Few design features are as controversial as the kitchen shelving. This look is either loved or loathed in the interiors world, and for years, I was opposed to it. Then, a look at Seattle Seahawks' Leonard Williams's neutral kitchen made me realize just how beautiful (and personal) it can be.
Instead of being cluttered and hard to clean, the backdrop felt curated, adding texture while remaining highly functional. It's the perfect use of the awkwardly sized nook behind his island, proving that accessory-filled shelves have a place even in the smallest of kitchens, contrary to my previous beliefs.
While some open kitchen shelving ideas can feel cluttered and untidy, Leonard shows that it's possible to keep possessions in view while maintaining a clean, intentional aesthetic.
I love how he's displayed his chopping boards (just like this one from McGee & Co) to add natural texture to his otherwise cream kitchen. Similarly, his sleek storage jars (like these from Amazon) remind us that beautiful storage deserves to be celebrated, and so, deserves a place on every countertop.
Shop the Leonard Williams Shelving Edit
Crafted from premium BPA-free, lead-free glass, this container pairs everyday durability with crystal-clear clarity. An airtight lid keeps contents fresh and secure, making it ideal for home storage or spill-free transport on the go.
Serve and style with this beautifully crafted board, made from natural wood and finished with softly scalloped edges. Equally suited for everyday use or entertaining, it adds an elegant touch to appetizers, charcuterie, and casual gatherings alike.
A wooden cutting board is as versatile as it is essential. Beyond its practical use, it serves as a stylish accent, adding warmth and elevating the overall design of your kitchen.
Add a touch of timeless charm to every snack and sprinkle with this versatile bowl. Perfectly sized for ice cream, mixed nuts, or other small bites, it also doubles as a handy pinch bowl for spices, herbs, and salt while cooking.
Perfect for tea and coffee in your coffee corner or for pasta, baking ingredients, and cereal in the pantry, these glasses are a kitchen essential. Topped with bamboo lids, they offer a stylish, natural touch that adds both function and charm.
Wide and shallow in form, these versatile ceramic dishes work equally well as low bowls or deep plates. Crafted from durable, chip-resistant porcelain with a glossy finish, they bring a touch of rustic charm to the table.
While I'm sure Leonard's kitchen isn't small overall, his shelving nook makes a case for accessing more compact areas. It may seem contradictory, but as design experts explain, incorporating open shelves might just make your space feel larger.
'Incorporating open shelving from the ceiling or hanging a rack high on the wall in a smaller kitchen will add height and create the illusion of more space. Bonus – the added storage will also minimise clutter on the counter,' comments Josie Medved, the design manager at Symphony Group Plc.
She continues: 'With the current design trends for quiet luxury and invisible kitchens, maximising storage potential is essential. For under-island storage with visible shelves, opt for open shelving that allows easy access while adding a touch of style. Thoughtfully curated island storage can create a seamless blend of functionality and design, making the most of your kitchen's layout.'
Leonard Williams’s kitchen shows that open shelving doesn’t have to feel cluttered or impractical. When planned carefully, it can turn awkward spaces into functional storage, highlight well-chosen items, and even make a kitchen feel bigger. The takeaway for homeowners: with the right mix of organization and style, open shelves can be both useful and visually appealing, proving they have a place in any modern kitchen.
