Totally get that—my kitchen cabinets ended up mismatched after a clearance sale fiasco, but it pushed me to try open shelving and reclaimed wood. Now it's my favorite room in the house. Ever had a budget mishap turn into your best project yet?
Open shelving can look great, but honestly, it's not always the practical solution people think it is. I've seen clients initially love the aesthetic, only to realize later how much extra cleaning and organizing it requires. Dust and grease accumulate quickly, especially near cooking areas, and keeping everything visually appealing can become a chore. Personally, I prefer recommending a mix—closed cabinets for everyday items and open shelves for decorative or frequently used pieces. That way, you still get the visual openness without sacrificing functionality. Budget mishaps can definitely spark creativity, but it's important to balance aesthetics with day-to-day practicality.
Yeah, totally get what you're saying about open shelving. When we redid our kitchen, I was all about that open shelf look—until reality set in. It wasn't just dust and grease, either. For us, it turned into a clutter magnet; random mugs and bowls always ended up there, making the whole kitchen seem messy. Mixing cabinets with a couple of shelves for things you actually use daily or pretty items you want to show off seems like the sweet spot... practical but still stylish.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
I get the appeal of mixing open shelves and cabinets, but I’d actually argue that open shelving can be a solid cost-saver if you approach it with a plan. Cabinets are way pricier—materials, hardware, labor if you’re not DIYing—while open shelves can be made from reclaimed wood or even leftover project lumber. That’s a big chunk off the budget right there.
Here’s what worked for me: I mapped out exactly what I wanted to display (think: daily-use plates, glass jars, not random mugs), then measured and installed just enough shelving for those items. Everything else went behind doors. I also sealed the shelves with a low-VOC finish to make cleaning easier and cut down on dust sticking.
Yeah, you have to be a bit disciplined about what goes on them, but if you’re looking to trim expenses and keep things eco-friendly, open shelving—done intentionally—can actually be a win. Just my two cents from the budget-and-sustainability angle.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
open shelves can be made from reclaimed wood or even leftover project lumber. That’s a big chunk off the budget right there.
Totally agree—open shelving is a game changer for budget projects. One trick I’ve used: sketch out the wall first, then play with shelf heights to fit what you actually use (no wasted space). If you want a more “finished” look, try painting the brackets or using hidden supports. It’s surprising how much style you can get with just a little creativity and some scrap wood.
