An Easy Guide to Blending Custom Cabinets with Open Shelving

Let’s play a little game: Open your kitchen cabinets.

Now be honest—are you proud of what’s inside? Or are you secretly hoping no one ever peeks behind those doors because it’s just a jumble of mismatched mugs, bulk-sized snacks, and Tupperware lids that never seem to fit?

If you felt that tiny sting of recognition, you’re not alone.

At Closet & Cabinet Experts, we’ve worked with families all across Savannah, Bluffton, and Hilton Head who tell us the same thing: “I love my cabinets, but I wish my kitchen felt a little more open. Lighter. More me.”

That’s exactly why so many homeowners are embracing the trend of custom cabinets with open shelving. And it’s not just about throwing out your cabinets—it’s about balance. The structure and storage you need, mixed with a little breathing room to show off the pretty things.

And when it’s done right? The result is timeless, functional, and surprisingly calming.

Why Custom Cabinets and Open Shelving Are Taking Off

Here’s the truth: kitchens aren’t just kitchens anymore. They’re also gathering spots, homework stations, late-night snacking hubs, and even the backdrop for family holidays.

Closed cabinets do their job—no one wants cereal boxes on display—but all doors and no openness can also feel heavy. And that’s where open shelving kitchen design comes in.

Open shelves let your space breathe. They add character. They show a little personality without sacrificing function.

And we’ve seen this trend soar in Savannah homes for three reasons:

✔️ Practicality. Everyday items like plates and glasses are easier to grab.

✔️ Style. Shelves act like built-in décor.

✔️ Flexibility. They’re easy to tweak as your style (or dishware) changes.

Finding the Right Balance: Blending Custom Cabinets with Open Shelving

Here’s what we see all the time: Someone scrolls through Pinterest, falls in love with a wall full of open shelves, and then realizes—uh oh—I don’t actually want my pantry staples and plastic cups out in plain sight.

Well.. that’s why the sweet spot is blending cabinets and shelves.

• Use closed cabinets for the not-so-pretty things (cans, appliances, “junk” drawers).

• Use open shelving for items you love looking at (cookbooks, pottery, pretty bowls, plants).

Picture this: a run of base cabinets topped with sleek quartz counters, upper cabinets flanking the stove, and a few open shelves floating in between. You get order and charm.

And the best part? No two designs look the same. Your layout, your style, your balance.

Design Tips for Custom Cabinets with Open Shelving

Now, if you’re curious how to make it work in real life, here are some tried-and-true design tips we share with homeowners in our Savannah showroom:

1. Stick to a color palette. Yes, keep your shelves styled with whites, wood tones, or a consistent accent color. It feels intentional, not cluttered.

2. Think symmetry. Open shelving looks best when balanced—either centered or mirrored.

3. Mix materials. Wood shelves against painted cabinets add warmth. Metal brackets against natural wood feel industrial chic.

4. Leave breathing room. Don’t overpack. Shelves need negative space to feel stylish, not messy.

5. Blend finishes. Choose pulls, knobs, or handles that complement the shelving brackets or support. That tiny detail makes everything cohesive.

Pro tip: Rotate what’s on display seasonally. Summer = bright bowls. Winter = holiday mugs. It’s like redecorating without the commitment.

Custom Cabinets with Open Shelving Materials and Finishes That Work Well Together

Here’s where design gets fun. Custom kitchen storage ideas are all about mixing materials that play nicely together.

• White cabinets + natural wood shelves. Classic Low Country style—bright and welcoming.

• Navy cabinets + brass hardware + walnut shelves. Rich and dramatic.

• Gray cabinets + glass shelves. Sleek and modern.

• Cream cabinets + reclaimed wood. Cozy and rustic.

And don’t forget hardware! Matching knobs and pulls tie everything together.

Sample Custom Cabinets with Open Shelving Layouts

We’ve seen open shelving with cabinets work beautifully in both kitchens and living spaces. Here are just a few favorite layouts:

In the Kitchen:

• Around the sink. Cabinets below for your cleaning supplies, open shelves above for everyday glasses.

• Flanking the stove. Closed cabinets on either side, with shelves in between for spices and cookbooks.

• Above an island. Floating shelves with task lighting underneath—functional and gorgeous!

In Living Rooms:

• Built-ins around a fireplace. Cabinets hide your board games, shelves display family photos.

• Media wall. Closed storage for all your electronics, shelves for décor.

• Dining room sideboard. Lower cabinets for linens, open shelves for barware.

These layouts prove it’s not an all-or-nothing decision. Shelves enhance cabinets. Cabinets anchor shelves. And together, they make a space feel intentional and lived-in.

Why Go Custom Instead of DIY Kits

You could buy a set of shelves from the big-box store. But here’s the thing:

• They’re not built to fit your actual space.

• They sag under real kitchen weight.

• They rarely match your cabinet finishes.

But with custom cabinets and open shelving? Every inch is designed around your home. Want deeper shelves for platters? Done. Want matching stain so shelves blend with cabinets? Easy. Want outlets built in for hidden lighting? Absolutely.

Custom is about getting the look and the longevity. No settling. No compromises.

Custom Cabinets with Open Shelving: What We’re Seeing Locally in Savannah Homes

Here are a few open shelving kitchen design trends popping up around Coastal Georgia and the Low Country:

• Two-tone kitchens. White cabinets with dark wood shelves.

• Statement brackets. Black iron or brass supports doubling as jewelry for your walls.

• Glass-front cabinets + shelves. A softer step between closed storage and open display.

• Floating corner shelves. Turning those awkward spots into stylish storage.

And one of our favorite touches? Families adding a little greenery. A row of potted herbs on an open shelf above the sink—it’s functional, fresh, and oh-so Savannah.

The Benefits of Custom Solutions from Local Experts

At the end of the day, blending shelves and cabinets isn’t just about chasing trends. It’s also about creating a home that feels calm, organized, and uniquely yours!

Here’s why working with local pros matters:

• Experience. We’ve installed over 30,000 storage systems since 1984.

• Customization. Every shelf, cabinet, and finish is tailored to your space.

• Local roots. We’re not a franchise. We’re your neighbors. You can see our Savannah showroom, meet our C.I.A.-certified designers (Closet Institute of America), and know we’ll be here long after the install.

• Peace of mind. From consultation to final touches, you get a partner who cares about getting the details right.

Wrapping It Up: Style Meets Sanity

Custom cabinets with open shelving aren’t just about making your kitchen “Pinterest pretty.” They’re about finding balance—between what you need to store and what you want to see.

They give you structure and style. Function and fun. The calm of closed doors and the charm of open display.

And that’s the sweet spot, isn’t it? A home that feels pulled together without feeling staged.

Ready to Love Your Space Again?

If you’ve been thinking about giving your kitchen or living room a refresh, blending cabinets and shelves might be the simplest (and smartest) way to do it.

REQUEST A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION.

No pressure. Just honest advice, smart ideas, and a custom plan built around your life.

Because your home deserves storage that works as beautifully as it looks.