The first kitchen design idea on our list is open shelving. This design trend has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. By removing upper cabinets, you can create a more open and spacious feeling in your kitchen. Plus, open shelves allow for easy access to frequently used items and can add a decorative element to your space. One way to incorporate open shelving in your kitchen design is to remove all upper cabinets and replace them with floating shelves. This will give your kitchen a modern and minimalist look. You can choose to bold accent pieces to add a pop of color and personality to your shelves. If you're feeling bold, you can even opt for no upper cabinets at all and have all your storage be on open shelves. This design choice works well for smaller kitchens, as it can make the space feel larger and less cluttered.Open Shelving Kitchen Design Ideas
Another option for a kitchen design with less upper cabinets is to have a mix of open shelves and lower cabinets. This allows for some hidden storage while still maintaining the open and airy feel of the space. Minimalist lovers will appreciate this design, as it keeps the upper portion of the kitchen clean and clutter-free. You can use minimalistic decorations on the shelves to add character without overwhelming the space. Opting for no upper cabinets also gives you the opportunity to have a statement backsplash or bold feature wall without it being hidden by cabinets.Kitchen Design Ideas Without Upper Cabinets
If you still want some upper cabinets in your kitchen design, you can opt for a minimalist approach by only having a few. This will keep the space feeling open while still providing some storage options. Neutral or monochromatic color schemes work well with this design, as they give a clean and streamlined look. You can also add some textured accents to the cabinets to add visual interest. Having fewer upper cabinets means you will have to be more selective with what you store in them. This can be a good opportunity to declutter and only keep essentials in your kitchen.Minimalist Kitchen Design with Few Upper Cabinets
For smaller kitchens, having only lower cabinets can be a practical and space-saving design choice. By forgoing upper cabinets, you can make the most of your limited space and create a more functional kitchen. One way to make up for the lack of upper cabinets is to have a large pantry or a kitchen island with storage. This will give you additional storage options while still keeping the space open and uncluttered. Another benefit of lower cabinets only is that they are typically easier to reach, making it more convenient to access items while cooking or preparing meals.Small Kitchen Design with Lower Cabinets Only
As mentioned before, floating shelves are a great way to incorporate open shelving in your kitchen design. They are easy to install and can be customized to fit your space and style. You can choose to have a few floating shelves above your countertops or even have a whole wall of them for a dramatic feature. You can also mix and match different types of shelves, such as wooden and metal, to add visual interest. When styling your floating shelves, consider using a mix of functional items, like dishware and utensils, and decorative pieces, like plants or artwork. This will create a balanced and visually appealing display.Kitchen Design with Floating Shelves
If you still want the functionality of upper cabinets but also want to incorporate the open shelving trend, consider open upper cabinets. This design choice allows for easy access to frequently used items while still maintaining the open and airy feel of the space. You can choose to have all your upper cabinets open or mix in some closed cabinets for hidden storage. This design works well with sleek and modern cabinet styles. For a cohesive look, consider using the same color or material for both your upper cabinets and lower cabinets. You can also highlight featured dishes or cookware on the open shelves to add a personal touch to your kitchen design.Modern Kitchen Design with Open Upper Cabinets
If you want some upper cabinets for storage but still want to maintain an open and spacious feel, consider glass front cabinets. The transparent glass will make the space feel more open while still providing storage options. You can choose to have all your upper cabinets with glass fronts or just a few for a mix-and-match look. You can also use colorful accent pieces inside the cabinets to add a pop of color and personality. Glass front cabinets are also a great way to display your favorite dishes or glassware without taking up counter or shelf space.Kitchen Design with Glass Front Upper Cabinets
If you still want to keep some upper cabinets for storage, but don't want them to take up too much space, consider adding wall mounted storage. This can come in the form of shelves, racks, or even pegboards. Having wall mounted storage allows you to keep frequently used items within easy reach without taking up valuable counter or cabinet space. You can also use hooks or hangers to hang pots, pans, and utensils for a functional and stylish design. For a cohesive look, consider choosing wall mounted storage that matches the color or material of your lower cabinets.Kitchen Design with Lower Cabinets and Wall Mounted Storage
For a mix of open shelving and upper cabinets, consider having a few upper cabinets and incorporating open shelving in between. This design will give you the best of both worlds - hidden storage and a spacious feel. You can choose to have the open shelves float between the cabinets or have them integrated into the design of the cabinets. This works well with a minimalist or modern design. When styling your open shelves, consider using a mix of functional items and decorative pieces to create a balanced and visually appealing display.Kitchen Design with Open Shelving and Few Upper Cabinets
For a functional and space-saving design, consider having lower cabinets and a hanging pot rack. This will keep your pots and pans within easy reach while also freeing up cabinet and counter space. You can choose to have the hanging pot rack above your kitchen island or above your stove for easy access while cooking. You can also bold feature a decorative pot or pan to add a pop of color and personality to your kitchen design. When choosing a pot rack, consider the material and finish to match the overall style of your kitchen. You can also opt for a hanging rack with additional shelves for even more storage options.Kitchen Design with Lower Cabinets and Hanging Pot Rack