We're planning to update our kitchen, which we haven't significantly changed since moving in a few years ago. Knowing we would eventually do a full-on gut renovation, to tide us over we made cosmetic changes. Spray painting a satin lacquer finish on the Brazilian Maple wood cabinet doors, updating the hardware and the faucet instantly improved the kitchen's vibe.

Thinking about the numerous possibilities for a "perfect" new kitchen, the number one issue is of course storage and I'm contemplating cabinets versus open shelving. My natural inclination is to go with all cabinets, keeping everything out of sight and off the counter. However, flipping through OneKingsLane.com I saw some interesting open shelving options, in contemporary, traditional and Brooklyn-industrial styles. What does give me pause though is maintaining perfect order when everything's on full display - yikes...

Really like the mix of metal finishes, painted cabinetry and the dramatically veined farmhouse sink.

This layout offers the best of both worlds with open shelving and cabinets - the grey tiled baksplash saves the whole look from being too sterile.

While I like the length of the shelves, there's a little too much stuff on display for my taste; the Calacatta marble used to top the counter and island is one of my favorite stones.

This charming alcove with open shelving highlights a sense of order while also showcasing the "good china"

The simplicity of all-white kitchen is perfect for the country and beach house

The eclectic mix of subway tile, vintage wooden dining table & chairs, metal chairs and shelves are very much Brooklyn interior design signatures

Really like this butler's pantry with mirrored back panel - so cool!

A minimalist at heart I do appreciate a clear counter...