Is It Actually A Good Idea To Go Without Kitchen Wall Cabinets?
'Recently we have seen a move away from the clinical ‘fitted’ kitchen,' says Merlin Wright, designer director at Plain English Kitchens. 'Wall-to-wall upper cupboards can feel rather claustrophobic as well as not looking terribly creative, whereas a tall larder cupboard can hold all dry foods and jars so allowing for more imaginative use of wall space, perhaps room for a wall lamp or shelf to hold a collection of ceramic bowls.' 'We want our kitchen spaces to be furnished not fitted, we want to feel welcomed and at home in the kitchen, which can often result in an antique piece being cleverly incorporated or a favorite painting positioned,' adds Merlin. The best option ultimately boils down to personal preferences and lifestyle. If you're a minimalist who values aesthetics and enjoys maintaining a well-organized space, an open kitchen design might be the perfect fit. On the other hand, if you rely heavily on kitchen storage space and practicality, maintaining upper cabinets could be the smarter choice.
The Pros And Cons Of Removing Your Kitchen Wall Cabinets
'I personally really like the ability to ditch the uppers if it is appropriate in the space,' debates designer Shelagh Conway. 'Not all spaces can function without uppers as the footprint might not have a ton of cabinet storage.' It's also worth considering how the kitchen may need to grow with you and your family. Future You will thank Present You for ensuring your kitchen has enough storage for all potential needs. 'When thinking about whether or not to have uppers, think functionally first. Can you get the same amount of storage or possibly more from an open-wall kitchen? Will removing the uppers create the feeling of more space or even let in more light?' adds Shelagh.
REMOVING WALL CABINETS CAN OPEN UP A KITCHEN
So why are we so drawn to kitchens without wall cabinets? For one, it provides a look that is both sleek and open. 'Kitchens without, or with less, upper cabinets allow the space to breathe, allow room for more windows and light, and create a different feel,' says designer Kathryn Murphy of Kathryn Murphy Interiors.
DITCHING WALL CABINETS CREATES THE ALLUSION OF MORE SPACE
Removing wall cabinets helps to create an illusion of more space (even if there isn't), making your kitchen appear larger, taller, and less cramped - certainly useful for a kitchen with a smaller footprint.
YOU CAN USE OPEN STORAGE TO BRING CHARACTER TO THE KITCHEN
Open shelving can be visually stunning, showcasing your most precious kitchenware and decorative oddities. It allows for a more personalized and curated look, turning your kitchen walls into a stylish focal point of your home.
THERE WILL BE A COMPROMISE ON STORAGE
So while we appreciate that removing the wall cabinets can really opens up the space and provide more decorative opportunities, what's the payoff? Of course, lack of storage is the biggest concern here.
TAKE STOCK OF THE ITEMS YOU NEED HIDDEN AWAY
The most significant drawback to doing away with your wall units is the loss of storage space. If you have a considerable amount of kitchenware, groceries to find a home for, and appliances aplenty, finding adequate storage solutions can be a daunting task.
OPEN SHELVING WILL ALWAYS HAVE TO BE STYLED
Open shelving may not be enough for those who rely on extensive cabinet space. 'It's a really beautiful look but before you take the plunge it's worth taking the time to really think about the functionality of your kitchen,' notes Katie Katie Winnington, of C&E Furniture. 'Uppers can be a necessary evil when taking into account storage and organization. As pretty as it is, if the trade-off is a kitchen in complete disarray, it's not worth it.'
CONSIDER GLASS-FRONTED CABINETS
When you already have a wall full of cabinetry to hide away your assortment of glassware and random bowls, it’s hard to imagine wanting to give that up for more visual space. The solution, it seems, is glassfronted or glazed units.
A MIX OF OPEN-SHELVING AND A FEW UPPERS IS THE SWEET SPOT
The compromise? A mix of wall units and open shelving. As designer Meredith Owen of Meredith Owen Interiors says: 'I’m not a fan of the open-shelving trend, as it tends to put pressure on homeowners to keep a perfectly organized kitchen all of the time, and who has time for that? I think a mix of closed and open shelves is the way to go, this lets you hide most things and display the items that bring you the most joy.'