In modern kitchens, shelving has become more than just a practical necessity – it’s a chance to showcase personality, curate collections, and bring warmth to the heart of the home. Thoughtfully styled open shelves can turn everyday items into decorative statements, blending function with style.
The bookshelf wealth trend, which first captured attention in 2024, is one of the most compelling interior movements of recent years – and Joanna Gaines’ Gristmill kitchen proves it’s still going strong in 2025.
A far cry from the perfectly color-coded or hyper-minimalist shelf displays that dominated Instagram in years past, this trend celebrates the art of the full shelf – layered, lived-in, and brimming with personality. Stacks of hardbacks, heirlooms, vintage picture frames, and artful clutter combine to tell a story, creating spaces that feel quietly luxurious and effortlessly chic, as if you’ve been collecting beautiful objects for decades.
Joanna’s kitchen, featured in her TV series Magnolia Table and archived on Instagram, perfectly embodies this approach. Bespoke countertop-to-ceiling kitchen shelving adds both style and function, breaking up cabinetry while keeping surfaces uncluttered. Here, open shelves aren’t just practical – they’re an opportunity to display curated collections of cookbooks, ceramics, plants, and small pieces of art, blending everyday objects with decorative charm.
‘It is important to strike a balance between functionality and style,’ says interior designer Irene Gunter, founder of Gunter & Co. ‘Open shelves for cookbooks and objects provide kitchen storage while creating a visually appealing space.’ Mike Fetherston, design director at Hetherington Newman, adds: ‘As kitchens become central gathering spaces, areas for display personalize the room, giving it a relaxed, welcoming feel.’
‘What separates this from other interior design trends is that these homes look cozy and lived in,’ explains Kailee Blalock, co-founder and principal designer of House of Hive, in a viral TikTok. ‘So obviously, there are books, but the difference is that these aren’t display books; these are books that have actually been curated and read. Art is of the utmost importance, but it’s not displayed traditionally.’
Architect Ben Allen of Studio Ben Allen highlights the practical aspect: ‘Lower shelves hold daily essentials like oils, salt, and herbs, while higher shelves are perfect for decorative cups and china. Variations in height and depth bring playful touches to the design.’
Even in 2025, the bookshelf wealth trend shows no signs of slowing. Its combination of practicality, personality, and style makes spaces feel lived-in and curated, and Joanna Gaines’ Gristmill kitchen remains a perfect example of how thoughtfully styled shelves can elevate a home.
Recreate the Bookshelf Wealth Look
Elevate your space with this small glass bud vase. Crafted from durable, premium glass, it looks expensive despite its affordable price. Perfect for even the smallest corners, it holds delicate blooms beautifully, making it ideal for low centerpieces, shelves, desks, or tiny nooks. Its diamond-relief design adds a refined, decorative touch to any modern or vintage-inspired space.
Keep your favorite reads close at hand with this wooden Book Rack from Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia. Featuring eight evenly spaced metal shelves, it’s perfect for storing books in style. A wonderful option if you don’t already have a shelf, it mounts easily on the wall for practical, space-saving storage.
Elevate your home decor with this elegant set of three glossy white ceramic vases. Featuring embossed scrolling details and varied heights (10", 7.5", 5.5"), they create a graceful, dynamic display. Perfect for dried or artificial flowers, they add a sophisticated touch when displayed on a kitchen shelf or countertop.
