The article explores 14 kitchens without wall cabinets that offer more light, less bulkiness, and just as much storage. The main draw to cabinetless walls is the minimal clutter they create. To create a kitchen without upper cabinets, one wall of floor-to-ceiling units can be used, while leaving the rest top-cupboard free. This layout allows the kitchen to feel more like a regular room, flowing easily into the dining or living spaces.
The article also highlights 15 design ideas for kitchens without upper cabinets, including open shelving, hanging racks, and freestanding furniture. Decorative containers, matching storage jars, and coordinated baskets can create a cohesive look. Incorporating plants and artwork can add personality and charm to the kitchen space.
To keep the kitchen stylish without cabinets, focus on open shelving, hanging racks, and freestanding furniture. Use decorative containers, matching storage jars, and coordinated baskets to create a cohesive look. Incorporate plants and artwork to add personality and charm to your kitchen space.
There are several ways to create a beautiful and practical kitchen without wall cabinets, such as using the space above appliances, hanging up kitchen utensils on a magnet, using wall space to store tools, using an overhead hanging pot rack, picking out a rolling kitchen cart or mobile island, using a pegboard to hang tools, and installing floating shelves.
In summary, the article provides a variety of ideas for designing kitchens without wall cabinets, focusing on light, less bulkiness, and storage without the need for wall-mounted units.
📹 Kitchens Without Upper Cabinets | Design Must or Definite Miss?
Kitchens Without Upper Cabinets | Design Must or Definite Miss? ♂️ In this video, I talk about kitchens with no upper cabinets.
How to make a minimalist kitchen?
Minimalist design is a popular trend in home decor, focusing on simplifying lifestyles and making the kitchen more functional. By implementing these strategies, a kitchen can become more visually appealing and easier to use. To create a perfect minimalist kitchen, one should first get rid of the clutter. This includes rethinking the color scheme, switching out faucets, getting rid of knobs, keeping all items in the right spot, hiding daily appliances, and discarding extras.
To create a simple kitchen, start by getting rid of old magazines and bills by rearranging the small appliances, fruit bowls, and other decorative pitchers in your kitchen. This will help create a more organized and functional space. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and interesting minimalist kitchen that is both visually appealing and functional.
How do you make a modern kitchen less modern?
Modern kitchens have seen a shift in recent years, with a focus on blending contemporary and rustic design elements. This involves incorporating natural materials and textures, keeping the palette neutral, and incorporating open shelving. Soft minimalism and modern organic styles have overtaken traditional designs, creating a timeless space that is both functional and welcoming. Designers have experience designing these spaces for clients, and they aim to create a balance between contemporary and cozy to create a modern and soft kitchen.
By incorporating these elements, designers can create a timeless space that is both functional and welcoming, blending the best of both worlds. Open shelving and a neutral palette are essential elements in creating a modern and soft kitchen.
Can you have a kitchen without upper cabinets?
The removal of upper cabinets from kitchens permits the implementation of innovative storage solutions, such as open shelving or extensive drawers. This approach can result in a striking visual presentation when combined with open shelving or drawers.
How can I decorate my kitchen without cabinets?
To maintain a stylish kitchen without traditional cabinets, focus on open shelving, hanging racks, and freestanding furniture. Use decorative containers, matching storage jars, and coordinated baskets to create a cohesive look. Incorporate plants and artwork for personality. Store spices in clear, labeled jars on open shelves or in a wall-mounted rack, magnetic containers, or a drawer organizer. Organize pots and pans using pot racks, either ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted, to keep cookware easily accessible and add a decorative element. Deep drawers with dividers or sturdy shelving units can also be used to store pots and pans neatly.
What to do if your kitchen has no drawers?
In a kitchen without drawers, there are several space-saving solutions to store culinary tools. Some of these include using drawer organizers, lining open shelving with caddies and baskets, choosing stylish countertop crocks for everyday utensils, hanging utensils, installing magnetic knife racks, and installing pull-out cabinets. These solutions not only allow for more flexibility in positioning utensils where they are needed but also free up space for other kitchen items, especially when organizing a small kitchen.
