Open shelving – often labeled the most controversial storage solution of all – has a habit of splitting designers' options. On the one hand, this style allows us to showcase possessions that bring us joy, but they are notoriously hard to keep clean – especially in the most practical room of the home. However, if anyone can convince us to flirt with open shelving, it's Cameron Diaz, who has made a case for this feature in her Los Angeles home.
It's certainly no secret that we're admirers of Cameron's marble-drenched kitchen (this is not an exclusive love letter to her space). However, it is the first time we've taken a moment for her kitchen shelving, which serves as a reminder of just how beautiful storage can be.
In her kitchen, Cameron fills her open shelving with intricate decorative (yet practical) crockery and painted porcelain dishes that are in easy reach from her stove. While the shelves are busy, they aren't cluttered (another reason why this style often falls victim to criticism). And, in true Cameron Diaz style, she's ensured they're ahead of emerging kitchen trends.
'Storage for the kitchens of 2024 will be less formal and fitted and more casual and relaxed, with open, transparent, or freestanding shelving to display everyday items and treasured pieces,' comments Claudio Corniola, the R&D director at Laminam.
'Over the past 12 months (as of September 2023), "Shelving Unit" has become a breakout search topic, as has "Pantry" over the past 90 days, according to Google Trends data.'
As hinted, Cameron Diaz has experimented with open shelving without a sense of clutter – so how can we achieve a similar, seamless aesthetic?
'To avoid a cluttered look in a multi-functional kitchen, easy storage is more imperative than ever and could be just a simple single open 'floating' shelf, shelves incorporated into an island, or a large, bespoke dresser with premium surfacing to elevate it further,' Claudio says.
Shelving aside, Claudio notes that Cameron's metallic hardware and finishes (most notably seen above her stove) tap into an emerging design trend for the year ahead.
'For 2024, the metallics of the moment will be warm tones such as gold, copper, and brass,' he notes. 'Whether incorporated within the tones of a counertop's veining, via sinks and taps, lighting, cabinet handles or accessories, these warm accents will bring luxe to even the plainest of kitchen designs.'
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Installing shelves like Cameron is one thing, but decorating them in a similar way is another. We're shopping the edit below.
