Should I choose upper cabinets or open shelving?

The choice between upper cabinets and open shelving depends on your storage needs, maintenance preferences, and kitchen style - but for most Ottawa homes, a combination approach often works best.

Upper cabinets provide significantly more storage capacity and keep dishes protected from dust and cooking grease, which is particularly valuable in smaller Ottawa homes where kitchen storage is at a premium. They also offer a cleaner, more traditional look that tends to appeal to a broader range of buyers if you're considering resale value. In Ottawa's market, homes with ample kitchen storage typically perform better, especially in older neighborhoods like the Glebe or Westboro where kitchen space can be limited.

Open shelving creates a more spacious, modern aesthetic and allows you to display attractive dishware and glassware. It's also more budget-friendly since you're eliminating upper cabinet boxes, doors, and hardware. However, open shelving requires more maintenance - everything stays dusty in Ottawa's variable climate, and you'll need to keep items organized and visually appealing at all times. It also provides roughly 30-40% less storage capacity than closed cabinets.

Climate considerations are important in Ottawa. Our winters mean more indoor cooking and baking, which creates more airborne grease and moisture that settles on open shelving. If you love to cook or bake frequently, closed cabinets will keep your dishes cleaner and reduce cleaning time.

For most Ottawa homeowners, I recommend a hybrid approach: use upper cabinets in your main work zones (above the sink and primary prep areas) for everyday dishes and storage, then incorporate open shelving in 1-2 strategic spots for display items or frequently used pieces. This gives you the best of both worlds - practical storage where you need it most, plus some visual interest and accessibility.

Consider your lifestyle honestly - if you're someone who keeps dishes in the sink or struggles with organization, open shelving will create visual stress. If you love displaying beautiful dishes and don't mind regular dusting, open shelving can be stunning.

For a free consultation about your specific kitchen layout and storage needs, contact Justyn Rook Contracting. We can help you design a solution that maximizes both function and style for your Ottawa home.