Let’s be honest—when we first moved into our new home, I was a little overwhelmed by one specific detail in the kitchen: the open shelving. I’d always had glass-front cabinets, so this was a whole new design challenge. Open shelves meant everything was on display. It had to be practical and pretty—no pressure, right?
But after some trial and error (and lots of rearranging), I finally cracked the code. Today, I’m sharing my go-to formula for styling open kitchen shelves in a way that’s functional, beautiful, and totally doable—even if you’re not a pro designer.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to shop the look.
This post contains affiliate and sponsored links. As always, I only share products I genuinely use and love.
Start With Balance—Color, Texture, and Theme
The secret to making open shelves feel curated (not chaotic) is creating balance. Think of it like styling a bookshelf, but for your dishes. Mix materials and tones—but keep a common thread, whether that’s color, shape, or theme.
In my kitchen, I started with natural textures—wood tones, fresh greenery—and layered in everyday dishware. To tie it all together, I added a few charming pieces from the MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Collection. That little touch of black-and-white whimsy instantly gave my shelves personality and cohesion.
Style With Intention (And a Few Diagonal Tricks)
Take a peek at the shelves in the photo above:
- Plates are arranged on two different shelves, each placed at a diagonal angle to keep the eye moving.
- I mirrored that diagonal layout with two glass cloches, and tucked in greenery to add texture and softness.
- The Courtly Check tea kettle and cup set adds just the right amount of pattern and fun. Plus, they’re functional—my daughters are serious tea lovers, so we use them all the time. I get so many compliments on this set.
Repeat Your Formula Across the Kitchen
I used the same styling strategy on the opposite side of the kitchen. A few white ceramic pitchers, a little greenery, and more Courtly Check accents bring the whole look together. It’s cohesive without feeling too matchy-matchy.
Countertop Details Matter Too
One of my favorite additions? This mesh dome cloche. I went for the large size, though it also comes in a smaller version. It’s the perfect piece for entertaining—whether it’s cheese, pastries, or an appetizer board, it instantly adds elegance.
Don’t Forget the Nearby Built-Ins
Just across from the kitchen, we have built-in shelves that were practically begging for a little styling love. I brought over the same formula—balance, greenery, and a repeating theme—and added some of my favorite vintage silver pieces.
Also Read : How to Decorate a Studio Apartment on a Budget
