BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
I hear you on the open shelving. I tried it once in a rental flip, thinking it’d save a few bucks and look trendy, but honestly, the dust and grease buildup was a nightmare. Ended up spending more time cleaning than I ever expected. If I had to do it again, I’d stick to closed cabinets too—especially with adjustable shelves. One thing I learned the hard way: always double-check your measurements against your appliances. Had a dishwasher door that blocked a drawer for years... drove me nuts every time I cooked.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Funny, I’m actually a fan of open shelving in some cases, but I get where you’re coming from about the dust and grease. For me, it really depends on where the shelves are and how you use the kitchen. I’ve seen setups where open shelves above a coffee station or pantry area stay pretty clean, but yeah—near the stove, it’s a pain. On the flip side, closed cabinets can sometimes make a space feel boxed in, especially in smaller kitchens. Ever tried mixing both? Like, a few open shelves for stuff you use daily, then closed cabinets for everything else? That’s worked for some of my clients who want a bit of both worlds.
And that appliance/drawer conflict... classic. It always amazes me how easy it is to overlook those tiny details until you’re actually living with them.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Mixing open shelves and cabinets is honestly such a practical move, especially when you’re short on space. I’ve done a few builds where we put open shelves just for mugs, plates, or stuff that gets used constantly—less dust, less fuss. But yeah, grease near the stove is brutal. I always wonder if there’s a “perfect” layout or if it’s just about finding the least annoying compromise. The appliance/drawer thing gets me too—those little oversights can really drive you nuts once you’re living with them. It’s reassuring to know most people run into the same stuff.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
Mixing open shelves and cabinets is honestly such a practical move, especially when you’re short on space. I’ve done a few builds where we put open shelves just for mugs, plates, or stuff that gets used constantly—less dust, less fuss. But yeah, grease near the stove is brutal.
I get the appeal of open shelving for everyday items, but I’ve actually found it’s more hassle than it’s worth in most kitchens. Maybe it’s just me, but even with frequent use, dust and kitchen grime seem to find their way onto everything. Especially if you cook a lot—open shelves near the stove turn into a magnet for sticky residue. I’ve had clients swear by them at first, then ask to swap them out for closed cabinets after a year or two.
There’s also the issue of visual clutter. Some folks love seeing all their dishes out in the open, but if you’re not super tidy (or have mismatched mugs like I do), it can start to look messy fast. Cabinets hide a multitude of sins.
As for the “perfect” layout...I’m not convinced it exists. Every space has its quirks and every person uses their kitchen differently. What drives one person nuts might be totally fine for someone else. The appliance/drawer thing you mentioned is spot on—those little details make or break daily use. I once built a kitchen where the dishwasher door blocked half the lower drawers when open. Didn’t seem like a big deal on paper, but in practice? Super annoying.
If I had to start over, I’d probably go heavier on deep drawers instead of lower cabinets—they’re just easier to access and organize. And honestly, I’d keep open shelving to an absolute minimum unless there’s a really good reason for it (like a coffee station away from the cooking zone). Just my two cents...everyone’s got their own pain points with this stuff.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
You nailed it about the deep drawers—they’re a game changer for pots, pans, and even pantry stuff. I used to think open shelves would make my kitchen feel bigger, but honestly, I got tired of wiping down dusty glasses every week. It’s true, there’s no perfect layout, just what works for you and your habits. Those little annoyances like blocked drawers or awkward corners really add up over time. It’s all about learning from the last build and tweaking things bit by bit.