Kitchen without upper cupboards: current design, 51 photos

Pros and cons

The design of the kitchen without upper cabinets causes a lot of controversy. Some people find this solution modern, while others prefer classic headsets. Single-tier kitchens have their advantages and disadvantages, which are worth considering.

Examples for different layouts

There are no gold standards for planning a kitchen without upper cupboards; it can be implemented both in long and narrow rooms, and in spacious studios. The form of furniture should be chosen based on the parameters of the kitchen.

In the photo there is a kitchen with an island without upper cupboards.

• The corner set will fit into almost any kitchen, with its help it is easy to organize a working triangle “stove-sink-refrigerator”.
• Linear placement is ideal for narrow kitchens, single-level sections can be placed on one side or along two opposite sides. The absence of upper cabinets will help make the kitchen visually wider.
• Thanks to the p-shaped arrangement, the issue of storing numerous utensils is solved, but it can only be realized in an initially large space.

In the photo there is a kitchen with elements of Provence.

What to do with an apron?

The absence of upper cabinets opens up an unexpected problem that needs to be addressed: an apron. In kitchens with upper drawers, it occupies the space between the modules and the walls in the work area remain protected. New circumstances require fresh solutions, because the risk of spoiling the wall covering is quite high. When choosing an apron, not only functionality is important, but also design - it is able to transform the interior of the kitchen.

One of the possible solutions is an apron for the kitchen without upper cupboards in the whole wall. It is made of ceramic tiles, mosaics or painted with resistant washable paint. This coating does not require special care and is easy to clean. Caring for artificial stone, masonry or concrete requires knowledge and skills, but protecting the work areas with glass will simplify the task.

The photo shows an example of a kitchen set with an island and built-in appliances.

In the photo on the right is a kitchen with a modern marble apron in the working area.

An apron can also be designed not over the entire width or length. If necessary, its height is reduced to a meter - this is enough to protect the walls from spray. Another option is to leave it to the ceiling, but limit the width to the working areas - a stove and a sink.

The upper border of the apron is of two types: straight and clear, or blurred. This effect is achieved using tiles in the form of bricks, honeycombs or other non-standard shapes.

Pictured are white Scandinavian-style kitchens with original aprons.

What to do with the hood?

In classic kitchens, the hood is hidden in one of the upper sections. But getting rid of them does not mean refusing additional ventilation.

There are several options for installing the hood in the kitchen without upper cabinets:

• Wall mounted. A wide range of designs and colors will make it easy to find the right model. The hood can serve as an additional shelf or serve decorative purposes.
• Ceiling. The solution for those who prefer to hide functional devices. This type of hood is also used as a light source.
• Hidden. On the market are models of hobs and stoves with built-in hoods, as well as individual hoods that are built into the countertop.

In the photo, an extract hood masked by white panels.

When installing any of these models, you should take care of the duct. The pipe is masked by a box, hidden in a wall or ceiling.

Unlike flow-through, recirculation hoods do not require air outlet. They have special filters that purify the air and release it back into the kitchen. The advantage of this type is not only in the absence of pipes, but also in mobility - if necessary, it can be placed even in a room without ventilation.

The photo shows a dark kitchen with a laconic hood.

Where to put the dishwasher dryer?

Traditionally, a dish dryer is placed in the upper cabinet, but other placement options are no less practical.

You can save the usual storage of plates in the cabinet by placing the dish dryer in the lower drawer. Thus, the dishes will be hidden from dust and prying eyes, however, you will have to constantly lean behind it.

To facilitate the use of tableware will help table or hanging dryer. Wall-mounted does not take up much space, but the dishes will be in sight and may become dusty. The desktop design, although it occupies part of the useful space, but allows you to move it from place to place.

In the photo on the right is a dish dryer in the lower drawer.

How to correctly distribute equipment?

A free-standing refrigerator violates the minimalism of the kitchen without overhead cupboards. There are two ways to get out of this situation: purchase a built-in case and order a pencil case for it, or make a frame with shelves around an ordinary refrigerator. If there is no need for a large volume, replace the refrigerator with a compact one and place it under the countertop.

In the photo there is a refrigerator with additional storage cabinets.

The built-in oven is placed either in the lower module or at the level of the hands - this simplifies its use. In the second case, there is room for an integrated microwave above the oven. This will save usable space on the work surface.

In the photo on the right, the placement option of the built-in equipment.

Features of the organization of lighting

The issue of lighting the kitchen without upper cabinets is decided at the planning stage, because the electrical work must be carried out before redecorating. Spot lighting on the work area will simplify daily tasks. It can be implemented using LED lights (if the cabinets are replaced with shelves), wall or ceiling adjustable lights.

In the photo on the left is the design of the kitchen without upper cabinets with a wood worktop.

Incorrectly installed pendant chandeliers or spotlights can cause a number of problems. For example, to dazzle or interfere during operation - low located ones can touch your head. In addition, they can not cope with the main task of spot lighting the countertops.

In the photo on the right are black wall lamps of directional light.

How to replace wall cabinets?

The lower cupboards for storing all kitchen utensils are often not enough, especially in a small apartment. This can be solved by open shelves, additional racks or a railing system.

Open shelves are suitable for kitchens in the style of Scandi, Provence, loft, high-tech, country. Among the advantages - a decorative look, ease of use, as well as safety - there are no doors that can cause head injuries. The disadvantages include the subsidence of dust and grease on the surface and the need for frequent cleaning.

The upper cupboard will help to keep clean, which will not affect the overall appearance of the kitchen and will protect against pollution.

The photo shows an example of kitchen design in a country house.

Additional racks require space for accommodation and are suitable for a spacious house. This idea is realized with the help of buffets or sideboards, which can be left in the kitchen, or taken out to the dining room or corridor.

The railing system is not suitable for large-scale storage, but can provide storage for utensils for cooking and serving, bulk products and other necessities.

In the photo on the right, shelves on pipes in the loft style.

Recommendations for small kitchens

In the absence of upper cupboards, a small kitchen will look more spacious. However, the volume of the lower cabinets may not be enough to store what is needed.

L-shaped layout in comparison with linear has greater capacity and helps to use space more efficiently. The absence of the need for hanging cabinets also allows you to use the windows by placing a countertop under them. Additional storage spaces can be created using open shelves or mezzanines.

In the photo there is a kitchen without upper cabinets with shelves and an original apron.

In the photo on the right there is a small kitchen without scandinavian-style wall cabinets.

To save space, getting 2-3 additional cabinets will turn out replacing the dining table with a bar counter - on the countertop you can both eat and cook it. And from the bottom to store everything you need.

Wall Design Ideas Without Top Cabinets

An empty wall in the kitchen without upper cabinets will somehow attract the eye, so it is necessary to decide whether to focus on this zone or “calm” it?

Color can be achieved using color or materials. For example, a brick or chalk wall will decorate the interior. A bright apron from an unusual tile, original wallpaper or coloring in colorful shades will also be great accents.

In the photo there is a kitchen without hinged drawers with a brick wall.

An alternative to brightness is calm tones and standard execution; objects standing on shelves will attract attention.

Photo gallery

Many people like stylish kitchens without upper cupboards, but to make the room not only beautiful, but also comfortable, plan everything in advance. Before starting the repair, decide on the lighting, the arrangement of furniture, storage space and decor.