HHello! I’m Kylee. We’ve been in the new Cape Cod–style house for a week and are settling in nicely. My top priority was the kitchen — we spend most of our time there and cook the majority of our meals at home. As tempting as Portland’s restaurants are, I’d rather skip daily takeout and save for decor instead.
Before we moved in I worried about styling the many glass-front cabinets. Would I have enough attractive pieces to make them look intentional? I love open shelving and displaying everyday items, but so many cabinets felt daunting. I even considered removing the doors. In the end I decided to tackle it right away and avoid overthinking: pick pretty things and place them inside, then adjust later.
A neutral foundation helped a lot — my collection of white dishes made creating a cohesive look simple. While I like color, white dishes provide a classic backdrop that works with any kitchen color or trend. My mother advised me to choose white when I registered for wedding china, and she was right; a neutral base has endured through changing styles.
I’m pleased with how the cabinets look without obsessing over every detail. They already feel lived-in and welcoming, like we’ve been here for years. I do plan to tweak placement to achieve better balance and intention, and I enjoy evolving a space over time. These cabinets will be fun to style seasonally too.
To my surprise, I had enough pieces to fill every cabinet without crowding them. I spaced items out to keep the display airy; there’s room to add and stack as my collection grows. I grouped similar tones — whites, blues, glass, brass, and greens — to maintain cohesion. Less-used items live on the higher shelves (I need a step stool for those), and practical items are stored in the lower drawers and cabinets.
Styling open cabinets doesn’t require every piece to match exactly; a consistent palette and a mix of textures—ceramic, glass, wood, and metal—create a layered, intentional look. I placed frequently used items within easy reach and decorative or seasonal pieces where they add visual interest. The result feels functional, curated, and cozy.
Thanks for following along with our settling-in process. I’ve been sharing more updates and behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram — feel free to follow along for regular updates.
Want more tips and inspiration for styling open shelves? Check the blog for posts on kitchen open shelving, styling inspiration, and practical tips for creating a cohesive display.
Get the Look of Kylee’s Kitchen
Sources for the photo above include items like a brass faucet, wood cutting board, glass and brass light, apron-front sink, patterned mugs, a Chemex coffee maker, brass handles, a white coffee machine, milk frother, olive wood utensils, and glass canisters. These pieces helped shape the layered, lived-in kitchen look.
More kitchen inspiration
Explore additional posts for ideas on farmhouse sinks, small-budget kitchens, simple updates that don’t require a major remodel, cozy kitchen styling, and design tips for remodels. These resources offer photos, practical advice, and creative ideas for shaping a welcoming kitchen.