Kitchens

10 Items You Shouldn't Overlook for Your New Kitchen

Edited: April 25th, 2026

A kitchen remodel doesn't come with a small price tag and there's a substantial amount of planning involved. As the saying goes, it's all in the details. In order to help ensure that all your new kitchen items are just perfect, here are some things to make sure you consider when planning a remodel.

1. Layout

It may not be the most exciting part of planning a modern kitchen, but the layout is extremely important. Consider your current one and how you would like the new one to be different, focusing on what your family primarily uses your kitchen for.

2. Storage

Deciding on kitchen cabinets is important, but don't forget to make sure you have enough functional storage space. Pay just as much attention to cabinets' interior organization system as to the exterior. Installing cabinets in your kitchen island is a great way to incorporate more storage without sacrificing any kitchen real estate.

3. Backsplash

A backsplash is a relatively small area of a kitchen, but it's actually rather important. Aside from providing aesthetic appeal, it also acts as a surface that's easy to clean and protects your walls from food and cooking messes caused by greasy or dirty utensils. 

4. Flooring

Kitchen flooring should be both attractive and functional, and homeowners often focus on one aspect or the other. If you choose a material that looks nice but acts as a magnet for dirt and scratches, you'll spend time constantly trying to keep it clean. If you’re tired of walking on a cold kitchen floor, a remodel is the time to upgrade to heated flooring.

5. Appliances

Believe it or not, many people keep their old appliances when they remodel their kitchens, perhaps out of budget concerns. However, a new, modern kitchen will quickly look dated if your appliances aren't updated. Plus, with so many new gadgets for kitchen, you'll want to have at least one in your home.

6. Faucets and lighting

On the list of new kitchen items, you shouldn't overlook the accents. Faucets are functional of course, but can also provide nice decoration. Proper lighting can change the entire look and feel of the room, especially when you focus it to highlight your coolest new kitchen gadgets.

7. Orientation

Think about where you would like to face as you prep and cook meals. Do you want to face your family room, be able to watch television in another room, have a conversation with someone seated at the bar, or look out into your yard? Design your layout with this in mind.

8. Workflow

Have you ever been in a kitchen that simply doesn't make sense? You want to be able to flow naturally as you cook, without having to carry a pot of boiling water across the room. Create a sensible flow between your appliances, sink, and cooking equipment.

9. Electrical outlets

It's easy to take for granted your kitchen's outlets and switches because we're used to them just being there. However, as you design a new kitchen, think about where you want them placed. With so many new kitchen gadgets, be sure that you also have enough outlets.

10. Matching the rest of the home

It makes sense to design a modern kitchen that matches the aesthetic in the rest of your home. There's nothing wrong with opting for a contrasting design, but if it's too different, it will simply look busy rather than complementary.

Takeaways

• There are many important considerations when remodeling a kitchen and several of them are not so obvious
• Details such as lighting, the placement of electrical outlets, and kitchen orientation can have a tremendous impact

Regardless of where you are in the kitchen remodeling process, RWC Windows, Doors & More is your one-stop shop in New Jersey. We're family-owned and operated and have been in the remodeling business for over 60 years. We pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled customer service and taking the stress out of home improvement. Give us a call at (973) 227-7123 or contact us today to make your home renovation dreams a reality!

by RWC

Double Island Kitchen Design: Ideas, Layout Tips & What to Know Before You Remodel

Introduction

Kitchen trends tend to come and go, evolving over time, but one trend that remains constant is the need for a functional space to prepare food. A double island kitchen design is a great way to improve how a space can be used. With the realization of how much more comfortable a larger kitchen is and the way guests tend to gather in the kitchen for at least part of their visit, many homes are beginning to incorporate a double island kitchen layout whether as a new house is being designed or when an older kitchen is being renovated.

Additional Counter Space

The most noticeable advantage of the modern double island kitchen is that of the additional counter space. A single cook will enjoy the extra space as different recipes can be prepared in different areas, or perhaps meats and produce can have their own place so as to not contaminate each other. If multiple people enjoy cooking together, the counters add extra work stations so each person can have their own space. Yet another application might that the second island provides friends a place to sit and keep the cook company without being in the way of food prep.

