Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Kitchen Trend: No Upper Cabinets

As the saying goes, less is more.  And it seems that this ideology is catching on in interiors- both commercial and residential.  We're learning in our Commercial Design class that collaborative, open workspaces are becoming more and more desirable over individual offices.   We are also seeing a trend in residential interior spaces for open shelving and less interior walls, allowing for a more open concept.  This is forcing people to pare down on clutter and only keep/buy what they truly need.  Personally, I love this idea.  I never feel better than after cleaning out my closet and donating belongings I don't really need. Over the past few years, I've noticed that many architects, homeowners, and designers are taking this "less is more" ideology to their kitchens by eliminating upper cabinets.  This leaves lots of wall space for windows to allow in natural light, wall-mounted light fixtures, or even open shelving that can be used to display favorite dinnerware and chic decor.


I love that designer Lisa Sherry placed artwork and the oven hood in front of these windows (and how great is the skirted round island!?):



If you have the space, like this homeowner does, you can do a separate cabinetry unit to hold the belongings you would normally store in your uppers.  This way you still get the beautiful wall of windows AND the storage- a win-win!





I love the contrast of a dark, glossy paint color on these cabinet fronts:



So what's your take- are you a fan of no upper cabinetry, or do you prefer the traditional look?


25 comments:

  1. That Lisa Gabrielson Design kitchen with the marble and table lamps is great! All of these kitchens look so clean, sleek and inviting.

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  2. great pics;DD

    xoxo

    www.live-style20.blogspot.com

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  3. I love the look, but I def need the storage. I think i just need a massive kitchen with a little of both ;)

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  4. I would love a kitchen like this someday! I would MUCH rather have a wall of windows above the sink/counter to look outside than to stare at a bunch of cabinets and closed up walls! I think getting rid of the upper cabinets opens up many more options for kitchens - and ones you can much more easily change without the cabinets to move or take down.

    Now, to get a better job...buy a house...and live out my dream of doing dishes while staring out of a huge window overlooking the ocean. :-)

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  5. I love the look but I think unless you have a ton of bottom cabinets it's pretty impractical. I have the tiniest kitchen right now and look forward to the day when I can spread out my stuff!

    Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

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  6. I definitely love the look of open shelves, simple white mugs and wine glasses on display. So clean.

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  7. I guess I'm the exception here. I LOVE upper cabinets, especially ones with glass or wire fronts.

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  8. I like the crisp, clean feel...and the open shelves still keep everything open with extra storage.
    Bravo!

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  9. I am SO digging this trend. Like none otha!

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  10. LOVE the look. Question the practicality.

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  11. I also love the idea of having less and making the space design feel stronger. I just feel like the kitchen is not the best place to do this. I love all these photos, especially the ones with all the windows....I just wonder...would my plates, glasses, tupperware.....fit? I have to say I'm totally going minimal (for me anyway) in my family room and its SO hard to do....to get rid of stuff, frames, photos...but I know I will love the look in the end. So, yes I agree...less is more...just not necessarily in the kitchen (but I love to cook).

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  12. I think this would work if you had a really spacious pantry (or other storage solution).

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  13. Love, love, love this look and am planning to do this in my own kitchen this spring. Not a great view outside of our kitchen so I'm planning on doing open shelving and have place to display some great artwork.

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  14. I love the photos and the parred down look but it seems impractical unless you have a ton of space or perhaps don't cook much. As an avid cook and someone who lives in tiny NYC apt I would be wondering where to put my food! If I had a ton of space to play I do love the look! I dream of the day when I have a window in my kitchen!

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  15. It feels so much more like a room than a kitchen without all the upper cabinets. I say if you have the storage to give up, go for it!

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  16. It is a great post, what you said is really helpful to me. I agree with you anymore. Also great blog here with all of the valuable information you have. Keep up the good work you are doing here. Thank you for sharing such a useful post.

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  17. All of your kitchen cabinetry, shelving and door lockers looks fabulous. Cote de Texas has amazing black closets which attracts me. All of your shared tips can help me to design my kitchen more beautiful and attractive. Thanks for this great post.

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  18. This images are looking really awesome. I was searching this type of images only as we want to renovate our house with the help of an interior designer.

    home design

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  19. paulinerance@googlemail.comDecember 15, 2015 at 4:17 PM

    Give me more cupboards and I will fill them with things I could and should get rid of!

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  20. No upper cabinets---Where are people putting their every day glasses?

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What say you? I'm all ears.

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