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Kitchen planning without wall cabinets

A modern kitchen with a wooden countertop and stylish shelves, designed by Nolte Kitchen.

Open planning and modern style

In recent years, a remarkable trend has established itself in kitchen planning: completely omitting tall cabinets. This variant is often chosen not only for aesthetic reasons; it also presents a good alternative for special room layouts.

Kitchen planning without wall cabinets

Without wall cabinets, a kitchen design immediately appears more open and lighter. Especially in rooms with sloping ceilings, where tall cabinets often cannot be integrated, this style has proven itself. Kitchens without wall cabinets are only suitable for a modern look? Not necessarily! Country-style kitchens or classically designed kitchens also look elegant without wall cabinets. If you decide on a kitchen without wall cabinets, it may be useful to plan generous pull-outs in the base cabinets. These offer particularly ample storage space.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets and wooden countertop under a sloped ceiling, Nolte Kitchens.

Storage solutions

Anyone concerned that a kitchen without wall cabinets may not offer enough storage space can quickly find reassurance. Base cabinets, pull-outs, and specialized internal drawers offer an excellent alternative for efficiently utilizing the required storage space. Additionally, tall cabinets can serve as supplementary storage areas, while open shelves loosen up the overall design and provide extra space for kitchen utensils.

Open kitchen drawers with dishes and bottles in a stylish Nolte kitchen setting.

Integration of kitchen and living area

These lightweight and subtle designs blend seamlessly into open-plan living areas, creating a smooth and harmonious transition from the kitchen to the living room. The minimalist design does not contradict functionality: A kitchen without tall cabinets can meet all practical requirements without visually dominating the living space. This makes it an aesthetically pleasing and practical solution for modern living concepts.

A modern kitchen with wooden elements and workspace, Nolte Kitchens.

Briefly summarized

Wall cabinets even offer more storage space than a combination of counter and wall unit. However, this can result in some loss of workspace. Tall cabinets create a uniform overall appearance and are extremely practical for those who need more storage space. They are also ideal for framing a refrigerator or making the kitchen, including the refrigerator, appear symmetrical. For those who do not like or cannot accommodate tall cabinets, highboards can be used to create additional storage space. Although some workspace is also lost here, highboards provide an ideal solution for optimally utilizing space under sloping ceilings. They ensure that the room receives more air and light from above without sacrificing much storage space. Room design with shelves results in an open and airy layout. With shelves, decorative elements, for example, can be stylishly showcased.

More information

In our kitchen journal, you’ll find even more inspiration for planning and designing your dream kitchen.

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