There are some undeniable advantages to this: the airy feel, lots of room for windows — and also some undeniable disadvantages: the loss of storage, the prospect of bending down to get everything you need.
Whether you feel you need to have upper cabinets in your kitchen will depend on the size and shape of the room, how much storage you feel you need as well as your personal design style preference. Each kitchen and homeowner will be different.
However, there are some scenarios where a kitchen without upper cabinets is just what the aesthetic calls for. Without the bulk directly at eye level, the space opens up, feels larger, and brings a calm minimalist quality. Some kitchens may have just enough storage in the lower cabinets to fulfill a cook's needs.
This is one of the main reasons designers and homeowners seem to be ditching the wall cabinets. There's been this ever-growing kitchen trend of trying to make our kitchens look less... kitcheny. And cutting out half of the cabinetry you would find in a 'traditional' kitchen is an easy way to do that.
You can either keep the backsplash at its standard size, which is 4-inch, run it shorter on the wall, or take it up to the ceiling. In each scenario, it works well. Of course, this decision is also shaped by the other design elements taking part in the existent narrative of the kitchen.
Shaker Doors
The most timeless kitchen cabinet door style is also a staple in transitional kitchen design: the shaker door.
Shaker-style cabinetry is a timeless design that fits any budget, whether it's small or unlimited.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
In most cases, it should be possible to replace only the lower cabinets and still have a cohesive-looking kitchen that's appealing to buyers.
Is decorating above kitchen cabinets outdated? The short answer is no.
More space & light
Removing the units gave the feeling of more space by opening up the whole side wall. The cupboards made it feel cramped and blocked light, removing them helped the light bounce around.
'I advise clients only to fit floor-to-ceiling cabinetry if they have lofty, high ceilings,' says Tom Howley, Design Director at the eponymous kitchen company. 'In smaller spaces, waist-height pull-out drawers are the best option.
Upper cabinets are more expensive than open shelves, especially if you've decided to maximize your storage space and install upper cabinets that reach the ceiling.
Arguably, the most timeless kitchen cabinet color is white. Bright white cabinets suit a variety of beautiful kitchens, including modern, contemporary, and farmhouse styles. Brilliant whites work to give kitchens a light and airy feel, and off-white options, like the White Dove shade, provides warmth.
"Two-toned cabinets are gaining popularity as homeowners seek to add a touch of personality to their kitchens," Bravo says. "Black and white cabinets are a classic combination that can create a stunning look, while other popular choices include blue and white, grey and white, and even green and white."
Shaker Style Cabinets
With clean, classic lines, Shaker is the most popular cabinet door style because it can work beautifully whether your aesthetic is modern, transitional, or traditional.
All-White Kitchens
For the past decade, we've been seeing white walls, white tile, and Carrera marble. People are tired of these muted palettes, and designers are bringing in color— which we love.” Most designers also agree that white-on-white kitchens will look dated in 2023. So what color will be the new white?
Quartz countertops from companies such as Caesarstone and PentalQuartz are another good option. Blackband recommends sticking with white or, if you don't like white, a neutral color, such as tan, beige or ivory. Go with a subtle pattern and low veining for a longer-lasting look.
We'd argue that when it comes to kitchen decor, quartz countertops fall into that category of timeless go-tos. The draw, says New York based designer Ariel Okin of Ariel Okin Interiors, is the material's ability to withstand years of chopping, mixing and holiday cookie-making. “They can take some abuse,” she explains.
Do not put a backsplash behind your fridge unless you can clearly see that wall. In most cases, the space behind the fridge is not visible anywhere in the kitchen. There is no need to spend money on labor and materials for a place you will not see. Do put a backsplash behind your cooktop and hood vent.
Backsplashes need to line up with the upper cabinet.
It doesn't have to align with both although that would be nice! Usually the end of the backsplash tile, if aligned with the uppers, will die ON TOP OF the countertop below.
Most designers will recommend that you use a backsplash because they prevent water, grease, and other liquids from damaging the wall behind it. Designer Ashley Fong tells us that, You don't need a backsplash, but without one, your wall is exposed and will require a higher level of maintenance.