wonderful for late-night excursions to the kitchen or when a space is poorly lit.
Style Your Kitchen Shelves Using Glass Jars And Pantry Items
As a rule of thumb, I recommend glass jars for styling kitchen shelves since they serve both functional and decorative purposes. Ingredients such as lentils, pasta, grains, and coffee beans can be put on display using clear containers which are also organized. This method is ideal for modern kitchens which emphasize clean lines and natural materials.
To accomplish this look, I buy various sizes of airtight glass jars, some with bamboo or metal lids, which I place on floating shelves in groups of three. Labels in uniform style further improve coherence and cohesion while enclosing decorative items such as a ceramic salt dish or wood spoon to the jars enhances the entire display.
In my professional opinion, this kind of styling transforms tedious storage into a beautiful container that is a joy to behold. It brings to mind ideas from Master Stewart Living which often emphasizes stored ingredients in simple but beautiful containers. I have styled my client’s kitchens this way and it achieves both aesthetics and usability.
To improve the style, I suggest placing terracotta pots with herbs on the side, installing under-shelf lighting to highlight the glass and other textures used, or with the counter.
Brilliant Shelf Decor Pieces For An Eclectic Kitchen Style
If you enjoy bold décor with a lot of personality, then eclectic decor is perfect for you. This style welcomes a lot of variety, including colors, shapes, textures and even modern and vintage designs. In my design practice, I’ve found that this decor style works great for people looking to add character to an otherwise neutral toned kitchen.
Combining colorful bowls with retro tins, travel mugs, and abstract ceramics gives me the vibrant display I need. Miniature figurines included along with books featuring graphic prints and vibrant hues draw attention to the shelf. To obtain a livening effect, I position the items on open white or light wood shelves.
What I like the most about the eclectic style of decoration is the creativity it offers. It gives a lived-in vibe while also telling a story. According to Apartment Therapy, incorporating “organized chaos” can help achieve a well-curated yet friendly arrangement for shelves.
As with anything organized, I like to add a few neutral elements like clear jars or white vases to refine the chaos. Striking balance with these elements takes away the overwhelming feeling from the shelf while also keeping it inviting.
Creating Balance And Symmetry On Open Kitchen Shelves
Doing decor on shelves in the kitchen requires emphasis on balance and symmetry as focal design elements that give a fine finish. Decor principles can be applied to open shelving designs and decor features. This approach works best on homeowners with a clean, uncluttered look in their kitchens.
Most of the time, I like to work with two or more items – two jars, two bowls, two framed prints – and leave a space for a centerpiece that could be a cutting board or a plant. If the set of shelves has vertical alignment, I follow a mirror approach level by level. Arrangement requires aligning different items and shapes, height, color, and scale rather than just blanket matching.
This is all well and good, but what about the rest of us. I for instance, am captivated by the work of Berkus. I have applied the minimalist technique to many kitchens and have been pleased with how polished the outcomes are without them feeling too minimalist.
If I were to recommend one change, it would be the inclusion of an odd feature for a pop asymmetrical flare that keeps things from being predictable.
Scandinavian Inspired Minimalist Shelf Decor
Scandinavian minimalist style kitchen shelf decor pays attention to light and space while keeping things simple and useful. Every object in these designs serves a purpose, and is pleasingly crafted. I have designed several themed kitchens which I refer to as “the elegance of functionality,” where shelf decor combines beauty and function with subtle sophistication.
I like to place light colored floating shelves and style them with neutral toned cutting boards, black or brass utensils, and ceramics. The glass jars I use are plain, and the colors range from soft gray or cream to sage green. I prefer to keep some space on the shelves so the items can breathe.
In my own Scandinavian inspired kitchen, I like to follow the Nordic designers like Lotta Agaton’s less-but-better philosophy. Every item is delightful to rely on and to behold, but functionality is never compromised.
To complete this decor, I recommend keeping the brightness low and avoiding clutter. A single eucalyptus branch in a delicate vase can be just the right amount of organic touch.
Corner Kitchen Shelves: An Artistic and Practical Approach
In my opinion, corner shelves have the most artistic value and visual impact among other types of shelves in the kitchen. Unlike built-in or floating shelves, corner shelves don’t disrupt the workflow of the kitchen, making them a perfect place to showcase various collectibles. My kitchens have a thoughtful look because I try to style each nook and cranny of my kitchen spaces.
