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Decoration

Open shelves provide practicality and space for compact kitchens

Check out inspirations from the CASACOR cast for open shelves that brought more fluency and creativity to the kitchen

By Yeska Coelho

Submitted at Jan 31, 2025, 3:07 PM

05 min de leitura
Alecrim Kitchen. Bernardo Gaudi-Ley and Tania Braida - CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2018

Alecrim Kitchen. Bernardo Gaudi-Ley and Tania Braida - CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2018 (André Nazareth)

A small kitchen requires two things: organization and functional furniture – preferably custom-made. Open shelves (or slatted!) are practical solutions for those looking to maximize space without sacrificing style.
Beachfront apartment gets a homey feel with green kitchen. Project by Vivian Reimers. In the photo, kitchen with suspended shelf, countertop, and stools.

Project by Vivian Reimers (Luiza Schreier/CASACOR)

In addition to being practical, slatted shelves are excellent for connecting integrated projects, as well as ensuring better ventilation, which allows for greater space in the kitchen.
Paula Neder transforms penthouse into a refuge with a sea view. In the photo, kitchen with island, suspended shelf, and stools.

Project signed by Paula Neder. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)

Open shelves are also great allies of lighting, as they remove barriers and allow light to flood into all spaces. However, it is important to keep the space organized to avoid clutter and give an impression of messiness.

How to use open shelves in the kitchen?


House full of natural materials transforms into a refuge with mountain view. Project by Diego Raposo and Manuela Simas. In the photo, kitchen with stone wall, island, and stainless steel cabinets.

Project by Diego Raposo and Manuela Simas (Anita Soares/CASACOR)

In general, slatted furniture is a trend that fits perfectly in small kitchens. They have the great advantage of providing lightness to the environment, without losing practicality. Open shelves, countertops with visible legs, or drawers without doors help create a more creative and fluid atmosphere, ensuring greater circulation and integration of the kitchen with other projects.
In Minas Gerais, a 620 m² house receives a project that values the external projects. Project by Junior Piacesi. In the photo, kitchen with black cabinetry, orange chairs, and black cabinetry.

Projeto de Junior Piacesi (Jomar Bragança/CASACOR)

Additionally, slatted furniture makes it easier to access the most commonly used items in daily life, such as kitchen utensils and dishes. Organization becomes more efficient, as you can see everything you need easily, without wasting time opening doors or drawers.

Organization is essential


Pâmella Labre, Pollyane Rodrigues, and Edgard Miguel - Memory Table. Project from CASACOR Tocantins 2024.

Pâmella Labre, Pollyane Rodrigues, and Edgard Miguel - Memory Table. Project from CASACOR Tocantins 2024. (Edgard César/CASACOR)

To optimize space while ensuring functional decor, organizing open shelves is essential. Start by creating categories for the items you usually use. Place the most frequently used utensils in front and at eye level, and the less frequently used or decorative items, such as dinnerware, further back.
Cadé Marino - Studio Brisa do Norte. Project from CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2024.

Cadé Marino - Studio Brisa do Norte. Project from CASACOR Rio de Janeiro 2024. (MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Another tip is to use baskets or storage boxes, which can be placed on the shelves to hide small or messier items without losing the clean look. The shelves can also be used to display decorative elements, such as plants, cookbooks, or travel souvenirs, bringing even more personality to the space.
Project Très Architecture

Projeto Très Arquitetura (Divulgação/CASACOR)

If space allows, use narrower shelves to hang kitchen utensils, like spoons, cups, and knives. In addition to taking up less space, these details make the kitchen more functional and add a charming touch to the space.