Designated Functions

Another aspect of the best double island kitchens is the islands have their own functions. One might serve as a place for casual dining and the other a place to set cooked food, or one can be for food prep and the other for presentation. The possibilities are endless according to each cook's style and how the kitchen is used. Regardless of what works best for any individual kitchen and the family who uses it, and the extra space allows the wall-mounted counters to remain organized with the regular cooking tools such as blenders, mixers, or toaster ovens which have to be moved around for every different dish to be prepared.

Improved Traffic Flow

Another aspect of the double island kitchen is it tends to maximize the floor space for foot traffic. A single island may help divide the kitchen into a working area and socializing space, two can make an even better distinction. When properly designed, the two islands will allow people to be getting drinks, have a snack, sit and chat, and be preparing food or cooking without being in each other's way as the islands will provide intuitive traffic patterns depending on why someone is in the room.

Further Considerations and Design Ideas

There are a few kitchen island ideas which someone who doesn't design and build kitchens on a regular basis might not think of. First, it doesn't have to be a large or oversized kitchen to have two islands, if they are properly sized and designed. An extra sink is always nice, but not every island has to be large enough to have a sink and workspace. Another idea is to use different counter surfaces. Such a design naturally separates the spaces according to their function, and give a sense of having two rooms in one according to the different ways kitchens are used and the purposes those spaces are expected to fill.

Takeaway

• The double island kitchen provides separate spaces for separate functions
• Traffic patterns are improved with a double island.
• There are creative ways to design and use a two island kitchen.

Whether designing a new house or remodeling an older one, contact us at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to have a courteous professional come by at your convenience to discuss the needs of your new kitchen or any other contractor jobs your home might need.

by RWC

Functional Kitchen Layouts for Holiday Hosting

Introduction

Your kitchen is probably setup according to how you and your family use it throughout the year. Unfortunately, that might not be the best plan as the holidays approach if you plan to entertain guests. There are simple things you can do to prepare the kitchen for hosting friends or a dinner party as kitchen update ideas, but it's also a great time to conduct renovations you may have been postponing in order to have a functional kitchen for holidays which also serves your daily needs throughout the year.

Making a Kitchen Functional and Efficient

The first step toward making a kitchen functional when guests are coming is to remove the excess clutter. As an example, you might enjoy television when preparing food on a daily basis, but that TV is just going to take up space when friends come by. That space might be better used as a place for drinks and snacks so people don't have to get in the way of food preparation to refill their glass or get a plate of prepared hors d'oeuvres to take to everyone else. Depending on the layout of the kitchen and countertops, you might want to remove the kitchen table you eat at daily to allow for the heightened traffic, or you might want to add an extra table to provide more food prep areas.

Kitchen Renovations

Planning to host a holiday party or to have overnight guests during the season is a great reason to have certain renovations you've always wanted. You certainly don't want an “older but still working, barely” fridge, oven, or dishwasher to have a major failure while friends and family are there. Likewise, if you've always wanted new counter tops or a floor, why not have it done in time to impress your friends before you continue to enjoy it throughout the years?

You might also realize it's a good time for pricing on such renovations. Summer outdoor construction projects are winding down and contractors are finding their indoor winter work. Contractor employees want the work, so they can buy presents and prepare for their own holiday festivities, so you're actually helping them out by hiring their services at this time of year. It's a winning situation for everyone involved.

Kitchen Updates on a Budget

There's more than one way to upgrade kitchen for holiday entertaining; nobody would suggest you conduct a full kitchen renovation with new floors and cabinetry to entertain guests. As a matter of fact, you probably won't be a good host if you take on more than you can be expected to handle with a major construction project while planning a holiday party. There are fairly simple things you can do to update a kitchen, perhaps a new paint job and cabinet hardware, or perhaps adding some lighting, or changing out the faucets to look new and provide better performance.