To achieve the best results, I start with vertical arrangement layering for my corner shelves. I place the taller items such as pitchers and cutting boards first, and then stack smaller bowls, planters, and candles in front of them. This approach provides a lot of depth without feeling overly crowded. Adding personal touches such as framed recipes or handwritten cards can be charming.
In my opinion, it is more useful in transitional kitchens because there is limited space but a greater need for aesthetic elements. Wonderful examples of shovel art can often be found in House Beautiful. In my home, these shelves house my grandmother’s china set and they always spark conversations.
The only thing I’d add to the corner is a small wall spotlight to enhance the beauty of the design.
How To Add Greenery With Faux Plants On Kitchen Shelves
If you want to bring greenery into the kitchen, decorating with faux plants on your shelf is a good option. Moreover, if the kitchen does not receive much sunlight or the shelves are hard to reach, realistic looking faux plants are always the better option as they do not need much care and are durable.
Greenery enhances the look of a kitchen. I carefully drape faux vines on the edges of upper shelves and allow them to spill over. Succulents are stunning on their own and when placed between jars or dishes, small faux succulents and herbs in minimalist pots can further amplify the aesthetic. To maintain a natural look, I prefer using high quality faux greenery to place in textured or ceramic planters as opposed to plastic ones.
In my opinion, and especially in this case, faux greenery is used to liven up the area without increasing maintenance demand. Designers from Real Simple have also been quoted saying that faux plants and greenery are unappreciated decor pieces that add vibrance to a place.
If you’re looking to add some excitement to your faux plant display, I encourage you to incorporate different shapes such as spiky, and round, along with trailing plants, to ensure depth.
Integration Of Decorative Trays And Bowls As Accents
From my perspective, decorative bowls and trays serve an aesthetic purpose and fit wonderfully on kitchen shelves. They help to group smaller items, reduce clutter, and serve as decor in the kitchen. These types of trays work best in modern or transitional styles of kitchens.
I style one medium tray per shelf where I place matching spices and utensils which are later elevated further by a decorative bowl holding seasonal fruits or nuts or even napkins. Marble bowls and wooden trays transform any ornate ceramic objects into stunning decor. These elements anchor the layout.
My experience suggests that these trays stop the small items from cluttering the space. In open shelf designs with complicated themes, trays help maintain order. According to Elle Decor, decoratively styled trays serve a greater purpose than just stunning design and function as organizers.
If anything is lacking in this set up, I would suggest round shaped or unusual glaze finished spice bowls. Without overpowering the decor, bowls would serve as the centerpiece while elevating the artistry of shelf styling for any home.
Personal Displays for a Lived In Look
One of the easiest ways to give a personal touch to a kitchen is by adding a personal touch and it really makes a difference if a person goes above and beyond by placing personal keepsakes around or on the shelves. In my experience, the kitchen with a curated, lived-in look is a lot more inviting and welcoming than those that do not. This works particularly well for open concept kitchens where every corner is in sight. Shelves cease to be just a place for keeping the items and rather become a canvas for one’s imagination. They don’t just serve a functional purpose, but also tell the stories of the people who use the kitchen. It’s a storytelling surface—an intersection of creativity and practicality.
I almost invariably begin the process with family heirlooms or a travel souvenir or even a showcase of hand-thrown ceramic mugs. Those vintage spice tins tell stories, wooden cutting boards carry history, or even framed recipe cards from grandma’s kitchen carry the warmth and charm in my eyes. In my perspective, these items work incredibly to add warmth over practical items like stacked dishes or transparent glass jars filled with wholesome ingredients. By placing items that serve a purpose together with those that evoke emotion creates charm.
I’ve used open shelves in my home to showcase my children’s handmade pottery and even cookbooks scribbled with notes. These elements help ease the staged look of my kitchen. As a balanced approach, designer Shea McGee from Studio McGee suggests pairing clean uniform stock and personal décor, which I have found to be very effective.
As an addition to that, I suggest using soft warm light above the shelf along with woven baskets. These touches enhance the personal touch and add more layers to the decor.
