Open Up Your Kitchen: Explore Alternatives to Upper Cabinets
Kitchen design is a matter of personal style. If you are someone that likes to keep up with design trends, you may have noticed there is a major kitchen movement that has become extremely popular recently in the world of kitchen design: kitchens with NO UPPER CABINETS.
The traditional kitchen design typically includes upper cabinets that run along the walls, offering ample storage space for dishes, glasses, and other kitchen essentials. However, not everyone is a fan of this design, as upper cabinets can make a kitchen feel closed off and cramped. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to upper cabinets that can open up your kitchen and maximize your space. In this blog post, we'll explore various upper kitchen cabinet alternatives that can help you achieve a modern, open, and airy kitchen design without sacrificing storage or functionality. From wall storage solutions to integrated appliances, we'll cover everything you need to know to design a kitchen that suits your style and needs.
The Trend Without Upper Kitchen Cabinets
This new trend for storage without upper kitchen cabinets may have some scratching their heads! It seems odd to remove storage when most of us are trying to plan a kitchen to create more storage! Because of this, we reached out to some of our customers who have adopted this trend to see what they had to say.
We discovered that in some cases, the upper cabinets cast shadows over the counters, making the workspace feel darker than necessary. Some of our customers prefer bright beautiful windows over a wall of cabinets. Other people are excited to incorporate open shelving to create a greater sense of space. A few of our clients are even covering the ceiling-high walls with bright white subway tile to make it reflect light into the room.
"My kitchen felt cramped. I wanted to brighten things up. Removing the upper cabinets opened the space up and made the kitchen appear much larger!"
Anna - our client in Southwest Calgary.
For the average household, most upper cabinets are hard to reach, so removing those upper cabinets is a great solution to keep everything nearby. You won't need to lift your arms or climb on the countertops to reach the tallest shelves.
"Storing plates on upper cabinets is so heavy when it stacked. I like a well-planned base cabinet to make it much more practical and even the kids can help out."
Irene - shared her kitchen ideas with us when she visited our Calgary showroom.
Why Consider Alternatives to Upper Kitchen Cabinets?
Upper kitchen cabinets have long been a staple of kitchen design, but they are not without their downsides. While they provide ample storage space, they can also make a kitchen feel cramped and closed off. Fortunately, there are several compelling reasons to consider alternatives to upper kitchen cabinets.
- Firstly, upper cabinets can be challenging to access, especially for shorter individuals or those with mobility issues. By removing upper cabinets, you can create an open and accessible kitchen design that is easy for everyone to use. This can be especially important if you plan on aging in place or if you have elderly relatives or friends who visit your home.
- Secondly, upper cabinets can be a breeding ground for clutter and dust. Items stored in upper cabinets can be difficult to see and access, leading to forgotten or unused items piling up over time. By removing upper cabinets, you can create a more organized and clutter-free kitchen that is easier to clean and maintain.
- Thirdly, removing upper cabinets can create a more modern and streamlined kitchen design. By opting for alternatives such as open shelving or wall storage solutions, you can create a sleek and contemporary look that is both functional and visually appealing.
- Finally, by removing upper cabinets, you can create a more spacious and airy kitchen design that feels larger than it actually is. This can be especially important in smaller kitchens, where upper cabinets can make the space feel cramped and claustrophobic.
From creating a more accessible and clutter-free kitchen to achieving a modern and spacious design, removing upper cabinets can be a great way to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen.
Designing a Kitchen with Upper Cabinet Alternatives
Despite what many people think, fewer cabinets do not necessarily mean less storage. It is more like rearranging the function of the space.
When you remove your upper cabinets in the kitchen, it is vital that they are replaced with something stylish and functional. Here are some replacement solutions for the upper cabinets to keep your kitchen running smoothly:
1. A Well-Planned Base Cabinet
One of the challenges of removing the upper cabinets is to make use of every space in the kitchen that can be adapted to storage. Although most of us are used to storing our glasses and plates in upper cabinets, lower cabinets can serve the same function. It is all a matter of habit! If storage with doors requires a lot of stooping and bending, switching to drawers will allow you to pull out to access everything inside much more conveniently.
Corner base cabinets are notorious as dark and difficult-to-reach storage spaces, but they also have the potential for efficient storage if they are organized well with some smart hardware.
Today, a varied selection of innovative drawer organizer systems can satisfy any storage need. You can customize movable dividers into any configuration you like. This makes drawer storage options almost infinite!
2. A Kitchen Pantry
Adding a pantry cabinet to your kitchen provides a large storage space without adding upper cabinets on all sides of the space. It can be used for food storage, as well as a place to store your cookware.
