One of the biggest decisions in kitchen design today is whether to choose open shelving, traditional upper cabinets, or a combination of both. While open shelves can create a light and modern look, upper cabinets offer practical storage and a cleaner appearance.

The right choice depends on your lifestyle, storage needs, and the overall style you want for your kitchen.

 

Open shelving replaces upper cabinets with exposed shelves, usually made from wood, metal, or floating cabinetry materials.

This style has become extremely popular in modern, Scandinavian, Japandi, and organic contemporary kitchens because it creates a more open and airy feeling.

Benefits of open shelving:

• Makes the kitchen feel larger
• Creates a lighter, more open appearance
• Perfect for styling decor and dishware
• Works beautifully in modern spaces

Open shelves are often used to display dishes, glassware, cookbooks, ceramics, or decorative accessories.

 

While open shelving looks beautiful in photos, it may not work for every household.

Because everything is visible, shelves require more organization and more regular cleaning. Dust, grease, and cooking residue can build up faster compared to closed cabinetry.

Things to consider:

• Requires regular styling and organization
• Items remain visible at all times
• Can collect dust and grease
• Offers less hidden storage

For busy family homes, too much open shelving can sometimes feel cluttered over time.

 

Upper cabinets continue to be the most practical option for many kitchens because they maximize storage while keeping everything hidden and organized.

Modern cabinetry designs have evolved significantly, making upper cabinets feel much lighter and more refined than older traditional kitchens.

Benefits of upper cabinets:

• More enclosed storage
• Keeps clutter hidden
• Easier to maintain clean appearance
• Better for busy family kitchens
• Maximizes vertical storage space

Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry has also become increasingly popular because it creates a seamless, architectural look while adding significant storage.

 

While upper cabinets are practical, too many can sometimes make a kitchen feel heavier or more closed in—especially in smaller spaces.

This is why many modern kitchens now mix cabinetry with open shelves or use lighter finishes to keep the design feeling balanced.

Potential disadvantages:

• Can feel visually heavy
• May reduce openness in smaller kitchens
• Less opportunity for decorative styling

The overall effect depends heavily on cabinet colour, ceiling height, lighting, and layout.

 

Many modern kitchens combine both open shelving and upper cabinets to create a balanced look.

For example, homeowners may choose full cabinetry around appliances while adding a few floating shelves near a coffee station, window, or feature wall.

Popular ways to combine both:

• Floating shelves beside range hood
• Open shelving above coffee station
• Glass cabinets mixed with solid doors
• One feature shelf instead of multiple rows

This approach keeps the kitchen functional while still feeling modern and visually open.

 

If you love clean minimal styling and don’t mind keeping shelves organized, open shelving can create a beautiful designer look.

If storage, practicality, and easy maintenance are priorities, upper cabinets are often the better long-term solution—especially for busy households.

In many cases, the best kitchens use a thoughtful combination of both.

Best for open shelving:

• Minimalist kitchens
• Modern and Scandinavian designs
• Homeowners who enjoy styling decor

Best for upper cabinets:

• Family homes
• Storage-heavy kitchens
• Low-maintenance organization

 

Both open shelving and upper cabinets offer unique advantages. The right choice depends on how you use your kitchen every day and the overall atmosphere you want to create.

Modern kitchen design is all about balance—combining functionality with warmth, texture, and thoughtful details that make the space feel both beautiful and practical.

If you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom project in Nanaimo, Parksville, or anywhere across Vancouver Island, the team at Classic Kitchens & Design is here to guide you from the first design ideas to the final installation.