Some of the most innovative ideas include using drawer organizers, lining open shelving with caddies and baskets, choosing stylish countertop crocks for everyday utensils, hanging utensils, installing a magnetic knife rack, and installing pull-out cabinets. These ideas can make a significant difference in the overall functionality and style of the kitchen.
How to organize a kitchen with no upper cabinets?
A well-organized kitchen without cabinets can be a functional and comfortable space. Maximizing space allows for increased accessibility, cost-effectiveness, enhanced safety, and better aesthetics. By storing items on pegboards, floating shelves, rolling kitchen carts, racks, islands, bookcases, and drawers, you can create a clutter-free environment that enhances overall well-being and productivity.
Underutilized furniture can be transformed into valuable storage space by investing in solutions like under-bed drawers, storage ottomans, or lift-top coffee tables. Vertical space can be utilized by installing shelves, wall-mounted racks, or pegboards to store books, kitchenware, or tools, freeing up floor space. Properly organizing closets and cabinets can increase storage capacity by using organizers like shelf dividers, hanging racks, and pull-out baskets.
Behind doors can also be used as storage areas by using over-the-door organizers to hold shoes, cleaning supplies, or accessories without interfering with the door’s functionality. Unused corners and nooks in rooms can be used for corner shelves, small cabinets, or decorative baskets, allowing for more efficient and functional storage.
In summary, maximizing space and maintaining functionality in a kitchen without cabinets can lead to a more organized and functional space. By identifying key areas for potential storage, you can create a more comfortable and visually appealing space that benefits both you and your guests.
How to arrange a kitchen without cabinets?
To maximize storage in a room, consider the following key areas: underutilized furniture, vertical space, closets and cabinets, behind doors, and unused corners and nooks. Investing in storage solutions like under-bed drawers, storage ottomans, or lift-top coffee tables can transform these spaces into valuable storage without compromising room functionality. Installing shelves, wall-mounted racks, or pegboards can free up floor space and keep essential items within easy reach.
Properly organizing closets and cabinets can increase storage capacity and prevent clutter. Behind doors can also be utilized as storage areas, using over-the-door organizers to hold shoes, cleaning supplies, or accessories without interfering with door functionality. Unused corners and nooks can be used for corner shelves, small cabinets, or decorative baskets, storing items that would otherwise take up valuable surface area.
When there’s no obvious place to store dishes, food, and appliances, think outside the cabinet. A well-designed pegboard is not only visually appealing but also essential for maintaining a sane kitchen.
Is no upper cabinets a trend?
The advantages of creating a more open feel include the use of upper cabinets, which can help to reduce the sense of claustrophobia that can otherwise be experienced in smaller spaces.
Do you need drawers in a kitchen?
Drawers are a popular choice for kitchen storage due to their ease of access, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. They make it easier for children to access tools, bowls, and other items, making it easier for parents to help with cooking and setting the table. Drawers also provide better organization solutions, as they can be more aesthetically pleasing and enhance the overall design of the kitchen. In transitional settings, they create the appearance of fine furniture, while in modern settings, they streamline the appearance of seams, creating a clean, sophisticated look.
However, it is essential to consider the pros and cons before making a significant change, as drawers may not be the most suitable for everyone’s lifestyle needs. Before choosing drawers over cabinets for kitchen storage, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each option.
📹 Features of interior design of a kitchen without upper cabinets / Ergonomics
A kitchen without wall cabinets is one of the top trends that fits perfectly into all styles of interior design: strict minimalism, elegant …
I designed our kitchen remodel a few years ago with ease of cleanliness and allowance of as much natural light as possible. That meant no upper cabinets because it made our 8′ ceilings feel cavernous, slab backsplash because I hate grout, a seamless sink drain because those drain rims are disgusting to me, all drawers, slab fronts, no handles, only one faucet hole, extra space behind the faucet to avoid collection of water, induction hob, etc. At first I thought I was pretty impressive thinking of all of these details and then discovered it’s a pretty common european style. 😂😂 But to be honest I wasn’t trying to “design” at all. I was only thinking of function.
I am contemplating removing the remaining upper cabinets. I want a newer looking kitchen. I have an older mobile home. The cabinets are built in. I have changed out one upper and a lower. I love the newer look. I have enjoyed your article. It reflected my thoughts of an open/upper cabinet free wall. And it is the wall over the sink that everyone sees. I also added a pantry cabinet by the fridge across the room. Thankx!