Takeaways

• Consider how your kitchen functions for you and your family on a daily basis and how that might be different when hosting guests.
• Think about what kitchen renovations would make the area more pleasant and efficient to work in, both on a daily basis and when friends and family are visiting.
• Don't take on too much at a time. Be realistic about what upgrades you can make to your kitchen and still be ready to host guests.

Conclusion

If you need to upgrade your kitchen in preparation for the holiday season, give us a call at RWC: Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to come talk to you about what renovations you want for your kitchen and how we can fill those needs. We understand the holidays can be hectic, so we're willing to work with your scheduling needs and get your kitchen in tip-top shop so you have one less thing to worry about.

by RWC

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Options for Your NJ Kitchen Remodel

Whether you need corner kitchen cabinet options, or you are looking at budget-friendly custom kitchen cabinet options, it's time to see what RWC Windows, Doors & More has to offer. We can help you choose from the best kitchen cabinet drawer options, giving you a great looking kitchen at a price you can afford.

Choosing Stock Cabinets for Your Kitchen

The easiest way to save money on your kitchen cabinets is to choose cabinets that are standard and pre-made. While the construction may not be as good as with custom kitchen cabinet options, they can fit into a tight budget. Choose white and you are going with some of the most basic cabinets available. You can go with stock cabinets, and then change out the hardware to give your cabinets a more unique look.

Reface Your Existing Cabinets

If you already have solid cabinets in your kitchen, refacing the cabinets is a great way to save money and recycle what is already there. You can use the existing cabinets and put on new cabinet doors, or even sand down and stain the current doors to a new shade. Use new hardware, and you will have updated kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of money. When the color of your existing cabinets is already the right choice, you can simply change out the handles and give your cabinets a fresh look. 

Customizing Your Kitchen Cabinets

When you have a tight corner where you want to have a cabinet, you can get a customized kitchen cabinet for that area that matches the rest of your stock cabinets. If you prefer customized kitchen cabinets for your kitchen and you are on a tight budget, you are going to have to cut from other aspects of your kitchen design to meet your cabinet goals. Work on your kitchen design with your contractor, and you will be able to find the right kitchen cabinets that meet your budget and design goals.

Ready to Assemble, Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets come in four ways, ready to assemble, stock, semi-custom, and custom. With stock cabinets, you have limited choices when it comes to the color and style of the kitchen cabinets available to you. If you choose to go with semi-custom kitchen cabinets, you'll have more choices as to the style of your kitchen cabinets, the colors, and the materials used in the construction. With custom kitchen cabinets, you'll spend the most money, but you will also get exactly what you want for your dream kitchen without having to make any compromises. If you are looking for the most budget friendly option, ready to assemble cabinets are generally the answer.

Standard cabinets are affordable, but come in limited designs and colors

• Reface your existing cabinets or simply change the hardware
• Custom cabinets are more expensive, but you may be able to save money  in other areas
• Ready to assemble cabinets need to be put together, but can give you more choices when it comes to designing your kitchen on a budget.

To learn more about the best kitchen cabinet brands to renovate your kitchen, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 and talk to one of our kitchen renovation specialists. We provide services to homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area.

by RWC

What to Consider Before Installing Open Kitchen Shelving

From hanging and floating shelves over the main food prep area to freestanding shelves situated on the wall in place of cabinetry, open shelving in kitchen design has truly come alive in the last few years. Once implemented into kitchens as the bare beginnings of kitchen storage solutions, open shelving is more tied to farmhouse-style kitchens and minimalist design ideas these days. As attractive as these modern open-storage solutions may be, they are not a good fit for every kitchen or every kitchen user. Here are a few things to consider about open kitchen shelving and whether or not they are the best kitchen shelving option for you!

Closed Cabinetry Does Have Its Perks  

Things evolved from crude shelving to closed cabinetry over the years for good reasons. With closed cabinets, you can tuck away all the clutter and keep the kitchen looking tidy. For the most part, regular cabinets are a logical shelving concept. Before you start thinking about how to style open kitchen shelves in your kitchen layout, it's best to consider if you really want to eliminate all your cabinets or just a few. 

