I set myself high standards when it comes to maintaining a tidy home, but being a minimalist can feel like hard work. As far as my kitchen storage is concerned, I can't imagine leaving my dishware or utensils on display; they would simply feel like clutter. But I'm delighted to say that, unsurprisingly, Martha Stewart has changed my mind – and it's all down to her ingenious 'great wall of china'.
While you could say that Martha's display of dishware isn't quite comparable to the architectural landmark that is the Great Wall of China, I'd argue that it's still an impressive feat.
Taking pride of place in the kitchen at her Skylands home in Maine – a Duncan Candler property that dates back to 1925 – Martha's 'great wall' comprises a set of open wooden shelves displaying a magnificent collection of white porcelain (just like the linen white stone dinnerware designed by Martha herself, which you can find at Wayfair).
With Martha's expert touch, simple shelving becomes a beautiful design detail – and each stack of dishes becomes an art piece.
Of all the spaces in a home, the kitchen needs to put functionality first. I've always been skeptical of features like open shelving, usually convincing myself that they can leave a room feeling cramped and disorganized – but Martha's kitchen made me realize that the opposite is true.
By placing her prized dishware on open shelves, Martha easily transforms a functional kitchen element into an intentional, visually striking display. And the same can be said of the handsome fishmonger's table below the shelves: while it could serve as a purely practical feature, here it becomes a sculptural addition that combines functionality with elegance.
Shop Martha's 'Great Wall of China'
Martha's shelving isn't the only thing that blends both function and style: take a look at her worktable and you'll realize that she uses handsome white pitchers as utensil crocks. She really is the master of versatile storage.
Designed by Martha herself, this handsome dinnerware collection provides everything you need to create your own dishware display. It even contains a set of cream-handled flatware – and every piece is brimming with rustic charm.
I'm a firm believer that every host needs a trusty porcelain platter, and this one is the epitome of elegance. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a lavish party, a dish like this will work hard at any occasion.
According to designers, Martha's vintage shelving display speaks to the kind of timeless kitchen look that we're still striving for in 2026.
'We're moving further away from closed cabinetry towars open and floating shelving for displaying plates, glassware, and everyday essentials,' says Bo Hellberg, CMO at String Furniture.
While I might have feared clutter, open shelving is in fact the secret to a brighter, more welcoming space. 'Swapping even a small run of cabinets for open shelving can make a room feel larger and brighter,' Bo confirms. 'It allows for plenty of storage and creates an opportunity to display your favourite dishes, without overwhelming the space with heavy cabinetry.'
Of course, open shelving is also the natural choice for anyone like Martha, who spends a lot of time cooking and entertaining. 'Open shelving is a great option when it comes to kitchen layout ideas, since it's so practical for cooking,' says Bo. 'When you cook a lot, you want lots of open shelves, so everything is within easy reach.'
Far from creating an eyesore, Martha's shelving display proves that every part of a kitchen can be impactful – and while these elements should make life easier, they can also make your home little more beautiful. I might be devoted to minimalism, but this kitchen design has stolen my heart.
Worried that your open shelving will descend into chaos? We tried out the ingenious 'sandwich method' – and it really can help you organize your kitchen shelves.
