Ask the Renovator

Part of house flipping is designing. We have designed our fair share of kitchens and bathrooms and have been known to put together some staged living rooms. Luckily, people like what they see and this has added to our success. We often get questions regarding remodeling, designing and decorating. We figured we would take your questions to the web and answer the most popular! Up first — kitchens!

A New Kitchen Trend in 2018

What do you think of the open shelving concept that is becoming a new kitchen trend?

ask the renovator - kitchen rehab — Open shelving in kitchens is becoming an increasingly popular trend in 2018.

Your kitchen is typically your main workstation in your house and therefore it is practical to outweigh all the pros and cons as you begin to plan this vital space. Let’s take a look at some considerations.

Pros of Open Shelving Kitchen

Show off your dish or glassware collection such as your beautiful china or that hidden away beautiful vase you received as a wedding gift.

Cash For Homes: Ask a Renovator — Display your beautiful china in this open shelving concept.

You have a very open kitchen and therefore quick access to everything…even those items that used to be tucked away and forgotten about!

You have more storage options, particularly for bulkier, larger items.

Consider functionality: items you use daily now have easy access.

Don’t forget about price — obviously, this concept is considerably low and opens up your budget for something else!

How about a bit of both — cabinetry alongside open shelving? Create an eye-catching section for those decorative serving pieces and keep those items you do want hiding inside your cabinets.

The Downside to Open Shelving

By forgoing standard upper cabinets with doors, you lose a more clean, uniform look. Additionally, having specific cabinet styles and appropriate hardware can help complete the look and feel of your kitchen.

If you don’t like a busier look, having “stuff” out on your shelves can be distracting or distasteful.

Products that are not so attractive products now have nowhere else to go. Don’t forget the added dusting required.

Tip:

If you are undecided which way to go, remove the doors of your current cabinets. How do you feel living with exposed shelves in your home?

Let us know what your thoughts are…is the open shelving concept the way to go in 2018? If you have pictures of your open kitchen, post and share with us!