In any size kitchen, there is one ingredient that will maximize space and make it look exceptional – thoughtful, creative storage. Actress Anne Hathaway's kitchen, designed by Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, is the perfect example of a space that beautifully blends design-led open shelving with practical and useful closed kitchen cabinet storage – a hallmark of contemporary design for 2025 and 2026.
With the kitchen coming under increasing pressure to perform a variety of crucial roles, such as family dining, working, relaxing and entertaining, a good layout and adequate kitchen storage ideas are more important than ever. High-capacity, well-sited storage is essential to keep everything tidy, providing space that's free of clutter and a pleasure to use. This quest for visual calm is central to the popular quiet luxury trend.
In Anne Hathaway's modern rustic kitchen, a combination of clever storage is key to the room's balance. But where to start?
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Chic storage isn't limited to shelving. You can follow Anne's example with beautiful storage solutions, such as these rattan baskets from Wayfair, or these baskets, designed by Martha Stewart for QVC.
If your kitchen has open display shelves, your plates and crockery should be as beautiful as they are functional. This on-trend set is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with a timeless colorway that pairs effortlessly with any style. You’ll get maximum use from them, and trust me – this shade truly complements everything.
This charming four-piece set of wicker baskets is a must-have for any country-style kitchen. Perfect for organizing fresh produce, pantry staples, or everyday essentials, these baskets combine rustic charm with practical design. Whether on open shelves, in the pantry, or on the countertop, they're timeless and essential.
Add a touch of rustic charm to your home with Sharland England's Louise Jug. Crafted from brown terracotta ceramic and finished with an earthenware glaze, this timeless jug features a distinctive twisted handle, making it as beautiful as it is functional. Perfect for a shelf display or everyday use, it brings warmth and character to any setting.
Martha Stewart has made storage feel timeless. She's leaned into the classic wicker look that's great for getting the East Hampton-style aesthetic. Plus, it keeps things organized (a qulaity that's almost easy to forget, considering its good looks).
Add a splash of personality to your kitchen or dining room with this charming handmade stoneware collection from Portugal. Each piece is individually crafted, featuring unique variations that make every item one-of-a-kind. Glazed for a beautiful finish, this stoneware is microwave safe and best hand washed to preserve its character.
Hand-woven in Vietnam by skilled artisans, this basket is crafted from 100% pure hyacinth, providing a perfect blend of quality, durability, and timeless elegance. Designed for long-lasting use, it is versatile enough to store anything you need, whether it is kitchen essentials like utensils, fresh produce, or larger pantry items.
When designing a kitchen, start with an audit of kitchenware. ‘Working out which items you use every day and those that are for special occasions will help determine how much and what type of storage you need,’ says Dave Young, founder of Husk. Cull any redundant items first and foremost.
If it’s easy to find ingredients and equipment, cooking will be more enjoyable, while good kitchen organization and storage can make the room feel less cluttered and more spacious.
‘It is important to strike a balance between functionality and style,’ says interior designer Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co. ‘For example, incorporating open shelves for displaying objects and cookbooks can provide storage as well as create a visually appealing space.’
She also advises paying attention to the choice of color to add interest. In this space, Shamshiri painted Hathaway's cabinetry in a single standout duck egg shade. Storage is always so much more than just storage; it can be a design feature in its own right. Quite often, decorative pieces and color are all it takes.
However, using open kitchen shelving for decorative moments comes with caution. Done right and kept clutter-free, these displays can add so much individual style and personality to a neutral kitchen, moving the space beyond a purely functional area.
Be they decorated with ceramics, vintage glassware, plants, or recipe books, shelves can be used to add individual style to a kitchen, as Mike Fetherston, design director of Hetherington Newman, explains. ‘As kitchens are increasingly central to the home and where families come together for meals and to socialize, areas for display are important to personalize the space and add interest, giving a more relaxed and welcoming feel.’
Choose from floating shelves (without visible supports) to those with stylish brackets and vintage-inspired options with decorative details, similar to Hathaway's. If you have something worth putting on display, why not make a feature out of your storage?
My advice: Anything you don't want on display – from bulk spices to lesser-used appliances – hide it within well-planned, closed kitchen cabinets or in a dedicated pantry, ensuring the main space remains the heart of the home.
Don’t let your kitchen shelving sit bare or get cluttered with unsightly items. Use this vertical space to create a unique and beautiful display in your home. Make the kitchen the most enjoyable room with my handpicked selection of decor and accessories, perfect for styling your space.
