Open shelves remain a decisive design choice, and they’re not going anywhere—especially with (unintentional) endorsements from people like Tom Hanks.
Tom Hanks is the latest in a series of celebrities we’ve seen experimenting with this controversial storage solution—but in his case, he’s trying something different: records.
While many people decorate shelves in their kitchens or living rooms, Tom has created a musical corner, complete with an impressive collection of records and instruments. It mirrors the bookshelf wealth aesthetic we loved last year—with a playful twist.
In line with the bookshelf wealth trend, Tom’s open shelves celebrate items (also known as records instead of books) that represent his personality. People love showcasing their individuality through books, but records are just as revealing. If you’re a music lover, Tom’s storage idea might be exactly what you need to elevate a corner of your room.
After seeing Tom’s unique display, we’re tempted to fill our open shelves with records, but as experts explain, it’s hard to go wrong when decorating. Whether you’re designing with books, records, ornaments, or decorating with antiques, the benefits remain the same.
‘Open shelves completely change the vibe of a room. They make the space feel larger, brighter, and more personal. Instead of hiding everything behind cabinet doors, your [accessories] become part of the decor. You grab what you need without the extra step of opening and closing cabinets—it’s easy and practical,’ says Eric Bramlett, real estate agent and owner of Bramlett Real Estate.
If you’re familiar with the debate over whether open shelves help or hinder, you’ll know that some designers argue they’re hard to maintain. However, with the right care, you can follow Tom’s lead without letting dust or clutter take over your space.
‘Some people worry about dust or constantly keeping things tidy, but that’s really a matter of habit. If you like an organized and intentional space, open shelves are a game changer,’ says Eric. ‘It’s a small change that makes a big impact on the look and feel of a space.’
‘A client recently replaced their upper cabinets with open shelves, and the transformation was immediate,’ adds Eric.
‘Before, they constantly forgot about dishes hidden at the back of the cabinets, but now everything they love to use is right in front of them. The space felt twice as big and finally gave them a way to showcase a collection of handmade ceramics.’ Whatever you have on your shelves, you can rest assured that Tom and Rita would likely approve.
Source: Homes & Gardens. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
