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15+ Design Ideas for Kitchens Without Upper Cabinets

By: Susan Kleinman

November 25, 2014

When designing a kitchen, we often assume that both upper and lower cabinets are necessary. However, these 17 designer kitchens show how forgoing uppers allows you to showcase favorite dishware or put the focus on a gorgeous view.

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Neutral Kitchen With Gray Island, White Cabinets and Yellow Stools

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Photo: Adan Torres

Open Up

A long counter of drawers with no upper cabinets allows the owners of this sunny kitchen to prep and cook with a clear view into the living and dining area. Design by Albertsson Hansen Architecture, Ltd.

Arts and Crafts Kitchen With Warm Wood Cabinets and Hardwood Floors

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Photo: Adan Torres

Coordinate the Trim

By trimming the windows in the same wood that was used for the cabinets, the designers at Albertsson Hansen Architecture, Ltd., gave this kitchen the same unified look that matching upper and lower cabinets would provide.

Contemporary Kitchen With Hanging Open Shelves

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Photo: Joe Fletcher

Hanging Shelves

The Brooklyn-based design firm General Assembly hung shelves anchored into a steel plate in the ceiling joists in this 300-square-foot duplex to provide extra storage while maintaining a connection to the upstairs.

White and gray kitchen, with open upper shelving and graffiti art.

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Photo: Joe Fletcher

Open Display Shelves

"Open shelving works great as a mediator between functional kitchen storage space and display space," says General Assembly designer Sarah Zames. "Items that you might keep on your living room mantel can easily nest into your kitchen storage."

15+ Design Ideas for Kitchens Without Upper Cabinets

Open Up

Coordinate the Trim

Hanging Shelves

Open Display Shelves

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