Kitchens Without Upper Cabinets | Design Must or Definite Miss?

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Kitchens Without Upper Cabinets | Design Must or Definite Miss? 🤷‍♂️
In this video, I talk about kitchens with no upper cabinets. The pros, cons and practicalities of this kitchen design style. Is it a must-have design or a ridiculous trend?
📖​ Chapters:
➤ 0:00 Kitchens Without Upper Cabinets
➤ 0:25 Can You Have A Kitchen Without Upper Cabinets?
➤ 0:52 Advantages
➤ 2:40 Disadvantages
➤ 3:49 What Can I Use Instead Of Upper Cabinets?
➤ 6:48 How Can I Organise My Kitchen Without Upper Cabinets?
➤ 7:55 Where Do You Put Your Dishes Without Upper Cabinets?
➤ 9:24 How Practical Is A Kitchen Without Upper Cabinets?
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#kitchendesign #kitchendesigntrends #skillshare

[@kitchinsider]

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/kitchinsider08221

[@mellostation]

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.

[@mkawa1566]

This is what I am thinking to do with my 80 year old mom's kitchen to make it more functional for her. I'm liking this thinking so much, I would like to go upper cabinetless for me and my hubby too,

[@lishr4536]

what material do you use for a slab backsplash?

[@MrKlawUK]

@@lishr4536glass/coloured glass or if you have a stone style worktop, use a piece of that

[@mikeberray]

No upper cabinets are preferable to me. However, you do need a pantry, so you have somewhere to store the cereal boxes, spices, herbs and canned goods!

[@SoCalVipers]

This is a really helpful video. 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.

[@ArtOfHealth]

I smack my head on the edges and corners of the cabinet by my sink and food prep area. It hurts. I took one long set off because they stuck out too much. I hate getting on my knees to get stuff way down the bottom.

[@BiteandChiu]

Upper cabinets are a must for me. I have lots of equipment to store and I love the look of my wood cabinets. They are easy to clean look gorgeous.

[@kitchinsider]

Sounds nice! I think they are essential for many!

[@BiteandChiu]

@@kitchinsider Speaking of sounding nice, your voice is very welcoming

[@kitchinsider]

Aww, thank you 😊

[@chrishuck56]

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 video. 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!

[@Kenzie_Hill]

Light is my must important requirement, and pantry shelving us a better solution for storage where I can cram stuff. love minimalist approach

[@Caliabra]

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

[@balgrantango460]

Excellent review of the pros and cons of kitchens without upper cabinets. Thank you.

[@DELACREMEDELA]

I thought this was my idea! lol

[@MoonSpinners]

We’ve never had the kitchen in our 1950s house fitted, it’s just free standing cupboards, no wall mounted upper cabinets and we’ve survived since 1970 😂

[@louisesawyer-cribbie1212]

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.

[@stephensparks2023]

Thinking of a new kitchen without upper Cabinets! Seems to make sense! I’m at that age were its not practical to be standing on small stepladder to access plates etc! Looking a smart storage idea’s Thanks for you helpful Video Feel you’ve answered my concerns

[@debraraymer3386]

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.

[@boomcity4942]

I like your two dishwasher idea. I thought about that.years ago and people laughed. I am redoing my kitchen cabinets and am rethinking that solution. Thank you for adding your comment.

[@keylime2998]

I like uppers with glass doors to keep the space more open. Less dusting too….To reach into the higher shelves you can have kick-boards converted to little pull out steps.

[@kitchinsider]

I like it! I think some nice stylish glass fronted cabinets could be a good middle ground!

[@nvrluki7608]

Sounds like a great idea, until you realise you have to keep those cabinets really clean and organised

[@betsylatham5023]

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.

[@kitchinsider]

Love it! Sounds super functional!

[@chorebunny8080]

Love having my plates and bowls in the drawer too !

[@soroh0062255]

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.

[@rufusjohnson3800]

Excellent video. I favor the no upper cabinets look, and am renovating a house where the sink and stove will be on an exterior wall, so having larger windows over the sink and to the sides of the stove should work.

[@boomcity4942]

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 watching this video 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 videos.

[@superlynnie]

In old European cities, closed cabinets are mainly for hygienic purposes. 100 years old houses come with mice. 😭

[@JL-hn6hi]

A delight to see your vid, Michael !

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@lauramiller6106]

Everyone in my family is quite tall. We could more easily forgo base cabinet storage than wall cabinet storage. Thanks for the video.

[@kitchinsider]

Sounds a bit like me. I find wall cabinets very useful! Thanks!

[@anonz975]

Great video. I definitely want shelves instead of upper cabinets and this gave me more ideas.

[@juliajenkins104]

We just moved into a home with no upper cabinets. Pantry issues, dinnerware storage issues, need to find solutions for this baker and cook with this huge change

[@fineartlifestyling]

Excellent video, such great arguments.

[@kitchinsider]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tank797]

Good video mate! Keep it comming :)!

[@kitchinsider]

Cheers! Thanks for watching! 👍

[@zeveroarerules]

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.

[@kitchinsider]

Oooh the pendant light looks lovely! What colour finish would you go for?