Open Shelves Require a Bit of Forethought 

You know how you currently unload the dishwasher quickly and slap everything in the cabinets? If you are going to be using open shelves for something like storing dishes, some old habits will have to change. Everything that you place on your open shelves will have to be carefully considered and organized. Otherwise, your kitchen wall shelving could end up with a mess of clutter that makes your entire kitchen look messy. Some people like the idea of using open shelves to display things like pasta and ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and spices. This can look nice, but, again, you'll have to be careful with what you choose to have on open display. 

Open Shelving Must Be Properly Installed

This is a huge thing to consider. If you have picked up a DIY kit and are wondering how to install open shelving in kitchen areas, you may want to reach out to a professional to get the job done right. There are all kinds of ways shelving can be installed, but the shelving has to be completely stable, anchored securely, and capable of holding heavy weight. Consider just how many pounds a shelf full of glasses would weigh and now think about how easy it will be for such weight to strip a good screw right out of the wall. With this in mind, installing shelves is better left to the experts.

You Must Pick the Best Location 

Houzz provides a good list of open shelving kitchen idea locations, but the real good options are going to change according to your kitchen layout or design. For example, open shelving over the sink may be nice for some homes, but a lot of kitchens have a window over the sink, so this placement might not work. 

Takeaways to Remember Before Installing Open Kitchen Shelving 

• Closed cabinetry will always have its perks; a collaboration of open & closed shelving is always a good mix. 
• Open shelving installation is usually not a DIY task. 
• Picking the best location will make all the difference in how happy you are with the end result.
• Once installed, your open shelving becomes a design element of the space, along with everything on the shelf. 

Open Shelving Installation in NJ

Many people are perfectly happy with the unique open shelves they have installed in their kitchen, but this is a major change to make and should be carefully considered. For more help with how to pick open shelving or cabinetry for your kitchen remodel, reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More. 

by RWC

Is It Time to Renovate Your Kitchen? A Diagnostic Assessment

It's one of the most functional rooms in the house, so a complete kitchen renovation is a huge undertaking for any residence. It's easy to put off a kitchen remodel project until it simply cannot be avoided, even though the costs of a renovation can be recouped by as much as 69 percent if you sell your home. But there are certain signs that should tell you when to remodel your kitchen.

You can get by with a few little annoying quirks in an outdated kitchen space. But if you can go through this list of pain points and find more than half of them to be issues you completely understand, it is a good sign now is the best time to remodel kitchen fixtures, features, and layouts. Let’s go through some of the biggest indicators that it’s time to get started.

1. You don't have enough space for storage or food prep

This is one of the biggest signs your kitchen needs some upgrading. If you are constantly fighting to make enough counter space to cook, have to strategically place things in your cabinets to make them fit or practically climb over furniture to get around, your kitchen needs more space. Another sign indicates you are constantly fighting to keep clutter at bay so the room doesn't look messy.

2. There is no logical traffic flow path through your kitchen.

Having enough room around the primary work surfaces for prime traffic flow in the kitchen is key. According to HGTV, the modern kitchen should have a work aisle between appliances, and counters or other work surfaces should be around 42 inches wide. If there is often more than one cook in the kitchen, you're going to need about four feet of space. 

3. Your outdated kitchen does not line up with the rest of the house

You've made improvements to the rest of the house, but walking into your kitchen is a bit like taking a step back in time. The kitchen is the heart of the home. If it's out of line with the body of the house, the entire house can feel off-kilter. A renovation can ensure your home stays up-to-date.

4. Your kitchen is not as efficient as it could be

Outdated appliances could easily drive up the costs of using your kitchen. For example, an old dishwasher that uses too much water will have you doing dishes by hand, or an outdated fridge could be costing you more on your power bill. If the kitchen is not at all efficient, upgrades and a facelift can work wonders for how you feel about the space.

5. The kitchen is not safe

There are a few pretty good reasons to renovate your kitchen if it’s outdated, but one of the main ones is that your kitchen may not be all that safe. Things like in-island ranges and low-situated wall ovens can be a real safety hazard if you have children. If there are faulty things about your kitchen that pose a safety risk, it may be time to seriously consider a renovation.