3. Open Floating Shelves
If you need a bit more storage space, or you do not have enough space for a pantry in your no upper cabinet kitchen, consider going for several open floating shelves. However, anything displayed out in the open tends to get dusty, so you will want to be on top of keeping the space clean. Read this blog to know how to incorporate Open Shelving for Storage for small kitchen!
If you are not ready to ditch your upper cabinets entirely, we suggest adding a few cabinets above your preparing area. They are ideal for adding storage to your room without taking up too much space on your walls.
4. A Kitchen Island with Drawers
Kitchen islands are very versatile in terms of functionality. More than storage space, kitchen islands can also provide open counter space for food preparation or can be used as a gathering place with comfortable seating.
5. Recessed Shelving
Recessed shelving or wall niches in place of upper kitchen cabinets feel compact, neat, and tidy. You can use them to display items such as glassware, for a sleek, modern look that will not make the objects stand out too much.
Maintaining a Kitchen with Upper Cabinet Alternatives
Maintaining a kitchen with upper cabinet alternatives can be a challenge, as these designs often require a different approach to organization and cleaning. We'll share some practical tips for maintaining a kitchen with no upper cabinets, so you can enjoy a functional and clutter-free space for years to come.
- Utilize base cabinets and drawers: Without upper cabinets, it's essential to maximize your use of base cabinets and drawers. Consider installing pull-out drawers or shelves that allow you to access your items easily.
- Install shelves: Open shelves can be a great alternative to upper cabinets, providing easy access to frequently used items. However, they do require more maintenance than closed cabinets, as they are more prone to dust and clutter. Be sure to wipe them down regularly and only display items that you use frequently.
- Utilize pantries and islands: Pantries and islands can be a great way to add storage space to your kitchen without using upper cabinets. Utilize these spaces to store less frequently used items or to keep countertop appliances out of sight when not in use.
- Consider wall storage solutions: Wall storage solutions, such as pegboards, can be a great way to keep frequently used items within reach. Be sure to keep the wall storage system organized and regularly wipe it down to avoid dust buildup.
- Clean and organize regularly: With fewer cabinets, it's essential to keep your kitchen clean and organized. Regularly wipe down surfaces, sweep or vacuum the floors, and be sure to put items away after use. This will help to prevent clutter and maintain a functional kitchen space.
Maintaining a kitchen with no upper cabinets requires a different approach to organization and cleaning. Utilize base cabinets, shelves, pantries, and wall storage solutions to maximize your storage space, and be sure to clean and organize regularly to avoid clutter buildup. By following these tips, you can enjoy a functional and clutter-free kitchen for years to come.
Pros and Cons of Upper Kitchen Cabinet Alternatives
We'll explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular upper kitchen cabinet alternatives to help you decide which option is right for your kitchen.
Pros of Upper Kitchen Cabinet Alternatives:
- More open and spacious kitchen design: Removing upper cabinets can create a more open and spacious kitchen design, making the room feel larger and more welcoming.
- Easy access to items: With open shelving or wall storage solutions, items are easily visible and accessible, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
- Less clutter: Without upper cabinets, there's less space for items to accumulate, reducing clutter and making the kitchen feel more organized and streamlined.
- Opportunity for customization: With upper cabinet alternatives, you have the opportunity to create a unique and personalized kitchen design that reflects your style and needs.
Cons of Upper Kitchen Cabinet Alternatives:
- Limited storage space: Removing upper cabinets can significantly reduce your available storage space, requiring you to find alternative storage solutions for items that were previously stored in cabinets.
- Dust and debris: Without the protection of upper cabinets, items on open shelves or wall storage solutions are more susceptible to dust and debris buildup.
- Limited privacy: With open shelving or wall storage solutions, items are on display for all to see, which may not be ideal if you prefer a more private or clutter-free space.
- More maintenance: Upper cabinet alternatives may require more maintenance and cleaning than traditional upper cabinets, as items are more exposed and susceptible to dust, debris, and spills.
A kitchen is a place that you are going to use every day, it is important to understand your functional needs if you are thinking of following this trend. Upper cabinets are certainly a kitchen staple, so removing them from your kitchen is a big step.
Looking for upgrading kitchen cabinets in Calgary? Whatever your budget, whatever your style, our kitchen cabinet design professionals are here to help bring your vision to life. With over 50+ years of combined experience in cabinetry and design, our team at Zen Living has the skills and knowledge you need to turn your dreams into reality. Whether you're looking for a complete renovation or a simple refresh, we are here to help.
