Open kitchen shelves can be the most beautiful surface in a home or the most stressful, depending entirely on how you arrange the things on them. Here’s the four-step approach our team uses, distilled from interviews with three professional stylists.
1. Edit ruthlessly
Take everything off. Yes, everything. Put back only what you use weekly. The mug your aunt gave you ten years ago that you never reach for? Box it.
2. Group by colour
Cluster like-coloured objects. Three white ceramics together, then a punch of brass, then back to neutrals.
3. Vary the height
Mix tall jars with low bowls. The eye needs verticals to rest.
4. Leave breathing space
One-third of each shelf should be empty. Your objects will look more expensive, your kitchen more spacious.
