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Design Harmony: Combining Forevermark Xterra Blue Shaker Cabinets with Open Shelving
The bold yet refined look of the Forevermark Xterra Blue Shaker cabinets has become a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. Their deep navy tone, combined with the timeless Shaker profile, brings both modern elegance and classic charm to kitchen spaces.
A growing trend in kitchen design is pairing these cabinets with open shelving. This approach blends functionality with visual interest, allowing homeowners to showcase decor, create a sense of openness, and break up large expanses of cabinetry. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how Forevermark Xterra Blue Shaker cabinets can be combined with open shelving designs to create a balanced, stylish, and highly functional kitchen.
The Appeal of Open Shelving in Kitchen Design
Open shelving is not just a design trend—it’s a practical and aesthetic choice. Some key benefits include:
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Visual openness: Eliminates bulky upper cabinetry, making the space feel larger.
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Display opportunities: Allows for the showcasing of beautiful dishware, plants, or collectibles.
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Easy accessibility: Frequently used items can be stored within easy reach.
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Customizable style: Shelving materials and arrangements can be tailored to match any kitchen theme.
When paired with the bold sophistication of Xterra Blue cabinets, open shelving creates a striking mix of color, texture, and space.
Balancing Bold Color with Open Shelving
The deep hue of Xterra Blue makes it an ideal candidate for pairing with open shelving. Since open shelving naturally introduces negative space into the design, it prevents the bold color from overpowering the room. Some effective strategies include:
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Using natural wood shelves to introduce warmth.
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Choosing white or light-colored shelves for contrast and brightness.
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Installing glass shelves for a modern, airy touch.
Popular Open Shelving Materials to Pair with Xterra Blue Shaker Cabinets
Selecting the right shelving material is crucial for achieving the desired design balance. Popular options include:
1. Natural Wood
Light oak, walnut, or reclaimed wood adds warmth and an organic touch to the bold blue cabinets.
2. Painted MDF
For a seamless, coordinated look, paint the shelves in complementary tones such as white, cream, or even matching blue.
3. Metal and Industrial Shelving
Black or brass brackets with simple wood planks add a modern, industrial edge.
4. Glass Shelving
Ideal for minimalist and contemporary kitchens, glass keeps the focus on displayed items without adding bulk.
Integrating Open Shelving Above Forevermark Xterra Blue Base Cabinets
One of the most popular configurations is combining Xterra Blue base cabinets with open shelving instead of traditional uppers. This layout:
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Keeps the lower section bold and grounded.
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Creates a lighter upper half for better balance.
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Allows for a mix of storage and decorative elements.
Two-Tone Kitchen Designs with Open Shelving
Open shelving can also be part of a two-tone kitchen strategy. Pairing Xterra Blue lower cabinets with white upper walls and shelves creates:
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A fresh, airy ambiance.
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A more open and spacious feel.
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The perfect backdrop for colorful kitchen accessories.
Styling Tips for Open Shelving with Xterra Blue Cabinets
The beauty of open shelving lies in how it’s styled. Here are some pro tips:
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Group similar items together for a cohesive look.
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Mix practical storage with decorative items like plants, artwork, and pottery.
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Use matching dishware sets for a tidy, organized feel.
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Incorporate pops of gold, copper, or brass for a touch of luxury.
Lighting Considerations for Open Shelving and Blue Cabinets
Lighting plays a major role in highlighting both cabinets and shelving:
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Under-shelf lighting can illuminate items and add warmth.
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Pendant lights over work areas bring attention to both shelves and cabinetry.
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LED strips along the shelves can create a modern, high-end effect.
Functional Advantages of Open Shelving with Xterra Blue Cabinets
Aside from their visual appeal, open shelves bring real-world benefits:
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Faster access to everyday dishes and cookware.
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Encouragement to keep items organized and clutter-free.
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Ability to change displays seasonally or for special occasions.
Best Kitchen Styles for This Combination
The combination of Forevermark Xterra Blue Shaker cabinets and open shelving works particularly well in:
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Modern Farmhouse Kitchens: Blue cabinets with rustic wooden shelves.
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Coastal Kitchens: White shelves with natural textures and ocean-inspired decor.
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Industrial Kitchens: Exposed metal brackets with reclaimed wood shelves.
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Transitional Kitchens: A mix of traditional cabinet design and contemporary open shelving.
Maximizing Storage While Using Open Shelving
One concern homeowners have with open shelving is losing storage space. To counteract this:
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Incorporate taller base cabinets for extra storage.
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Add drawer organizers inside lower cabinets.
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Use deep shelves to accommodate more items.
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Pair open shelving with pantry cabinets for hidden storage.
Mixing Closed and Open Storage for a Balanced Look
A smart approach is to blend open shelving with traditional closed cabinets. For example:
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Keep upper cabinets on one wall while using open shelves on another.
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Add glass-front cabinets alongside open shelves for a hybrid look.
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Use closed cabinets to store less attractive items while open shelves display the beautiful ones.
Matching Finishes and Hardware
Coordinating hardware and shelf brackets with cabinet handles creates a cohesive design:
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Brass brackets with brass pulls for a unified look.
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Matte black brackets with black cabinet hardware for modern appeal.
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Chrome or nickel finishes for a contemporary touch.
Durability and Maintenance of Open Shelving
Unlike closed cabinets, open shelving requires more frequent cleaning since dust can settle on items. To keep things low-maintenance:
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Display items you use often to minimize dust buildup.
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Wipe shelves regularly.
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Choose durable materials like sealed wood or metal.
Creating a Focal Point with Color and Shelving
Incorporating open shelves above Xterra Blue cabinets creates an opportunity for a striking focal wall. Consider:
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A white tile backsplash behind the shelves for contrast.
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Painted wall space in a soft neutral to let the blue stand out.
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A patterned tile backdrop for an eclectic look.
Conclusion: A Perfect Match of Function and Style
Pairing Forevermark Xterra Blue Shaker cabinets with open shelving offers the perfect mix of style, function, and customization. The rich navy color provides a sophisticated base, while open shelving adds airiness, display potential, and flexibility to your kitchen design.
Whether you’re aiming for a farmhouse, modern, or coastal look, this combination adapts beautifully to different design themes. By thoughtfully choosing shelf materials, styling your displays, and balancing storage needs, you can create a kitchen that is both stunning and practical for years to come.
FAQs
1. Do open shelves reduce kitchen storage compared to upper cabinets?
Yes, but you can offset this by using deeper shelves, adding a pantry, or incorporating extra base cabinets.
2. What shelf materials work best with Xterra Blue cabinets?
Natural wood, white-painted MDF, metal, and glass are all popular choices that pair beautifully with the bold blue finish.
3. How do I keep open shelves looking tidy?
Group similar items together, use matching dishware, and avoid overcrowding the shelves.
4. Can I mix open shelving with closed cabinets?
Absolutely. Combining both provides the benefits of display space and hidden storage.
5. What kitchen styles suit this combination best?
Modern farmhouse, coastal, transitional, and industrial kitchens all work exceptionally well with Xterra Blue cabinets and open shelving.
Read: How do Forevermark Xterra Blue Shaker cabinets perform in high-traffic kitchen areas?
Read: What is the typical lifespan of Forevermark Xterra Blue Shaker cabinets?
