An argument against kitchen cabinets: Observe how the open shelves in these kitchens add an offhand, casual note and keep essentials within easy reach.

Below: An English kitchen from Living Etc.

Below: A high shelf provides storage for stacks of white plates. Photo by Colin Streater.

Below: Ione Skye's LA kitchen, featured in Domino.

Below: A house on Long Island by NY firm Deborah Berke & Partners.

Below: A Scandinavian kitchen from Purple Area.

Below: An open kitchen from the portfolio of Daniel Farmer.

Below: A neutral palette in a serene kitchen.

Below: Shelving in a Brooklyn Row House Remodel by Domestic Architecture.

Below: A single, long shelf provides storage above and lighting emanating from below, via Desire to Inspire.

Below: A kitchen from Living Etc. featuring open storage both above and below the counter.

Below: A kitchen from Charlotte Crosland Interiors.

Below: A kitchen featured on Peppermags.

Below: A kitchen by architect Brad Cloepfil of Portland, Oregon, firm Allied Works Architecture featuring a Heath Ceramics tile backsplash.

Below: Minimalist shelving by San Francisco firm Dowling Kimm.

Below: Open shelving and dark-hued pottery in a kitchen via Style Files.

Below: In this kitchen in France by Kate Hume, all storage is out in the open or tucked undercounter.

Below: A kitchen by UK firm Hut Architecture; via Materialicious.

Below: A kitchen in London by Turner Castle.

Below: Open shelving by Plain English Design.

Below: A kitchen in San Francisco by David S. Gast & Associates.

Below: Even Martha Stewart approves of open shelving; here's a shot of her Skylands kitchen.

Below: Marble shelves add a touch of elegance to this UK kitchen; via Light Locations.