6. Your lifestyle and your kitchen don't match

You love to cook. You dream of being able to entertain. But your kitchen is so tiny and cramped or difficult to maneuver that you rarely ever do either of these things. Your kitchen should match how you want to use your kitchen space. If it doesn't, it's a good reason to renovate.

7. You prefer to get takeout instead of cooking in your kitchen.

Do you find yourself avoiding cooking in your kitchen? If the idea of spending time in your kitchen has you looking up local takeout menus, it is definitely a good indication the space needs some work.

Key Takeaways to Remember About a Kitchen Remodel Timeline

• A kitchen renovation is easily neglected because it is a big job, but it is one of the most important for the home's value
• Your kitchen should be comfortable enough and roomy enough to cater to the size of your family or your intended kitchen uses
• An inefficient kitchen is an expensive kitchen and should be remodeled

If you checked over at least half of the items on this list, kitchen renovation should be penciled into your future plans. Contact RWC Windows, Doors & More to find out about how we can help.

by RWC

Greige, Copper Accents, & Two-Toned Cabinets: Trendy Kitchen Designs To Consider

Before you start your kitchen renovation this year, consider trendy kitchen designs that bring style, class, and creativity using modern materials and amazing color combinations. From two-toned kitchen cabinets to vintage vibe fixtures, here we explore innovative, new design styles take can take your kitchen remodel to new levels.

Copper Accents in the Kitchen

You have a few options when it comes to accenting your kitchen decor by altering the metal fixtures and backsplash. You can stick with the traditional chrome fixtures but select a sleek and modern design - or go with a new fixture material such as antique brass, pewter, or go true vintage with worn copper faucet fixtures. When you pair these new copper accents with the right selection of a tin backsplash with repeating patterns and beautifully embossed, metal ceiling tiles - the aesthetics can be dramatic, yet still warm and inviting.

Other ways to include brass and copper accents or other metals like tin and polished steel in the kitchen include:

• Pendant lighting above sink or kitchen island
• Vintage-style brass knobs on cabinetry
• Bar stools with copper or brass details
• Metal appliances - brass mixer, copper teapot, tin backsplash

Two-Toned Kitchen Cabinets

Transform your kitchen space by using two colors for your kitchen cabinets and ditch the traditional uniformity of one kitchen cabinet wood species or color. Painting the cabinet doors and stripping the cabinet frames down to their natural, nude wood grain is trending. Other ideas include:

• Mixing white painted cabinets with a light wood countertops
• Choose different wood overhead cabinets from under-the-counter cabinets
• Black cabinets at center island and white cabinets around kitchen perimeter

Check out 2019 kitchen cabinet color trends that complement the walls of beautiful and functional storage with contrasting floors, walls, countertops, ceiling treatments, and appliances.

Griege is the New Grey

When choosing Modern Grey Kitchen Cabinets, griege is the new grey - a beautifully muted beige and grey color that is warm and unique. Greige is a 2019 kitchen trend that allows homeowners a neutral color choice that is easier to work with when compared to grey. It can be used to create a very stylish color palette in the kitchen, especially when combined with blues, white shades, or a range of cool colors that have been softened - even violets and greens.

Greige paint is an excellent choice for kitchen walls when used strategically. It is best to layer the color with other neutrals - but as stated before, greige can be used as a backdrop tone for splashes of more vibrant colors in your appliances, flooring, and countertops. The more texture you can add to a kitchen that is painted griege, the better.

A brick wall, wood floor planks, weathered patina fixtures or distressed woods, beadboard panels, glazed finishes, and tiled backsplashes are some ways to add texture in the kitchen.