Putting our dishes in a drawer was one of the best things we did. It is right across from our dishwasher so we barely have to move to unload it. I didn’t bother with one of those expensive peg systems – just put some ridged clear plastic shelf liner in. The dishes are heavy enough that we don’t find they move around much if at all when the drawer is opened.
For any kitchen where cooking is a daily activity, open shelves reign supreme. I’d like to add to your insightful analysis the most significant advantage of open shelves: easy access to all your dishes. Plates, glasses, cups, bowls, spice jars, and oil bottles – everything you need is readily at hand. When you’re constantly whipping up meals, these elements are in constant rotation, making cleaning almost automatic. And since we don’t use plastic, all our functional pieces are aesthetically pleasing as well. Personally, I have two floating shelves, each 3 meters long, and they’ve been a game-changer in my busy kitchen. In all my designs, I choose drawers exclusively for the base cabinets.
I need my cabinets. I have to be able to store so many things I use to cook. The issue is I love cuisine from all over the world and they all need their specific utensils. Or maybe that’s just me and I just love stuff to play with in my kitchen 🙂 And I found the pendant I want as worklight above my island… Occhio Sento Sospeso. Seen the thing in action. Guess I know what to skip a vacation for.
This is a really helpful article. you gave me a lot to think about. The one thing that didn’t even cross my mind is how nasty a greasy things will get on an open shelf near the stove. My wife and I are not very tall, so the upper cabinets aren’t really easy to use. the bottom shelf if fine, the middle shelf is a stretch, and we often knock thigs over tying to reach them, and the top shelf requires a stool. For our new kitchen, I plan to ditch the upper altogether and just add a few tall pantries. The base cabinets will be all drawers, except for under the sink which will be doors.
As someone who just remodeled their kitchen we had to keep our uppers. I do love the love of a beautiful tiled wall no uppers but it just isn’t practical for us 1) our kitchen is small – our renovation was to increase storage by adding an island and a small pantry 2) no idea where we would put glass ware and plates – it is not functional – just no space. Some people in here are praising the drawers for plates – I don’t really get it/it seems inefficient and you are locked in to certain drawer heights. Ultimately we would need some shallow hutches and we don’t have the space 3) my husband has a glassware collection that needs lots of shelves. 4) I don’t want to deal with cleaning everything on shelves and always making it look nice and curated
NO UPPER CABINET PREFERRED CAUSE IT IS SPACIOUS,,, FEEL SO BREATHABLE,,, IT WILL BE MONITORED OF EVERYDAY TOUCH UPS,, AND SORT OF A MINIMAL CLEANING MAINTENANCE,,,THERE ARE A LOT OF BOX ORGANIZERS ASWELL TO BE PUT ON THE COUNTER TOP THESE DAYS JUST THOSE EVERYDAY OR USUAL THINGS USED LIKE DAILY COOKING AND ETC…M🙏😊👊🤸♂🌟
I’m building a YouTube studio kitchen for my website out behind the house in a Tuff Shed… I’ll be doing a design with no upper cabinets. Not too concerned about storage, especially since most of our dishware, etc is going to stay in the main kitchen… In fact, a lot of the lowers will probably not have a ton of stuff in them anyways..just what I need for recording.
Living with adhd I’ve learnt that the things I use every day need to be out in the open. Too much clutter is a nono, I’ll totally stuff that even fuller of given the chance, especially when it’s hidden. Open shelves that show me the things I use a lot is amazing, and a controlled amount of closed off storage for the things I don’t need as often.
I’m tall….and when helping my mother in the kitchen when growing up, she always left the upper cabinets doors open and I always found them with my head. I HATE UPPER CABINETS AND HOODS. THEY LITERALLY GIVE ME A HEADACHE. At 5’9″ I’ve spent my life in kitchens designed for shorter people. This next kitchen will be designed with me in mind. And I’m not going without upper cabinets totally; I’m just opening the kitchen to the dining room ….it should improve the light and the flow. Thanks for discussing this….
