One of the best ways to determine your personal style and design aesthetic is by pinning (or cutting, snipping, saving) anything and everything you like without much thought. Then go back and see the common threads. I recently went through my Decor Pins and saw that almost all of my kitchen posts and likes included open shelving. I love the relaxed vibe and the personal touch open shelving can add to a space.

True, open shelving is often feared by those of us living a not-so-tidy, not-so-picture-perfect lifestyle, but I believe with some planning and editing, it's possible.

1. Pick a theme. Perhaps it is a coffee/tea station (like Martha Stewart's Espresso bar below!), or a bar featuring your prettiest glasses and tumblers.

2. Design the shelving around your pieces. Highlight your most cherished collections.

3. Edit. This is a great excuse to go through your kitchen supplies and narrow it down to only your most used items.

Check out all my Pinterest Boards here.