Few kitchen storage solutions spark a debate quite like open shelving. Designers often tend to either love or loathe this feature – but if anyone can make a strong supporting case, it's Michael Douglas.
Douglas, who lives with his wife and Hollywood counterpart Catherine Zeta-Jones, shared a glimpse inside their rustic, Spanifornia kitchen, featuring an open shelf that's illuminated with a spotlight – creating a gallery-like space that exhibits their painted dishes and ornaments. It's a reminder that the most beautiful kitchen storage ideas are those that are personal and, in the best cases, artistic. It also encourages us to get playful with the types of objects we showcase in our kitchen.
These shelves typically host everyday crockery and glasses, but you can also include more decorative plates and ornaments that deserve to take center stage. If you love them, it's time to show them off – the Douglas and Zeta-Jones way.
In all its beauty, however, you'd be forgiven for overlooking the practical elements of Douglas's space. Alongside the decorative pieces, the space features a trove of fresh veg that's ready to be cooked. The colors complement the tones seen on the painted crockery, meaning they almost serve as decor accessories in their own right. It's a look that hasn't gone unnoticed by kitchen shelving experts, including Bo Hellberg, the CMO at String Furniture.
'Open shelving is a practical and stylish option when it comes to kitchen layout, it is also practical for cooking. When you cook a lot, you want lots of open shelves, so everything is easily within reach,' he says. Plus, we don't need a space as large as Douglas's to follow suit.
'If you are limited on space, combine open shelving with cabinetry throughout your kitchen. This way, you can style your open shelves to add character to your kitchen while not solely relying on this if you wish to hide the less attractive kitchen appliances,' Hellberg explains. 'Ensuring your kitchen is organized and clutter-free will help not to make the space feel too overwhelming, which is important if you don’t have ample space.'
To create a colorful corner similar to Douglas's, we love these vibrant plates designed by none other than Ottolenghi. Though practical, they stand as art pieces that deserve to be adored on every open shelf.
Blue and pink collide in this gorgeously abstract bowl. It's the most aesthetic way to enjoy pasta or noodles, and will look beautiful paired against pink glass on your shelves.
The Feast face plate is equal parts fun and sophisticated, all while being synonymous with the Ottolenghi brand. Anyone who loves the chef will instantly recognize this piece as one of his most iconic designs.
This bright bowl evokes the world's happiest color, bringing just the right amount of vibrancy to any corner of your kitchen. You deserve it whether you have open shelving or not.
Alongside small kitchens, Hellberg adds that open shelves are perfect for darker spaces that will benefit from extra light and color.
'Open shelves don't take up a lot of physical – and therefore visual – space, making them ideal for compact or dark kitchens. Swapping even a small run of cabinets for open shelving can make a room feel larger and brighter,' he says. 'It allows for plenty of storage and creates an opportunity to display your favorite dishes without overwhelming the space with heavy cabinetry.' However you style your shelves, you can be sure this look comes with approval from Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, so who can disagree?
