By Kathryn Weber
Open shelves are back in style. Artfully accessorized, they can look sharp and tasteful
Trends rise and fall, and among those who love a particular style, there are equally as many people who hate it. Open shelves are making their way back into decorating magazines but are they right for your home?
THE PROS
Designers love open shelves.
They can lend either a contemporary or country feeling, making a room look either more homey or classically streamlined. Nicely decorated, open shelves offer an easy, practical and attractive way to showcase striking individual objects or collections.
Open shelving over a work desk, in a bedroom or living room looks especially good filled with collectibles and accessories artfully arranged. Shelves are perfect for showcasing artwork. They tend to look best in country and contemporary styled homes and kitchens.
THE CONS
In the kitchen, open shelves require a harmonious assortment of dishes to keep from looking unkempt.
If your dishes are carefully organized and you don't have a variety of styles, the shelves will look good visually. On the other hand, plastic dishes and mixed settings can lend a jumbled, messy look.
Open shelves can pose a cleanliness challenge when dust settles on the dishes -- a bigger problem if you're away from home frequently.
Homeowners aren't as enamored with open shelves as designers are. Feng shui experts also point out challenges.
In the bedroom or over a desk, the strong edges can emit a harsh energy toward the body or head. This cutting energy, according to feng shui, can cause everything from minor to severe injuries to headaches.
BEST OF BOTH
If you like the look of open shelves but aren't sure about the best place to put them, try some on the wall over your toilet in the bathroom.
You can create a handy space for items you use frequently, keeping countertops clear, or use the shelves purely for decoration.
Available at Amazon.com:
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Home & Garden - Open Shelves: Designer Trend or Decorating Disaster?