No upper cabinets? No problem!

As I mentioned previously this week, upper cabinets are not a kitchen necessity. In fact, a well-designed kitchen will provide great storage solutions elsewhere, and maximize wall space with other show-stopping elements.

Canadian House & Home

I would gladly trade upper cabinets for this glass tile running up to the ceiling. Check out the entire makeover here.

Or what about a butler's pantry just off of the kitchen? Its a great way to have walls of storage that are unseen from the main kitchen. Don't we all wish we had the space (and the cash) to put one of these in? This one, by Design Galleria even has a secret door!

Design Galleria via Eva Designs

Additionally, with so many base cabinet storage solutions available today, spaces that have traditionally been "wasted" can be well-designed and well-used.

Space corner by Blum

Servo drive by Blum

This clever little device can make all of your drawers "automated". Just a gentle touch on the front surface, and an electronic motor allows the drawer to glide right out.



Take advantage of skinny spaces with these sleek, aluminum pullouts. These ones are by Hafele, are easy to clean and height adjustable for varying bottle sizes.

Check back for more photos and products that make it easy to eliminate the need for upper cabinets!

The topless kitchen

Kitchens without upper cabinets are not a new trend, but they certainly are a good one. Many designers and homeowners have become attached to the idea that a kitchen without uppers won't afford nearly enough storage, and in the process have overlooked the many clever solutions that can offer a ton of great storage elsewhere in the kitchen. Check out these beautiful de-cabinetized kitchens that that show the many advantages of going "topless".

1. Hello daylight. Foregoing upper cabinets can allow for large windows with spectacular views to the backyard and beyond. So striking!

image via Canadian House & Home

image via Canadian House & Home

2. Empty wall space provides an opportunity for an artful composition of everyday items, or a display of collections and objects that don't deserve to be hidden behind closed doors.

Canadian House & Home


Amoroso Design

3. The absence of upper cabinets is often synonymous with modern design. However, clean lines and an uncluttered, edited look can lend themselves to both contemporary and traditional settings. The view to the outdoors is breathtaking in the second photo. Check out more photos of this house here.

Credit

superkul

So what do you think? With all of these gorgeous examples to inspire you, would you go topless?