Select a Dazzling Backsplash

It is truly remarkable what a unique backsplash style or pattern can do for your kitchen. But, you must be careful not to have the backsplash be so visually creative that it overpowers the rest of your kitchen decor. 2019 Kitchen trends include backsplashes that may feature the following in design and style:

• shimmering stainless steel or foil materials
• salvaged, antique wood mosaic tiles
• Carrara marble backsplash
• reflective or mirrored finish

Trendy Kitchen Design Takeaways

• When using Greige in the kitchen, mixing finishes can increase visual appeal
• Modern grey kitchen cabinets are all the rage right now
• Consider polished, copper fixtures or antique brass, pewter, or go true vintage worn copper
• Choose different wood overhead cabinets from under-the-counter cabinets

Visit the showroom of RWC Windows, Doors, and More, serving New Jersey and surrounding communities with quality window, door, kitchen, and bathroom installations.

by RWC

Top Kitchen Remodel Ideas for 2019

Top 2019 Kitchen Ideas & Remodel Trends

It can be fun and rewarding to incorporate the newest trends into your home, and the kitchen is the perfect place to start. Often called the heart (and the stomach!) of a home, an updated kitchen makeover will increase your home’s value and comfort. Whether for a new home or remodeling project, a new kitchen design plan can transform your space.

Although design is very subjective, there are certain kitchen trends to avoid when renovating or building a new kitchen. Modern kitchen design ideas are more open, clean and streamlined than they used to be, refined by years of trends. Faux finishes and all-white cabinets have faded into kitchens of the past. Here, we’ve rounded up the top 2019 kitchen design ideas to get you started.

Timeless Design Styles Come Back

When speaking of timeless kitchens (think: your grandmother's outdated, albeit comfy, space), it’s important to focus on the basic elements that make these types of older kitchen trends still relevant. The giant oven and fridge may be energy hogs by today's standards, but the beautiful stone, tile, or wood counter tops are still as impressive as they are gorgeous.

Incorporating natural elements and raw materials like stone and wood into your kitchen is an easy way to modernize it, while potentially giving it that rustic feel from another time. This can even be taken one step further with recycled composite countertops or cork -- sustainable or “green” living is still on the rise. You could combine these design ideas with another popular 2019 kitchen design trend that stands out: brass fixtures. Changing some fixtures to brass is the perfect way to merge your taste with modern trends.

Modern Cosmetic Trends

Many of today's kitchen design remodel ideas are based on classic elements with a twist. Kitchen backsplashes are rising in popularity, especially ones that add a pop of color, display smooth marble or feature funky tile patterns. This is a relatively simple way to upgrade the style of a room, and lets you add a bit of personality. Colored cabinets are on the rise this year, with colors like mint green and fire engine red rising to the top. Another 2019 kitchen color trend is dark hues -- navy blue, forest green and dark brown -- for cabinets and floors. This is opposed to the classic bright, light and open kitchen feel, so it depends what you prefer and what works with your home, but incorporating these different colors can give your space a comfortable, lived-in feeling while making it stand out.

Practical Small Kitchen Remodel Ideas & Designs

Sometimes, you don’t have the luxury of space to do everything you desire in a kitchen. If this describes your space, you’re not alone. Practical and efficient kitchen design ideas for small kitchens are abound this year. An easy trick it to incorporate mirrors and use every inch of wall space.

It’s important to find the right appliances for your space. Things like hanging light fixtures, lots of cabinets and windows, and open shelving can also help open up your kitchen. Especially in a small kitchen, it’s important that everything in functional and minimal to avoid a cluttered feel. In keeping with upcoming trends, try using a pattern, accent colors or textured contrast within your floors or walls; this will add to the design scheme without incorporating extra decor or taking up space.

Intertwining Form and Function

Kitchen interior design involves cabinetry, counters, backsplash trends, and flooring, so there are a lot of elements to look at when considering form and function.

Certain timeless designs have proven themselves to be practical, such as simply having enough drawers and cabinet storage, functional counters which don't easily scratch or stain, and appliances which do their jobs effectively. Some more modern remodeling ideas for kitchens, like energy-efficient or smart appliances, can boost your kitchen’s functionality. Freestanding islands are a great way to balance and maximize your space, especially if they have drawers underneath or double as a table.

Takeaway Points

• Some designs are timeless, it's always worth taking note of what aspects of traditional kitchens are proven to work well.
• 2019 kitchen design trends include colorful cabinets, natural stone and mixed metals -- get creative!
• Modern technology allows for new designs which might better suit your needs.
• Consider how you use the kitchen to make sure the design is practical, specific and fits your tastes.

