We’ve got a few shelves in our home that I love to style and change with every season. One thing that is so attractive about open shelving is the ability to display pretty kitchenware, cookbooks, and touches of each season. Below are some ideas on how to keep it both festive and practical.

Cookbooks, plates, and glassware

Cookbooks can be stacked with the title facing out or standing up with bookends to support. Most cookbooks are pretty and deserve to been seen and used as a décor/practical prop in your shelf styling. With plates and glassware, you can easily pair groups of two or four as a quick to grab glass or a fancy occasional glass on display.

Plants and painted pots/vases

One of the best ways to liven up any space is by incorporating fresh greens and/or potted plants. Something about adding that natural green color to your styling instantly brightens up the space and draws your eye in. if you don’t prefer a potted plant, using a pot or vase and filling with foliage is another great way to achieve this look.

Figurines and photo frames/art work

To finish off, adding photo frames with photos you love or small art work pieces adds that personal touch to your shelf styling. Along with photos/art work, I would encourage you to use fun figurines to top the whole look off. This can include funky shapes to place on the cookbooks or next to your art work, mini baskets, decorative beads or small sculptures.

These are just a few of the items I’ve found that have worked really well for me. These things are good to interchange and rearrange without being too much of a hassle. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and use your favorite items at home in new spots. This is a great way to give your shelves a fresh look without having to spend too much, if anything. Go with what feels right to you and how you know you use your space. After all, open shelving (especially in the kitchen) is more geared towards practical items than it is décor.