14 Kitchen shelf ideas that maximise storage and energy

These kitchen storage ideas are to just too good to be shelved.

1. Continious shelving - A cantilevered plywood shelf runs the perimetre of this compact beachside apartment in Bondi, allowing for ample storage as well as establishing a connection and providing a sense of continuity

2. Glass-fronted cabintery - If totally open, unprotected shelves aren't to your taste, having a combination of solid-fronted and glass-fronted cabinetry will help to create interest, while giving you somewhere to display your prized homewares, plates, bowls and glassware. The kitchen of this gracious Hamptons-style home also features clever nook shelving next to the stovetop.

3. Wall bracket shelving - This kitchen in a newly built barn inspired house forgoes overhead cabinetry altogether in favour of bracketed shelving. This is a kitchen storage idea you can implement yourself without spending a fortune.

4. DIY adjustable plywood shelving - In a small kitchen, you may find yourself constantly re-organising your shelves to fit in (yet another) appliance or addition to your ceramics collection. If this is the case in your home, take notes from this stylish compact apartment kitchen and create your own adjustable plywood shelving system.

5. Window shelving - Sleek minimalist kitchens have few opportunities to express character and personality. This kitchen in a designer rooftop apartment has pulled it off in two ways.The shelf draws the eye to the natural light, while providing a handy place to store cookbooks and other decorative items.

6. Open pantry shelving - Who needs cabinet doors when your pantry looks as good as this? Sure, kitchen shelving can be styled in a purely decorative manner with a row of trailing indoor plants and pretty plates you never use, or you could merge functionality and style with a delightfully organised open pantry

7. Ceiling suspended shelving - This bar, which hangs over the island bench of this uber-cool, energised kitchen is a drawcard for both the owners and their friends and has led to many gatherings.

8. Kitchen island shelving - Kitchen islands serve several purposes – not only do they increase the amount of bench space, but they are also full of storage potential. In this WWII Queenslander, the external-facing side of the island has been transformed into a shelf, where recipe books and trinket trays are kept.

9. Cottage style wall plate rack  - No cottage kitchen is complete without a classic plate rack mounted on the wall. Use it to keep your most beautiful plates on display and out of the way. Fill a small vase with freshly picked roses to complete the cosy country look.

10. Portable shelving - Pinched for space? Then a portable kitchen island shelf or kitchen trolley could be the solution. This idea, which has been executed to a T in this renovated Californian bungalow in Barwon Heads works especially well for those who love to entertain frequently. Having a barbeque? Just wheel the trolley out to the verandah. There's no need to take multiple trips to the kitchen for more cups, cutlery and plates.

11. Free-standing shelving unit - Put down the power drill! Increasing the shelving capacity in your kitchen needn't mean undertaking an entire DIY project. Free standing shelving units, like this classic country buffet and hutch will work wonders.

12. Install a wall-mounted shelving unit - This country style kitchen forgoes a full-length splashback for a collection of salvaged and repurposed wall-mounted shelving units. A series of artworks adorn the space above one, while the other serves as a home to glassware and pantry essentials decanted in a series of retro-look jars and canisters.

13. Suspended shelving above kitchen island - While the masses may opt for a trio of stylish kitchen island pendant lights, this home instead takes the opportunity to maximise storage. A glass cabinet sections the kitchen off from the dining room, without obstructing the stream of natural light filtering in through the window. Glassware is in wait for the inevitable moment the grazing platter is served.

14. Combination of open shelving and enclosed cabinetry - Let's face it, a kitchen without overhead cabinetry won't suit everyone, particularly if you love entertaining and need to keep those swanky kitchen gadgets hidden away when they're not in use. Using a combination of open-shelves and enclosed cabinets will give you the best of both worlds. 

SOURCE: homebeautiful