Martha Stewart's vertical kitchen storage changed everything I knew about open shelving – it's one of the cleverest uses of spaces I've seen
Martha's Bedford home has long served as a source of design inspiration – but nothing has stopped me in my tracks quite like her ingenious kitchen storage


It's hard to find a home that's impacted the celebrity style team quite like Martha Stewart's Bedford estate. Over the last year, we've spent many hours trying to catch glimpses of this iconic property – but, personally, nothing has influenced me like her kitchen.
The first time I saw Martha's kitchen, I remarked how her spacious island and mixed-material metallic finishes brought an industrial feel to an otherwise country-style space. However, while the colors and textures are interesting in their own right, her kitchen storage is the only feature ever to stop me in my tracks.
As a celebrity style editor, I observe how a similar design feature unites various figures, and, though controversial, open shelving is a reoccurring favorite. Often, I see open shelving in conventional zones around a kitchen – typically along an empty side wall or along a backsplash, where essentials are within easy reach. In Martha's case, however, she's turned awkward wall space into a storage. It's one of the most unexpected and ingenious uses of 'dead space' I've ever seen.
A post shared by Martha Stewart (@marthastewart48)
A photo posted by on
When designing a kitchen, the area above (and around) your doorway may seem like it's off-limits. It's certainly not common to see this space being used to store –and show off – cookware and accessories. Martha's built-in shelves change this entirely.
While her Bedford estate isn't compact, her kitchen shelving is the perfect solution for those homes where space is at a premium. In my small urban apartment, I'm constantly thinking of ways to make my space work harder. Martha's shelves have opened up the possibility of adding shelves to areas I never thought possible. Just as she has done, I could fill the space around my door with dozens more plates, glasses, cups, and saucers – especially those pieces that I want to show off.
Some cookware, like the ones I've handpicked below, are just made to be admired on an open shelf. They feel personal and add color to your kitchen, all while being ready to serve at a moment's notice.
High Contrast
Blue and pink collide in this gorgeously abstract bowl. It's the most aesthetic way to enjoy pasta or noodles, and will look beautiful paired against pink glass on your shelves.
Whimsical
The Feast face plate is equal parts fun and sophisticated, all while being synonymous with the Ottolenghi brand. Anyone who loves the chef will instantly recognize this piece as one of his most iconic designs.
Vibrant Yellow Hue
This bright bowl evokes the world's happiest color, bringing just the right amount of vibrancy to any corner of your kitchen. You deserve it whether you have open shelving or not.
Decorative qualities aside, Bo Hellberg, the CMO at String Furniture, mirrors my sentiments. He emphasizes how these shelves (whether above the doorway or not) are perfect for dark or small kitchens, as their open nature makes the room feel more spacious.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'Open shelves don't take up a lot of physical – and therefore visual – space, making them ideal for compact or dark kitchens. Swapping even a small run of cabinets for open shelving can make a room feel larger and brighter,' he says. 'It allows for plenty of storage and creates an opportunity to display your favorite dishes without overwhelming the space with heavy cabinetry.'
Bo continues: 'Open shelving is a practical and stylish option when it comes to kitchen layout, it is also practical for cooking. When you cook a lot, you want lots of open shelves so everything is easily within reach. If you are limited in space, combine open shelving with cabinetry throughout your kitchen. This way, you can style your open shelves to add character to your kitchen whie not solely relying on this if you wish to hide the less attractive kitchen appliances. Ensuring your kitchen is organized and clutter-free will help not to make the space feel too overwhelming, which is important if you don’t have ample space.'
We're taking this as our cue to follow Martha's example. With her kitchen as a starting point, it's impossible to go wrong.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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.
-
5 things people with clean home storage always do to protect belongings, curb hidden mold, and prevent pests
It's a simple addition to your routine for cleaner and nicer-smelling storage areas
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
Joanna Gaines' Hillcrest Cottage is a lesson in making the most out of a small space – take a tour to see how she brings her iconic style to this tiny rental property
Combining her signature rustic style with a contemporary palette, Joanna makes this tiny cottage feel bright and airy
By Eleanor Richardson Published
-
Martha Stewart designed a striped ottoman that's perfect for bringing New England charm to any-sized living room – and it's under $90
Martha's blue and white ottoman is your new spring/summer must-have, providing a room with a pattern and dimension in a compact form
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Martha Stewart's multi-functional basement proves this room shouldn't be an afterthought – it's one of the most important spaces in her home
Martha's Bedford farmhouse features the most unconventional basement I've ever seen – it's stylish enough to reshape what I knew about this space
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart says paint is the 'foundation' that brings your core design elements together – her European-inspired paints just made it easier
Martha Stewart's latest collaboration with Fine Paints of Europe is inspired by the natural world, including versatile neutrals, greens, pinks, and blues
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Martha Stewart only planted this one flower around her Turkey Hill garden – her unusual method stops things from feeling 'a little confusing'
Martha experimented with a regimented planting technique in the urns around her yard – decades later, we can still learn from her formula
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart says the 'spring cleaning bug' has bitten her 'hard' – her seasonal organizing essentials are available on Amazon from $35
Martha's cleaning staples include storage bins, laundry hampers, dinnerware organizers, and multi-size jars – some of which are discounted now
By Hannah Ziegler Published
-
Martha Stewart created a sophisticated accent chair, inspired by her most famous home – it's hidden deep on Amazon (and under $400)
Martha's Bedford farmhouse served as the muse for your next living room must-have – designers say it's easy to style, and the price has never been better
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart designed the ultimate entryway bench, inspired by her Bedford Farmhouse – it's a transitional accent piece for under $300
Making a Martha-approved first impression has never felt simpler – this discounted piece has an antique wood finish for an authentic, rustic feel
By Megan Slack Published
-
Martha Stewart's new cooking show guarantees high drama in the kitchen – here's everything we know ahead of its release
Coming to NBC on April 28, Yes, Chef! is hosted by Martha Stewart and José Andrés – it's a must-see series this spring
By Hannah Ziegler Published