Practical Kitchen Display

When planning or redesigning a small kitchen the practical use of storage space usually triumphs over decorative and display elements. There is a way to have both. Deep open shelves adjacent to upper cabinets can enhance both the utility and visual appeal of a small kitchen.

Standard microwave ovens take up valuable counter space in a small kitchen. The bottom of a deep open shelf wide enough to hold the oven while providing adequate ventilation allows for a clear countertop.

Various sizes of glass storage jars show off dry goods that are normally hidden behind cabinet doors. People who love to cook like looking at food. Bulk dry goods need storage when purchased in large quantities at either discount stores or from bins at health food stores. Seeing the dry goods daily also lets you know what needs replenishing.

The beauty of what we cook and eat can be displayed with style. Cereals, nuts, raisins, chocolate, popcorn, dried beans, flours, pastas, spices, sugars, teas, candies, and crackers add color and texture to a kitchen shelf display.

Design directors Samuel Fleming Lewis and Stephen Kladder of INSTUDIO display old world European style glass canning jars in a contemporary kitchen as a counterpoint of old and new. Sleek containers with simple stainless or glass lids could have been used if the designers wanted continuous contemporary style.

Planning a kitchen? instudio-sf.com