Weekly Design Inspiration: On Display

Often when we look at designs, we love them and don’t necessarily know why. One of the genius tricks of good design is that the final look is so dynamic and harmonious that it just feels right together. In kitchens, one way to achieve this is to use a variety of cabinetry to keep your eye moving. This week, I’m talking about some of my favourite ways to introduce display cabinets. 

Reed it and Weep

If you have a busy life with an even busier kitchen, you might be scared of glass cabinets. Not all of us have had a chance to “Home Edit” our house. That doesn’t mean that you can’t introduce hints of transparency. Reeded or fluted glass are a great way to show movement and repetition, all while masking what exactly is going on with your stack of cups. If you want even more privacy, choose a slightly frosted look . 

Source: House and Home

Source: Hammer and Spear

Outlined in Black

I love when kitchens have a statement piece that calls out to you from afar. Black glass cabinets are the perfect way to transfer museum display practices to your own home. Choose a white background if you want to keep things airy, or choose a complimentary deep wood if you want to embrace the dramatic flair. If you feel like you don't have enough dishware for an entire exposed wall, just have one display cabinet and let your dish set shine. 

Source: Hunker

Source: Precision Cabinetry & Design

Suspension of Disbelief

For those of us who don’t love being boxed in, consider open shelving. It won’t take up the same amount of visual space that an enclosed cabinet would and you can play around with vignettes a bit more. Or, if you’re inspired by the restaurant scene, apply the same storage principles to your kitchen and have your glassware up high and easy to grab. I love how this look opens up the room but still packs a punch with its storage. 

Source: California Home Design

Source: Amber Interiors

Design Tip: Don’t be afraid to play with different textures of glass to find what works for you. There are tons of options liked hammered glass, seeded glass, and frosted glass that may suit your needs better than standard glass.