[@zeveroarerules]

I think it'd almost have to be the mat white one. I mean I like the mat gold or phantom too, but I don't think that would work with the accent colour of my cabinets in the background. Too bad about the price, because it's an amazing thing. You can just pull it down to get it closer to the surface, use hand gestures to turn it on or off or use the dimmer function. If only it was half the price, It would have been sold then and there...

[@Whatisthis94]

Great content! We opted to remove uppers in both a small kitchen and a large kitchen. Absolutely love it and specifically, the look, less clutter and simplicity. Only thing I miss is having lights underneath the wall cabinets but oh well

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! Sounds great! I'm a big fan of simplicity too. Good point about missing under cabinet lights, although I suppose that's where wall lights can help out. 😁

[@iamjohancastellanos]

Hello, great to see you again! How are you? I ♥️ this content. Thank you

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! Doing okay, thanks for asking. Hope you're good too!

[@c.fonteiffd.1346]

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🙏😊👊🤸‍♂🌟

[@stellacharlespedersen5995]

Another 10 mins great content. I agree when you have those lovely porcelain dishware it can be a bit of a lift when having to take them down to then restack. Signed on to skillshare 😊

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks so much! I totally agree!

[@MTKDofficial]

Hey! Great video! Congrats on the sponsor! Another reason to get rid of your wall cabinets is if they are green. (hehe)

[@bluedrummajor2876]

I just finished watching your 2 hr marathon with Nick Lewis. How interesting to find a comment from you on this channel. But now that I think of it, I think I have seen your comments here before.

[@kitchinsider]

@Mark Tobin - How dare you! Haha! Thanks, I assume you put in a good word for me. 😉

[@ziggy33399]

Loved it. Wish I knew if having a frig below counter , microwave too. How to hide appliances (the juicer, VitaMix, Instant Pots, Kitchen Aid, Toaster, Coffeemaker) . What to do? I’d love to have art on the walls in my kitchen . Pots & pans.

[@annamercieca6906]

Thanks 👍

[@architektura204]

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.

[@Lilzvx]

on point.

[@deborahgreenwood8254]

Good to see you back! Still umming and arring over this one 😂

[@kitchinsider]

Thanks! Pros and cons to everything! 😁

[@blogginglife7956]

Useful

[@aphetrerryac3603]

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.

[@susanschlesinger4791]

I have what amounts to a cottage home (casita) with no halls and with the sala and cocina open. And I have NO upper cabinets. Now I am realizing I may have more options. Thanks

[@kitchinsider]

Sounds great! Thanks!

[@JoesPhenomenal]

I'm building a KZbin studio kitchen for my channel 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.

[@neilpickup237]

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.

[@kitchinsider]

Very true! Many kitchens here in the UK are much smaller than those we see in the US or even Australia and storage (wall cabinets) is an absolute must with so many other appliances/cabinets competing for space. Great idea to add an extra shelf in the cabinet. Often times there's wasted dead space. 👍

[@Caliabra]

I feel you and my cooking is not even that complicated

[@mjchmb]

Good idea

[@kitchinsider]

👍

[@ping7364]

I personally prefer a kitchen without an upper cabinet for one of many reasons: to feel no stress because I have an aunt who consumes and consumes many kinds of stuff to the point that her new kitchen becomes a garage. I'm not too fond of too much stuff to look cluttered.

[@celestevinassa]

I love the look of no upper cabinets, like the green and white kitchen you showed. But alas, where does one put one's stuff.

[@kitchinsider]

That's the catch! Looks lovely but how practical is it for your needs!? 😊

[@boomcity4942]

It was wonderful to be able to search KZbin with the question “do we really need kitchen cabinets and find your video. As I have been designing my kitchen I have stumbled onto many videos 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.

[@kitchinsider]

Thank you so much, that's very kind! Best of luck with your new kitchen!

[@OriginalBritishBabe]

I'm remodeling my tiny apartment kitchen now and opting for no upper cabinets to save money and make kitchen lighter since a doorway is being removed and a wall built in its place. I have a storage under the stairway that will be used instead for excess kitchen 'stuff'.

[@flowerseva]

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 channel!! Thanks so much for being concise and packing a ton of info in only 10 mins! Big thumbs up 👍🏻 🙏😘💫

[@kitchinsider]

Thank you so much! Really pleased you're enjoying the channel! 😊

[@jayjones1220]

I like. Gt my interest.

[@wearethescoggins]

We have no upper cabinets or lower, no need for them at all. ❤️

[@mslindadoll]

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....

[@paulettepeterson4877]

No upper cabinets for me. I prefer the flow of having only base cabinets and a pantry.

[@lisahandley2552]

a fan

[@kepckatherinec805]

Or you can just eat take out and get rid of all kitchen cabinets. Brilliant!

[@Xingqiwu387]

If the owner ever develops back problems, they'll forever regret the absence of higher cabinets.

[@MixmasterMegz767]

hi do you have or use Whatsapp, I need your advice on my kitchen layout. it's a tricky design because of the location area

[@balgrantango460]

Yes to no upper cabinets...fewer lower cabinets....less counter space = less clutter. Good for people who eat simple, don't cook much or spend little time in a kitchen.

[@snehasisswain1055]

Hu9uq9qeiieieieo

[@LiberatedMind1]

Cabinets in general are a horrible idea.