Achieving Monastic Calm Within Your Glazed Cabinets

We were honoured when Homes & Gardens asked for our take on styling glass-fronted kitchen cabinets. You can read their article here, and if you're interested, we’ve shared our full response below.

Glazed cabinets, whether with clear glass or obscure materials like vintage reeded glass, offer a unique opportunity to display objects in a way that combines functionality with aesthetic harmony. At Pilgrim House we tend to favour the principle of "less is more," and like to employ some restraint. I think this gives a more serene balance. A more monastic sense of calm if you like.

I think a minimalist approach is key to achieving a calming aesthetic. Avoid overcrowding the cabinet; instead, allow space to highlight the beauty of individual objects or small groups of items. Consider the interplay between negative space and the items on display. For example, a single ceramic vase or a small stack of linen-bound books can command attention when given room to breathe.

In clear glass cabinets, this restraint is even more important. Overloading the space can lead to visual clutter, diminishing the soothing effect of the display. Focus on a cohesive palette of colours and materials to enhance harmony—think natural tones, earthy textures, and organic forms.

For cabinets glazed with reeded glass, the visual approach is slightly different. As the textured surface gently distorts the view through, it softens the shapes within and imbues the display with a sense of mystery and charm. Reeded glass transforms the contents into a play of light and shadow, emphasising their silhouettes rather than their intricate details.

Personally I love displays based on utility that have been presented in a way to celebrate them. So the contents of your cabinet should reflect both utility and aesthetic pleasure.

Consider the functionality of the space—items you frequently use, such as crockery, should remain accessible yet thoughtfully arranged. Stacks of plates, neatly folded napkins, or a cluster of glasses can be displayed with intention, blending practicality with visual appeal.

Introduce a sense of rhythm and balance by varying heights and proportions within the cabinet. A low stack of dishes juxtaposed with a tall, slender vase creates a dynamic interplay of shapes that draws the eye while maintaining tranquility.

Achieving a monastic calm within your glazed cabinets involves a focus on natural materials, muted tones, and deliberate curation. This aesthetic encourages mindfulness, inviting you to appreciate the quiet beauty of each item. Whether you choose clear or reeded glass, prioritise quality over quantity, allowing the cabinet to become a sanctuary of calm amidst the busyness of life.

By embracing simplicity and the gentle distortion of reeded glass, your cabinets can embody a timeless, serene elegance that speaks to the beauty of balance and restraint.