The Open Cabinet Trend
We want to tell you a secret: that glorious, minimalist open shelving look in kitchens that is so hot right now? Clients hate it, say real estate experts.
Said one, “Drawers and doors in the kitchen! I’m going to be so glad when this open shelving fad goes away. I know it’s trendy and cool, but every house I have ever shown a client with open shelves has gotten negative reviews because most people can’t live that way. ‘How much is it going to cost to install cabinets?’ they ask.”
The idea of open shelving or doorless cabinets is that after a good purge, everything is easily accessible, thoughtful, and beautifully displayed. While it’s great if you still own your grandmother’s fine china, it’s a little less elegant if you have a set of plastic free refill cups from the movie theater on display.
Accessibility
The idea is simple: by having open shelving, there is a commitment to order and minimalism enforced by the very nature of the storage. The kitchen is supposed to be somehow less burdened because of the absence of cabinet doors. Some even paint the backs of open counters to more elegantly display their kitchenware. While this may work well for some and might be nicely represented in a photo layout, for some, the reality is less than ideal.
Or Protection
People with busy families and young children find the idea of thoughtful arrangement doesn’t translate well to daily habits. Some of the other functions of kitchen cabinetry are also lost by open shelving: for example, protection against dust and pet hair. People who have animals report finding pet hair on their shelved items if they do something as innocuous as opening a window or turning on a fan.
Those who eschew the open shelving look and slap new kitchen cabinets back in the kitchen of their just-bought home will be happy to know that they can remain on-trend by sweeping away countertop artifacts. Not even the coffee maker is welcome on the countertop in a minimalist kitchen.
To each their own
There are also those who may clean out the junk drawer and give a happy nod to those glamorous kitchens with their minimalist lines. While they may be underrepresented in home decor magazines, it’s reasonable to respond appropriately to their reality instead of making the family crazy with demands which don’t meet their needs.
If you’re considering refinishing or refacing your cabinets, want your cabinet doors removed and cabinets repainted, or are planning on another kitchen cabinet change, we can help!
The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.
If you’re considering refinishing or refacing your cabinets, want your cabinet doors removed and cabinets repainted, or are planning on another kitchen cabinet change, we can help!