Wall Cabinets or Shelves?

Question

One trend I seem to be noticing in the various design magazines and websites is a move away from a full bank of wall cabinets towards different types of shelving. I did this in a rental - used shelves between two tall cabinets, and had positive response about it.

Now that I'm putting a kitchen design together for a flip, I'm wondering what the situation is in retail. I'm sure it varies market by market, but the frugal portion of me (and by portion, I mean ~95%) would really like to be able to be a) on top of the latest design fad, while b) saving a nice chunk of change. Have any of y'all done this, and if so, what was the response? Thanks!

Ben Skove · Answer

I think the consensus is right; I'm just curious if there'll be any trend towards more shelving than is typical now. If people want cabinets, I'll give 'em what they want. :)

David Beard Thanks for the link! I think that's true for most of Hamilton County. I'm zeroing in on the Clifton area, because that and Northside tend to be a little funkier and arty. However, I really don't have much interest in trying to be on the leading edge, so I'm sure I'll stick with the tried and true cabinetry.

David Beard · Answer

Ben Skove - I've looked at many flips in Cincinnati, and I've never seen open shelving in the kitchen, so I'd recommend staying away from it.

Here is an MLS listing of flips sold in recent months in Hamilton County.  You can click on the MLS ID and then look at the pictures to get an idea of what rehabbers are doing.

http://loginlax.rapmls.com/Reports/ReportViewer.aspx?hidMLS=CIN&emailReportRid=37619742&hidEntryPoint=ME&Search_RID=54032078

Suzie B. · Answer

Maybe a combination would be a good option.  I think shelves are a nice new trend, but I myself want a place to store some things up and hidden out of the way... Plus cabinets hold so much more

James H. · Answer

I agree with Dawn. While some shelves would not hurt, most folks are going to want to see cabinets. People are pretty boring. I am one of them. Shelves sound cool, but I don't want to see the mess.

Dawn Anastasi · Answer

I think they can work well in a smaller kitchen because they free up some space.  But traditional buyers (like me) would most likely want the cabinets.