To get started, simply fill out our form for a free consultation, or you can give us a call at (403) 720-1928 for free design consultation. Our team at Zen Living Kitchen & Bath is eager to work with you and hear all about your project ideas. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.
The traditional kitchen design typically includes upper cabinets that run along the walls, offering ample storage space for dishes, glasses, and other kitchen essentials. However, not everyone is a fan of this design, as upper cabinets can make a kitchen feel closed off and cramped. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to upper cabinets that can open up your kitchen and maximize your space. In this blog post, we'll explore various upper kitchen cabinet alternatives that can help you achieve a modern, open, and airy kitchen design without sacrificing storage or functionality. From wall storage solutions to integrated appliances, we'll cover everything you need to know to design a kitchen that suits your style and needs.
The Trend Without Upper Kitchen Cabinets
This new trend for storage without upper kitchen cabinets may have some scratching their heads! It seems odd to remove storage when most of us are trying to plan a kitchen to create more storage! Because of this, we reached out to some of our customers who have adopted this trend to see what they had to say.
We discovered that in some cases, the upper cabinets cast shadows over the counters, making the workspace feel darker than necessary. Some of our customers prefer bright beautiful windows over a wall of cabinets. Other people are excited to incorporate open shelving to create a greater sense of space. A few of our clients are even covering the ceiling-high walls with bright white subway tile to make it reflect light into the room.
"My kitchen felt cramped. I wanted to brighten things up. Removing the upper cabinets opened the space up and made the kitchen appear much larger!"
Anna - our client in Southwest Calgary.
For the average household, most upper cabinets are hard to reach, so removing those upper cabinets is a great solution to keep everything nearby. You won't need to lift your arms or climb on the countertops to reach the tallest shelves.
"Storing plates on upper cabinets is so heavy when it stacked. I like a well-planned base cabinet to make it much more practical and even the kids can help out."
Irene - shared her kitchen ideas with us when she visited our Calgary showroom.
Why Consider Alternatives to Upper Kitchen Cabinets?
Upper kitchen cabinets have long been a staple of kitchen design, but they are not without their downsides. While they provide ample storage space, they can also make a kitchen feel cramped and closed off. Fortunately, there are several compelling reasons to consider alternatives to upper kitchen cabinets.
- Firstly, upper cabinets can be challenging to access, especially for shorter individuals or those with mobility issues. By removing upper cabinets, you can create an open and accessible kitchen design that is easy for everyone to use. This can be especially important if you plan on aging in place or if you have elderly relatives or friends who visit your home.
- Secondly, upper cabinets can be a breeding ground for clutter and dust. Items stored in upper cabinets can be difficult to see and access, leading to forgotten or unused items piling up over time. By removing upper cabinets, you can create a more organized and clutter-free kitchen that is easier to clean and maintain.
- Thirdly, removing upper cabinets can create a more modern and streamlined kitchen design. By opting for alternatives such as open shelving or wall storage solutions, you can create a sleek and contemporary look that is both functional and visually appealing.
- Finally, by removing upper cabinets, you can create a more spacious and airy kitchen design that feels larger than it actually is. This can be especially important in smaller kitchens, where upper cabinets can make the space feel cramped and claustrophobic.
From creating a more accessible and clutter-free kitchen to achieving a modern and spacious design, removing upper cabinets can be a great way to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen.
Designing a Kitchen with Upper Cabinet Alternatives
Despite what many people think, fewer cabinets do not necessarily mean less storage. It is more like rearranging the function of the space.
When you remove your upper cabinets in the kitchen, it is vital that they are replaced with something stylish and functional. Here are some replacement solutions for the upper cabinets to keep your kitchen running smoothly:
1. A Well-Planned Base Cabinet
One of the challenges of removing the upper cabinets is to make use of every space in the kitchen that can be adapted to storage. Although most of us are used to storing our glasses and plates in upper cabinets, lower cabinets can serve the same function. It is all a matter of habit! If storage with doors requires a lot of stooping and bending, switching to drawers will allow you to pull out to access everything inside much more conveniently.
Corner base cabinets are notorious as dark and difficult-to-reach storage spaces, but they also have the potential for efficient storage if they are organized well with some smart hardware.
Today, a varied selection of innovative drawer organizer systems can satisfy any storage need. You can customize movable dividers into any configuration you like. This makes drawer storage options almost infinite!
2. A Kitchen Pantry
Adding a pantry cabinet to your kitchen provides a large storage space without adding upper cabinets on all sides of the space. It can be used for food storage, as well as a place to store your cookware.