Conclusion

The bottom line is to consider your expectations for the home. If you plan to live there and use the kitchen, personal preferences are more important than following trends. If your plan is to flip the house or perhaps live there for a short term before moving again, trends are going to more important toward selling the house quickly and to maximize the home's value. To discuss design ideas for your kitchen, contact RWC. Check out our photo gallery of kitchen remodel design ideas and one of our representatives will be happy to meet at your convenience to help design your new kitchen.

by RWC

Everything You Need To Know About The Kitchen Open Shelving Trend

Open shelving has become a popular kitchen design trend in remodeling. The concept allows you to keep your most used items within easy reach or conveniently store everyday cookware. There are no fast rules on how to use your open shelving display. Cookbooks, everyday dishes, elegant stemware, spices, herb plants, delicate China, and unique kitchen decor are all made more special when neatly arranged in the open - on sturdy shelves without framing or a door. A few types of open shelving styles include:

Floating Shelves - feature hidden support braces; shelves look as if they are floating on the wall

Hanging Shelves - will hang by rope or other method attached to ceiling supports

Divider Shelves - are mounted between the ceiling and a lower surface

Freestanding Shelves - glass, wood, and metal shelf systems purchased as a unit

Cubby Shelves - small shelves recessed into the wall or corner mounted units

The Kitchen Open Shelving Trend

History of Open Shelving

Open shelving is not a new concept. Before cabinetry was made affordable, kitchens made room for items wherever there was empty space. A shelf or two could be placed over the kitchen sink and along the walls for quick access to pots, pans, and dishes. Prior to the 1920s, large and small homes would have a small area set off from the kitchen to serve as a food pantry. Rows of open shelves would hold canned or jarred fruits and vegetables along with bags of stock items, such as flour and sugar.

Mid-century homes, dating from 1930 to 1960, also saw a rise in kitchens with hanging open shelves. This is where pots and pans were stored for easy access, and often also as a display of the cook's pride and joy. Today, open shelves are making a dramatic comeback with open shelves being used in many different ways to keep the kitchen space open and airy.

Open Shelving Display Styles

Open Shelving as a Divider - Open shelves can be mounted above a kitchen breakfast bar to act as both a room divider and storage space. After children have left the home, some homeowners repurpose the breakfast bar to serve as a display area for exquisite serving ware which is often oversized and hard to place in standard cabinets.

Kitchen Minimalist Decor - The modern kitchen is efficient and streamlined. Heavy, closed cabinets stuffed to the brim are the opposite of everything associated with a minimalist decor. If you are upgrading your kitchen to a modern decor, keep closed cabinets below countertop height and consider replacing above cabinet storage space with open shelving.

Reduce Clutter - Open shelves will likely force you to purge your kitchen, or at least find unique ways to store those kitchen items that are rarely used. Let's face it, it is much easier to keep years of accumulated kitchen items if they are hidden away in closed cabinets. Open shelving is one way to reduce kitchen clutter and keep only those things that are truly useful or beautiful - and put them on display for a creative solution to drab kitchens.

Hanging Heavy Duty Open Shelves

For kitchen renovations, you will find many big box products for open kitchen shelving, but beware of installing these shelves yourself. If they are not properly installed and attached to a wall stud or beam, the cantilever weight can bring down the entire shelf and rip the drywall out in the process.

The point of attachment for open shelving must be accurately spaced and absolutely level, for obvious reasons. The right type of anchoring bolts must be used to prevent the shelves from pulling away with increased weight. It’s best to have a professional install these shelves to preserve what is placed on them and protect the integrity of your kitchen walls and ceiling.

Takeaways

• Open shelves are perfect for storing extra pots and pans, displaying your treasured kitchen gourmet items, or creating an attractive spice display
• Open shelves can be an artistic way to decorate and stay organized
• Kitchens with open shelves are brighter and lighter

RWC provides bathroom and kitchen remodeling, including design along with door installation and window replacement to homeowners in northern New Jersey. Contact us today to start planning your project.

by RWC