Spring has officially arrived, which means it’s time to tidy up and refresh your most-used spaces. In the kitchen, you’ll want to clear away all your fall and winter entertaining pieces and turn your attention to warmer days filled with alfresco dining and spring gatherings. One quick way to get your kitchen in shape for spring? Refreshing your open shelving storage and styling! Open shelves walk the line between functional kitchen storage space and a pretty display spot, so it’s important that your styling hits both. (If you need a primer on the best way to style open shelves, check out our complete guide to styling open shelves here.) Below, I’m sharing six ideas for styling your open shelves for spring, ensuring your space is stylist-approved before entertaining season really kicks off.
Add Terra-Cotta Pots
Calling all gardeners! If it’s too cold to get to work outside, you can still welcome planting season indoors with freshly potted herbs or topiaries in aged terra-cotta pots. Mix heights and shapes for the most interesting tableau, and be sure to keep a chic pair of vintage garden shears tacked up nearby. Herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme are great for indoor plantings—just be sure to place pots near a source of natural light.
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Trot Out Your Cabbageware
Cabbageware just says it’s spring, no? Also known as lettuceware, the leafy green plates have long been prized by collectors thanks to their figural lines and position as a longstanding scion of upper-crusty elegance. Mix and match pitchers, plates, and tureens for an inherited look, or go all in on a single shape for a curated collector’s approach. Want something a little less whimsical? Try jadeite for a similar punch of fresh seasonal color.
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Go All-In on Ironstone
This pretty white pottery adds a crisp, seasonal feel to any kitchen, making it the perfect vessel for colorful spring blooms like lilacs and daffodils. If you’re just building out your collection, seek out pieces with hallmarks from storied English makers such as J. & G. Meakin and T. & R. Boote.
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Decorate with Vintage Bakeware
The best kitchen accessories combine function and fashion—which is why these vintage cake carriers are just the thing your open shelving needs. Colorful glass cake stands or spouted splatterware batter bowls give the same whimsical, workhorse feel.
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Lean Antique Art
One key rule when styling open shelving is to focus on varying heights—plates are easy to stack, but sometimes you just need something more vertical to perfect your mix. That’s where artwork comes in! Don’t overthink it. All you need to do is simply lean art against your wall and layer books or other small objects in front. Unframed art adds a come-as-you-are ease, while gilt-framed pieces add an air of elegance without being overly fussy.
RELATED: 10 Antiques You Can Hang on the Wall Instead of Art
Layer in Cow Creamers
Sheep might hold the title of “best spring farm animal” (something I just made up!), but nothing quite beats the cuteness of these cow creamers. I’m currently staring at a few of my own as I write this, so it’s safe to say I’m an expert. These charming bovine accessories add whimsical charm to any open shelving and make a great addition to a spring brunch buffet or kids’ table around Easter.
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Anna Logan is the Deputy Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