3. Open Floating Shelves
If you need a bit more storage space, or you do not have enough space for a pantry in your no upper cabinet kitchen, consider going for several open floating shelves. However, anything displayed out in the open tends to get dusty, so you will want to be on top of keeping the space clean. Read this blog to know how to incorporate Open Shelving for Storage for small kitchen!
If you are not ready to ditch your upper cabinets entirely, we suggest adding a few cabinets above your preparing area. They are ideal for adding storage to your room without taking up too much space on your walls.
4. A Kitchen Island with Drawers
Kitchen islands are very versatile in terms of functionality. More than storage space, kitchen islands can also provide open counter space for food preparation or can be used as a gathering place with comfortable seating.
5. Recessed Shelving
Recessed shelving or wall niches in place of upper kitchen cabinets feel compact, neat, and tidy. You can use them to display items such as glassware, for a sleek, modern look that will not make the objects stand out too much.
Maintaining a Kitchen with Upper Cabinet Alternatives
Maintaining a kitchen with upper cabinet alternatives can be a challenge, as these designs often require a different approach to organization and cleaning. We'll share some practical tips for maintaining a kitchen with no upper cabinets, so you can enjoy a functional and clutter-free space for years to come.
- Utilize base cabinets and drawers: Without upper cabinets, it's essential to maximize your use of base cabinets and drawers. Consider installing pull-out drawers or shelves that allow you to access your items easily.
- Install shelves: Open shelves can be a great alternative to upper cabinets, providing easy access to frequently used items. However, they do require more maintenance than closed cabinets, as they are more prone to dust and clutter. Be sure to wipe them down regularly and only display items that you use frequently.
- Utilize pantries and islands: Pantries and islands can be a great way to add storage space to your kitchen without using upper cabinets. Utilize these spaces to store less frequently used items or to keep countertop appliances out of sight when not in use.
- Consider wall storage solutions: Wall storage solutions, such as pegboards, can be a great way to keep frequently used items within reach. Be sure to keep the wall storage system organized and regularly wipe it down to avoid dust buildup.
- Clean and organize regularly: With fewer cabinets, it's essential to keep your kitchen clean and organized. Regularly wipe down surfaces, sweep or vacuum the floors, and be sure to put items away after use. This will help to prevent clutter and maintain a functional kitchen space.
Maintaining a kitchen with no upper cabinets requires a different approach to organization and cleaning. Utilize base cabinets, shelves, pantries, and wall storage solutions to maximize your storage space, and be sure to clean and organize regularly to avoid clutter buildup. By following these tips, you can enjoy a functional and clutter-free kitchen for years to come.
Pros and Cons of Upper Kitchen Cabinet Alternatives
We'll explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular upper kitchen cabinet alternatives to help you decide which option is right for your kitchen.
Pros of Upper Kitchen Cabinet Alternatives:
- More open and spacious kitchen design: Removing upper cabinets can create a more open and spacious kitchen design, making the room feel larger and more welcoming.
- Easy access to items: With open shelving or wall storage solutions, items are easily visible and accessible, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.
- Less clutter: Without upper cabinets, there's less space for items to accumulate, reducing clutter and making the kitchen feel more organized and streamlined.
- Opportunity for customization: With upper cabinet alternatives, you have the opportunity to create a unique and personalized kitchen design that reflects your style and needs.
Cons of Upper Kitchen Cabinet Alternatives:
- Limited storage space: Removing upper cabinets can significantly reduce your available storage space, requiring you to find alternative storage solutions for items that were previously stored in cabinets.
- Dust and debris: Without the protection of upper cabinets, items on open shelves or wall storage solutions are more susceptible to dust and debris buildup.
- Limited privacy: With open shelving or wall storage solutions, items are on display for all to see, which may not be ideal if you prefer a more private or clutter-free space.
- More maintenance: Upper cabinet alternatives may require more maintenance and cleaning than traditional upper cabinets, as items are more exposed and susceptible to dust, debris, and spills.
A kitchen is a place that you are going to use every day, it is important to understand your functional needs if you are thinking of following this trend. Upper cabinets are certainly a kitchen staple, so removing them from your kitchen is a big step.
Looking for upgrading kitchen cabinets in Calgary? Whatever your budget, whatever your style, our kitchen cabinet design professionals are here to help bring your vision to life. With over 50+ years of combined experience in cabinetry and design, our team at Zen Living has the skills and knowledge you need to turn your dreams into reality. Whether you're looking for a complete renovation or a simple refresh, we are here to help.
To get started, simply fill out our form for a free consultation, or you can give us a call at (403) 720-1928 for free design consultation. Our team at Zen Living Kitchen & Bath is eager to work with you and hear all about your project ideas. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.
