This is such a simple idea – after all it looks like nothing more than one shelf has been hung upside down but somehow it is much more than the sum of its parts. I’m a huge fan of open shelving in a kitchen and don’t take any notice of all those doom sayers who complain about dust and grease and so on.
Firstly, and perhaps crucially, my shelves are not by the cooker which does make a difference, but also as they are full of things that we use all the time then the opportunities for dust to gather are limited.
In addition to that, overhead cupboards tend to finish exactly at head height so you have to stand awkwardly to avoid banging yourself. You also have to nudge other people out of the way if you want to open a cupboard near where they are standing and finally they reduce the amount of worktop you have. Psychologically, as there is a shadow over the top of the space it looks smaller and then you find that that’s where people stick the kettle, the mugs, the toaster and all that sort of thing so you end up working in a space that’s only about 30cm deep instead of 60cm.
So yes all in all, I prefer open shelves. After all, we spend a long time and a not inconsiderable amount of money choosing plates and mugs that please us so why hide them away? This shelf is from Go Modern and, funds permitting, I’d love to fix them along a whole wall for a really great effect.
Made by Tema Home in Portugal, the shelf comes in either black and ply or white and measures 90cm long for £90. There is a shorter version at 60cm for £68. Of course it doesn’t have to be just for the kitchen. It would work equally well in a bathroom or sitting room full of books.
The range is clean and contemporary and, it has to be said, well-priced. To see the full range click here and here’s a taster: the Panorama bookcase costs £300.
