Why Everyone Is Giving Up Upper Cabinets on the Kitchen: Analyzing Pros and Cons

The trend of abandoning upper cabinets on the kitchen is gaining popularity in Russia. Designers are increasingly offering to replace traditional wall-mounted cabinets with open shelves or even leaving the walls empty. We analyze what drives this trend and whether it's worth following in real-life conditions.

Main points from the article:

• Abandoning upper cabinets visually expands the space;

• Requires thoughtful storage system in lower cabinets;

• Open shelves require regular cleaning and tidying up;

• It's important to consider the size of the kitchen and family habits.

Why designers suggest removing upper cabinets

This trend comes from Scandinavian design, where airiness and minimalism are valued. In typical apartments with 2.5-2.7m high ceilings, upper cabinets can create a feeling of cramped and oppressive space. This is especially noticeable in kitchens under 9 square meters, where the distance between upper and lower cabinets often doesn't exceed 60 cm.

How to compensate for the loss of storage space

To ensure that giving up upper cabinets doesn't become a nightmare for the householder, storage space must be planned in advance:

• Tall pantries up to the ceiling instead of wall-mounted cabinets;

• Slide-out systems in lower cabinets;

• Organizing a pantry or walk-in closet near the kitchen.

Design: Julia Komissarova

How much does it cost to renovate a kitchen without upper cabinets

Paradoxically, giving up upper cabinets often increases the renovation budget. Reasons:

• High-quality slide-out drawer systems cost more than regular shelves;

• Open shelves made of natural materials are not cheap;

• Wall finishing requires higher-quality materials.

Design: Ksenia Guziy

When not to give up upper cabinets

This trend doesn't suit everyone. It's better to keep upper cabinets if:

• There are more than three people in the family;

• The kitchen is less than 6 square meters;

• There's no possibility to organize a pantry;

• You often cook and store a lot of dishes.

Design: Evgenia Gribeneva

How to make a kitchen without upper cabinets practical

There are several proven solutions:

• Organizing slide-out systems in lower cabinets;

• Installing rails for suspended storage;

• Using corner cabinets with carousel mechanisms;

• Placing large appliances in pantries.

What to do with the range hood

One of the main questions when giving up upper cabinets is where to place the range hood. Solutions:

• Under-counter range hood;

• Island range hood (if the layout allows);

• Range hood installed in the ceiling;

• Decorative range hood as a design element.

Design: Nadezhda Polyakova

Real experience: what owners say

Reviews from owners of kitchens without upper cabinets are divided.

Pros:

• Visually more space;

• Easier cleaning;

• More natural light;

• Modern look.

Cons:

• Need for thoughtful alternative storage;

• Higher cost of organizing storage;

• Harder to maintain order on open shelves;

• Less storage space in small kitchens.

How to make a decision

Before giving up upper cabinets, it's important to honestly answer a few questions:

• Is there enough storage space in the lower cabinets?

• Are you ready for regular cleaning of open shelves?

• Does the budget allow for quality storage systems?

• Does the solution match your lifestyle?

The trend of giving up upper cabinets is not just a fashion statement but a functional solution that can make the kitchen look more spacious and modern. However, it's crucial to assess your needs and capabilities carefully before adopting this approach.

Cover: Design project by Anna Korol