Using Open Shelves To Showcase Statement Pieces
Do you have stunning sculptural bowls, a bold ceramic vase, or your favorite oversized artisan salad bowl? Do not ever put them in cupboards. Open shelves in kitchens offer great ways to showcase functional art. These items serve as amazing focal point and conversation starters in modern or transitional kitchens. It is best to avoid monotony, so I always suggest incorporating different sized and shaped items as long as they blend well together in style or material.
Some of my favorite shelf displays include hand-blown glass vases, glazed pottery, or even a single oversized pitcher on a mid-height shelf. A display with too many bold elements looks cluttered, but using the right balance transforms it into something impactful. I start strong by using one or two strong anchor pieces as the base for every shelf, then surround them with smaller objects that are more neutral. A wooden backdrop or even matte white walls strike me as incredibly soothing, which helps emphasize and draw attention to the more statement pieces.
When I decorated a client’s urban kitchen, I used three charcoal ceramics of different heights as the visual anchors for the entire shelving wall. The pieces looked stunning against the white subway tiles, adding a museum-like sophistication. I personally love how Emily Henderson creates “visual triangles” when styling shelves, something I’ve utilized in all my projects.
To maximize the impact of your shelf decor, installing ambient lighting like under-shelf LED lighting or sconces above would enhance the dramatic impact of your kitchen shelf decor.
Using Vertical Interest to Style Tall Kitchen Shelves
Styling tall kitchen shelves can be a bit daunting, however, it is an incredible chance to add visual rhythm and height variation to the space. My personal approach is to regard towers of shelves as an integral feature from the kitchen’s architecture, particularly in spacious kitchens with high ceilings or in over-the-island wall units. These shelves are enhanced by vertical stacking that draws the gaze upward, further enhancing the sense of space. Height should be used purposefully to avoid giving an impression of haphazard arrangement or lack of intention into the decor.
I enjoy using sculptures and tall objects as grand vases, candle holders, or tall stacks of books arranged upright and held together with stylish bookends. Leverage cutting boards that are set to lean or framed prints in portrait orientation. Perforated shelves, decorative ladders, or wall-mounted hooks can also be used to add architectural interest and vertical interest. To create a gentle touch that fills space more dynamically, I like to use wiry trailing plants such as pothos.
The most striking one for me was the apothecary jars and brass lanterns with the brownstone styled vertically stacked cook books on the upper apothecary shelves. They accentuated the rest of the shelvings brownstone style. Turning to asymmetrical styles adds a modern touch that looks much more curated instead of stiff, removing the ‘perfect touch’ adds character. As noticed on domino magazine.
I would add a mirror panel to enhance light within the kitchen while giving an illusion of greater space in narrower kitchens.
Styled Shelves For White Classic Kitchen
Depending on the style of furniture in the house, a classic luxury touch gives life to timeless design. One of the simplest ways to warm an all white kitchen is with eyewear styled white shelves. White adds a touch of glamour while effortlessly filling in color, texture, tone and style. That’s why I use open shelvings in white kitchens as they offer depth and dimension.
To achieve a classic aesthetic, I begin with light wood accents, including beech and ash cutting boards. They pair elegantly with white ceramics and clear glass. For a softer touch, I incorporate greenery with small potted herbs and draping eucalyptus. Natural textures are featured in lie covered cookbooks, ceramic canisters with wooden tops, and woven trays. For contrast that doesn’t interrupt a clean design, I use brass or matte black shelf brackets.
A client wanted their white kitchen to be welcoming while retaining a minimalist style. We curated a shelf display with stacked dinnerware, an antique clock, and a framed black and white family bakery photo. It was personal, functional destroced charming. Architectural Digest recommends white kitchens include open shelving to “highlight craftsmanship and break up the monotony” and I often take that advice.
For this section, I would add a small warm-bulbed light fixture, or suggest white zellige tiles as a textured backsplash behind the shelves to add subtle movement.
Thoughtful shelf decor that brings out your lovely personal touches, bold pieces, or even enhances empty white spaces can make the kitchen more functional and inviting. I am eager to learn what ideas you have for your shelves and what you have already tried. Don’t hold back; I welcome all ideas in the comments!
