As much as I always adored open shelving in my living room and bedroom (where, I confess, it doubles as a bookshelf), it never made sense to bring it to the kitchen.
It goes without saying that this space is prone to splashes and spills, especially around the stove. While I was prepared to tackle the inevitable dust in other rooms, the mess from food prep didn't seem worth it. Then Cameron Diaz changed my mind.
The actress's kitchen storage combines wood-fronted cabinets with open shelves, the latter of which exhibit a collection of crockery that feels personal to her. The tableware is, of course, functional, yet Cameron has made her pieces feel decorative, turning everyday items into ornaments that look beautiful while waiting to be used.
It's one of the chicest yet functional ways I've seen tableware displayed, and it's so easy to follow her example with dishes I already have in my cabinets.
Shop the look
A zoom into the iconic open shelves shows that, when it comes to cookware, Cameron likes to keep things quietly luxurious. Despite the pared-back colorway, the textured nature of these bowls ensures they're interesting enough to deserve a place in the prime area of her kitchen.
Diaz loves to put her culinary skills to the test in her kitchen, and with this comes a glass oil dispenser in a prime place by her stove. This similar piece features a cleverly designed spout that's designed to give a perfect pour and a built-in collar that catches drips to prevent messy rings.
If we had to choose a favorite item from Diaz's shelves, it would have to be her intricate china-style bowl, seen in her curated collection of other painted dishware in various hues. This blue and white bowl exhibits a finely detailed 18th-century Imari Oriental border encompassing a scene inspired by the Italian countryside – a beautiful accessory.
While I am sure Cameron's kitchen is far from compact, open shelves are perfect for small kitchens (such as in my case). They not only provide more storage space, but they also allow me to upgrade unused areas into decorative spaces, where I can display some of my favorite bowls, dishes, and glasses. Nicolle Whyte, the design director at Olive & Barr, agrees.
'Shelving works great in smaller kitchens; it provides both form and function while opening up the space. Not only will the addition of open shelving make your space feel lighter and brighter, but you’ll also have more opportunities to bring your personality to the forefront,' she says.
However, while Cameron's kitchen shelving looks effortless, Nicolle warns that my desired results do take some planning.
'Making open shelving look both stylish and functional does require some consideration as to what you put on the shelves,' she says.
'Those who have an abundance of crockery, glassware, and smaller appliances might prefer to keep their belongings out of sight, without the worry of things needing to feel perfectly styled.' With Cameron's kitchen as a blueprint, however, it's impossible to go wrong. Won't you join me? Let me know what you'd display on yours in the comments below.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Meghan Markle's beekeeping hobby is surprisingly accessible and simple to learn – you can harvest your own honey as she doesMeghan Markle has joined the ranks of DIY beekeepers, proving that working with bees in your garden is a fun and easy way to procure honey
-
5 colors designers warn to never pair with woodWood features in most homes, it's incredibly versatile, however, there are certain shades that will clash rather than complement
-
Cameron Diaz 'can't live without' this Drew Barrymore-designed air fryer – she uses it for perfectly cooked meals in minutes (and it's only $59 today)Charlie's Angels stick together in new, unexpected ways – and, for a limited time, we can follow their example for an (even more) accessible cost
-
Cameron Diaz's kitchen shelving keeps this anti-trend storage solution alive – you can buy into her distinct look for only $15Design experts debate this personal shelving style, but nobody makes a case for it quite like the actress – and replicating her style is refreshingly simple
-
Cameron Diaz's kitchen backsplash is the finest example of this 'forever trend' I've seen – I predict her sleek look is here to stayThe slab backsplash is among 2024's most revered design features – but nobody does it like Diaz. I predict it will live long into the years ahead
-
Cameron Diaz uses this celebrity-favorite cookware brand for her signature ramen – and many products from the line are on saleHexClad cookware is hot among professional chefs and celebrities alike – and it just so happens that some pans are reduced now
-
This sleek backsplash trend is changing celebrity kitchens – and Cameron Diaz's is the most luxurious we've seen
Slab backsplash has graced countless high-end kitchens as of late, but this sleek marble finish takes the look to the next level
-
Cameron Diaz's kitchen features 5 trends that will thrive in 2024 – it is one of the best examples of modern design I've ever seenCameron Diaz's kitchen is a masterclass in modern design. From marble surfaces to metal hardware, the 5 trends featured are pure perfection
-
Cameron Diaz's glazed cabinetry 'breaks up the monotony of repetitive' kitchen design, experts sayIn the actress's Montecito home, storage is personal – and it boasts space-enhancing qualities that translate to all spaces
-
Cameron Diaz's shelving is ahead of a 'key luxury kitchen trend' that's only getting bigger in 2024
The most beautiful storage system is also the most personal, and there's no more striking backdrop than Cameron's space