I opted no upper cabinets in my last kitchen. Because there were windows, it really opened up the area. We are now building, and have a Great room/kitchen combo. The hub will be on the back wall. I think I will have small cabinets on each side, and leave the hub area without cabinets, but quartz to the ceiling. BTW, the same design show I learned not to have upper cabinets also suggested 2 dishwashers. After having them for 20 years, and even though it is just my husband and me, I will be putting 2 dishwashers in my new house.
I have been planning my kitchen for about six weeks. Its a small kitchen, but I want to do it right the first time. After perusal this article a few days ago I removed the upper cabinets by the window space. I have a large pantry near the dishwasher that I can store the dishes and plan to add a few shelves for some glasses and a few plates. When I was clearing out the cabinets before removing them it became very clear that most of the stuff didn’t even belong in the kitchen. Another advantage is with lighting. The existing recessed lights were too close to the cabinets and I was planning on moving them. This would require drywall repair and texturing. I still plan on replacing the light fixtures with modern LED, but without the cabinets they don’t need to be relocated. Thanks again for all of your articles.
As someone who prefers a wide variety of home cooked meals and a (generous by apartment standards) 2.6m x 2.2m kitchen area with one corner lost to a 0.6m x 0.6m utility stack, I would not be able to cope without my wall units, especially when you consider that once you take out the appliances, I am left with 2.2m of flexibility, a single very useful deep drawer under the oven in the housing unit (part of the remodelling to gain additional storage), and the space under the sink – much of which is taken up by a waste disposal unit and plumbing, or difficult to access as half of it is in the corner with no direct access, and the indirect access severely compromised by the plumbing etc – basically useless for anything requiring regular access, or of any size! In fact, I have re-modelled my kitchen to squeeze in additional cupboard space, which while it may be (slightly) less aesthetically pleasing, it has, with the addition of an extra shelf over what is usually provided, allowed me the luxury of having direct access to more items, as I no longer need to stack as many differently sized ones. I now have a much improved working environment which is still good to look at – this is important when it is open to your living/dining area! I fear that minimising, or even loosing wall units will in so many UK kitchens, which unlike those in so many other countries also contain at least a washing machine – sometimes even a separate drier, sacrifice function over form. As belts are increasingly tightened with more meals home prepared from ingredients, I fear that the lack of space and equipment (typically acquired over many years or passed down/on) will turn into a deep regret.
I recently removed two upper cabinets. One that a housed a dated microwave that I have since replaced with new an over the range micro to save valuable space and the other upper cabinet above fridge will be reinstalled over the fridge that was move to other side of kitchen. I will install a new lower cabinet where the fridge once stood. All this to add more natural light to into my condo. I love it no regrets so far. Still in reno mode.
I love this — I do not think it is a “miss,” personally. I want the openness, with less “clutter.” This look would give me the ability to have windows — creating a bright and airy space — perhaps for several houseplants. I figure what I would replace those upper cabinets with would be a decent walk-in pantry — perhaps a window in there, too. Keep all the extra equipment out of sight until needed.
my husband and i moved into a new rental recently and due to emergency didnt get to be very choosy about where we moved. our kitchen is….workable, but its quite small and has one usable upper cabinet (but its so thickly painted shut im afraid to pry it open and damage something). base cabinets… they have one drawer. the corner cabinet works for pots and pans and whatnot, but right now my dishes (a set of four bowls, four plates, four cups, and three tupperware) are living on the top shelf of my pantry. I kinda feel like in rental having no uppers at all is a bad move.
Thank you for the free month of skill share! I’m a big fan of the open look without upper cabinets. I’m preferring an accent hutch for the show off fancy stuff, and wall pantrys in select locations. Practically speaking, I love an open shelf, but hate dirt dust grease…. Hence the glass front accent hutch ( in a bleached wood finish). Also loving Greige cabinets… softer warmer tones. I love your website!! Thanks so much for being concise and packing a ton of info in only 10 mins! Big thumbs up 👍🏻 🙏😘💫
It was wonderful to be able to search YouTube with the question “do we really need kitchen cabinets and find your article. As I have been designing my kitchen I have stumbled onto many articles that you created. You are thoughtful, creative and logical. Your delivery of your messages is clear and concise. Thank you for all you do. You are a benefit to the community. My new kitchen will incorporate many of your ideas.