10 Inspiring Kitchens That Ditched The Cabinets

Planning a kitchen fix-up? As long as storage isn’t a problem, consider opening up the room by foregoing the upper cabinets. Replace them with open shelves or no shelves at all.

Here are ten photos to inspire you.

1. Black and Blue with Brass all over

A wall of beautiful tile beats cabinets any day. The La Cornue doesn’t hurt either. The open space is cheerful. But you can modify this with cabinets by using the tile as a backsplash.

2. I love skirts

I love the residential look of this kitchen. This is a nicely done, inexpensive kitchen. It’s comprised of a skirt to cover under-counter shelves. I love, love, love skirts in the kitchen. Did I mention that I love skirts? You might think that, with open shelves, you’d need to be super organized. But here, things are a bit higgldy-piggeldy and it looks terrific. I know the pots are too high, but everyone knows they’re for decoration. A good idea, huh?

3. All you need is La Cornue

Stainless steel counters play off the trim on the La Cornue. You need that pop of color. Keep your cooking utensils grouped together and the rest of the counters clear. It looks better and you’ll have more space to cook. I like those hanging pots.

4. Ooops! (Read on)

A kitchen in a hall? Why not? This gets an A+ for the most creative use of space. Notice the oven on the end there. If the chicken doesn’t turn out quite right, just chuck it down the stairs and say you slipped.

5. Natural layers lend a cozy atmosphere

I love the rustic materials in this kitchen. The brick and slate on the walls looks terrific teamed with the mosaic tiles on the floor. Is that another La Cornue? Well, if you’re going to buy one of those, you won’t be able to afford cabinets unless you’ve got a contract with the City of Detroit. I love the china cabinet in the same color as the slate.

more kitchen inspiration after the jump…

6. A kitchen for a real cook

How do you feel about the mish-mash of tables? If you’ve got a large family, it could be tons of fun – especially if you move them around a lot. It could be like school. One night they’re a circle, the next, it’s boys v. girls. Things I like about the actual kitchen are: the pots and pans proudly on display, along with the knives. You can tell someone really cooks in this kitchen. I’m not so keen on the lighting.

7. Lots of Clorox used here

What’s this kitchen doing here? It’s all modern! It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I like the way the dishes are hung on poles. You know they cleaned up big time for this photo. And no one cooks here.

8. Space planning: Bravo or Blech?

What are your thoughts on this space plan? I don’t want to walk around the counter to get to the oven and the fridge. (sorry, no photo of the other side). But I do like the large counter that offers lots of room for food preparation.

9. Natural stone rules and rocks

Natural stone is the order of the day. Say Feh! to granite counters. I love the shelf above the backsplash. It’s a great place for oils and vinegars, etc…

10. The cutest starter kitchen

Who needs the La Cornue? (Don’t tell misterarthur I said that.) All you need are some shelves. And they can be ugly! Just cover them with that skirt I love so much. Simple shelving, above, takes care of dishes and cooking utensils. A cabinet across the way can house the pantry. Adorable on a dollar.

Which is your favorite? Do you think you could do away with your upper cabinets? Most of mine hold dishes I hardly ever use. A plan like this takes careful editing. How do you feel about things like pots and pans being out for all to see?

images: Franas Amiand, Alexandra Meurant, Romain Ricard, Frederic Vasseur, Bernard Touillon, Henri Del Olmo

• Posted by Jennifer at 1:31 pm
• 8 Comments
• Tagged: Kitchen & Bath, budget kitchen, French kitchens, kitchen ideas, small kitchens