With the trend veering towards more casual-style kitchens that are uber-functional & strategically layed-out, I see that homeowners are ditching the doors and instead opting for a more open, airy look.

When thinking about renovating, remodeling, or simply making a few minor modifications, you must consider open shelves. Open shelves not only create for a larger-feeling space, but also allow you to add in tons of color. I feel an open shelf or shelves are a must for the hub of the home.

Come check out my 5 reasons to choose open shelves in the kitchen

1. Color

With a long line of base and upper cabinets taking up most o f a kitchen space, there is often little or no way to introduce color. Smartly, homeowners often choose neutral colors for their kitchen cabinets so they can live longer without being dated or tired. BUT, and heres a big ole but, by removing the cabinet door(s) and/or having open shelves, a pop of color can be introduced giving depth and intrigue to a space.

For example, Brittany chose to remove the doors on the cabinets that flank the sink and added fabric backing. With white cabinets + white tile, there was little option for color, but this inexpensive upgrade really jazzed up her homes hub in no time.

Click to read full tutorial on how-to add fabric backing

No matter the size or configuration of your cabinets, you can absolutely add depth and an unexpected detail to them by adding in color & pattern.

via wood + wool

Its always been questioned if black is a color, but either way I have to say I think adding a chalkboard surface to the back of an open cabinet is certainly interesting, different, and fun! It truly makes the elements that are layer ed in front, stand out.

A pop of color at the back of cabinets (similar to bookcases) makes for an eye-popping and fun composition. Look how those gorgeous white plates stand out against the turquoise back!

turquoise backed shelves via Coastal Living

2. Color (no thats not a mistake I know I already said color, but thi s is color in a different way)

Not only can color be introduced by what you put on the back of a cabinet or shelf, but open shelving allows the items on them to speak. So much color can be added into a space by the dishes, glasses, bowls, and other elements that are displayed.

custom wall shelf in canary yellow

Hello color! A neutral cabinet is the perfect compliment to this colorful and bold collection.

v ia Life in Grace

3. Easy Access

Who wouldnt like a few less steps throughout the day? ME! And who would love to stop bugging their kids (or hubbies) about not closing the cabinet doors? ME! Open shelves make life a little easier. Why? Because of the ease of access. One turn and grab, and you have a dish in hand.

Think about taking doors off your existing cabinets. Its amazing how easily accessible your dishware can be! Display what you have

via BHG

featured on Apartment Therapy

4. Height

Choosing or modifying an existing kitchen with open shelves really heightens the space. With the things that are displayed on the shelf, the eye is drawn up to the ceiling. No need to have the eye stop at a typical soffit that runs across the top of the cabinets. By going as high as you can with open shelving, you not only have more storage space, but the room will feel alot larger.

By continuing the backsplash tile from the countertop to the ceiling, the entire space feels larger with the use of one material. The eye is not only drawn up to the ceiling with the tile, but the open shelves make this space feel more open and airy.

via YHL

In this space, 3 rows of shelves filled with beautiful dishes draw the eye up which heightens the room.

via BHG

5. Display Collections

Kitchens are a great place to surround yourself with meaningful things. Whether a collection of spoons, tea pots, cups + saucers, or cookbooks, since the kitchen is probably one of the spaces you spend most of your day, why not fill it with what you love. Instead of doors hiding all the things you treasure most, display them on an open shelf to continually admire throughout the day.

A collection of cook books is most apprepos in a kitchen. They not only are functional, but the bindings add such great color into the space. This kitchen has dark cabinets, so the openness of the shelves makes the space feel larger and taller.

kitchen space with open shelves for cookbooks

Ceramics or teapots are another favorite to display in the kitchen. I love how shelves were added in front of the sink window of this kitchen and an array of soft-colored ceramic dishes, bowls, vases, and pots are stylish displayed. What a fantastic idea and certainly something that can be added to any existing kitchen layout.