The layout of the kitchen is more concerned with the housewife, comfort and maximum air, good lighting- that's what she needs. We have to break stereotypes, transform old design ideas into modern solutions. You can forget about cluttering the walls with unnecessary cabinets and think about other rational uses for them.
Kitchen without upper wall cabinets - interior features
A radical solution would be a kitchen without tops. wall cabinets. This type of layout involves using the lower tier to install furniture. The lack of storage space is compensated by shelves, drawers or high pencil cases. Doubts about the justification of replacing cabinets with shelves are not justified. A lot of dishes, often not used, spices and other useless things are stored behind the facades. Every year the piles become larger, useful place- less. Open shelves force you to change your habits and maintain an atmosphere of minimalism and order.
The advantages of a single-tier kitchen:
- little things that have accumulated over the years will free up space for the necessary things;
- the lower tier will be optimized for convenient storage dishes, storage space - one hundred percent filled;
- visually the kitchen will become larger;
- It’s more convenient to decorate a room to suit any interior style.
Flaws:
- For some time it will be inconvenient to use equipment or utensils, it will be difficult to find something;
- cost of replacing furniture. Select modules the right size It is more difficult to replace wall cabinets. Custom-made storage sections are much more expensive;
- you will have to maintain order, not stock the shelves unnecessary things. It is difficult to immediately get used to the fact that the facades will not cover the mess from unexpected guests;
- you will have to worry about finishing the walls. Previously, an apron over the work surface would have been enough, but now the entire surface up to the ceiling needs to be decorated.
Types and features of the layout of a single-tier kitchen
Suitable kitchen design without upper cabinets not for everyone: rooms less than 6 square meters difficult to make functional using only one tier. Although it is a small room that you want to visually enlarge, add light, free space, for some, wall cabinets remain indispensable. It happens that owners deliberately refuse storage sections on the second tier. A small family and rare use of the kitchen for its intended purpose allow us not to accumulate mountains of dishes and other cooking utensils.
Types and rules of planning:
- a linear furniture placement system will be convenient in a kitchen at least 3 meters long. Much more is not needed: a very elongated work surface becomes inconvenient. This layout assumes that floor modules, tables, a refrigerator, and a stove will take up space along one wall. Perfect as an option for a narrow room. A kitchen design without upper cabinets will look harmonious if the wall is decorated with small stylish paintings, framed photos. Original posters and watches will also help create cozy corner, show the individuality of the owners.
- The corner arrangement method is considered the most convenient and rational. It is easier to place a sink, refrigerator, and hob in a comfortable proximity here. You can make optimal use of a small room by placing kitchen set without upper corner cabinets.
- parallel layout scheme suitable for spacious wide and long narrow kitchens. Floor modules are placed opposite each other, or one wall is completely occupied by column cabinets. If there is space, the dining table is placed in the middle of the room, otherwise - at the end of the kitchen. The free space between the rows should be at least 1 - 1.2 meters for comfortable movement and opening doors. It is better to use flat decor: paintings, narrow vases on shelves, clocks.
- U-shaped arrangement of furniture along three walls allows you to maintain a convenient connection between three work areas: refrigerator, sink, stove. Suitable for large and medium sized kitchens. The option of a set with a bar counter replaces the dining table and adds useful space for work area. The ideal option would be to install a U-shaped set in a room with large window all over the wall.
- The peninsular layout consists of placing furniture in the middle of a spacious kitchen and along one wall. The working surface is at the same time dining table, there is also a sink with hob. Modules are often used to zone a room and create a small living room in the same room. A tall refrigerator or a cabinet will not look harmonious if it is in the center, so they take up space against the wall. This option will be appropriate if there are 20 square meters of space allocated for the kitchen.
What to do with a kitchen wall - features of the design and functionality of a kitchen without upper cabinets
An empty wall in the kitchen will look inharmonious. Hanging a shelf for pretty plates or jars of condiments is the easiest way to take up free space. will appear extra bed for storage, which is also a decorative element. Not only useful utensils like dish dryers are placed on the shelves. Different ceramic products, frames with photographs, beautiful bottles are placed to create coziness.
An interesting feature in the interior would be the use of roof rails, hooks, and other suspension systems. They are suitable above the work surface. Here they hang towels, oven mitts, cutting boards, colander, ladle, and much more. These types of storage sections fit perfectly into a Provence style interior. An unusual combination of atmosphere is created country house and a city apartment.
What furniture can compensate for the functionality of wall cabinets in a single-tier kitchen?
Two-tier units provide more storage space than a kitchen without upper cabinets. You can compensate for the lack of hanging kits by installing a cabinet in the ceiling, a pencil case or additional furniture in the center of the kitchen (island type of layout).
Peculiarities:
- design that looks like a large wardrobe, holds a lot of useful things. Pots, cups, plates, even cereals and vegetables are placed in such storage. One module of impressive size will replace an entire pantry and save space.
- the narrow pencil case becomes more convenient with the installed exit system. In a matter of seconds you can find the desired jar. This module will also fit well in a small corner, which is indispensable for a small kitchen.
- the interior of Provence or country styles will be complemented by a retro buffet with glass facades on the top tier. Repaint with bright paint and old wardrobe will not only bring benefits, but will add zest to the design. A suitable option for a spacious room.
Such furniture is especially relevant in today’s fashionable studio apartments, where there are kitchen-dining room or kitchen-living room combinations. However, the choice is so original interior is not limited to studios, and we offer a more detailed look at a kitchen without upper cabinets.
Spatial nuances
If stylistic restrictions in in this case is not noted and a single-tier kitchen can very organically fit into any design style, then the spatial capabilities of the room will have to be taken into account.
A kitchen without top drawers can be optimal stylish solution in the presence of a spacious room. This could be a studio, a large apartment or a private house. According to designers, for successful implementation similar project The kitchen area should be at least 8-9 sq.m. And this is a very modest minimum, which also involves paying Special attention organizing storage systems and very carefully planning the arrangement of furniture and equipment.
In some cases, an interior option without hanging drawers and in a space of 6-7 square meters is possible. m. However, this will require additional storage areas for rarely used kitchen equipment outside the kitchen - for example, on a loggia or balcony (it’s good if they have access from the kitchen), in the hallway or pantry. Most often this choice is for small kitchen done in bachelor apartments or by young active families who use the kitchen for quick snacks and morning coffee, ready to sacrifice functionality in favor of style and creativity.
Well, in order to turn around and make a kitchen without top drawers stylish, original and at the same time ergonomic and functional, you will need a spacious room.
Kitchen layout options without upper cabinets
The key point is choosing a layout for a kitchen without top drawers. Why is it important? - Such an interior means that it is necessary not only to take care of the placement of equipment and the layout of work surfaces, but also to think through storage systems for items that are usually stored in the top drawers.
Among the most common and popular layout options, the following should be highlighted.
- Corner kitchen - allows you to comfortably place all the necessary equipment, arrange work surfaces and organize spacious storage systems.
- U-shaped kitchen - great option, allowing you to increase the usable area. Provides ample space for placement kitchen utensils and technology.
- Island kitchen - allows you to use the island part for installing kitchen appliances or spacious storage systems. This type layout fits perfectly with a single-row set, but requires a large space - from 18 sq. m.
- Parallel two-row layout - this option allows you to place all the utensils from the upper cabinets in the lower tier without experiencing discomfort. The recommended room width for this layout is 3-4 meters.
Advantages of a kitchen interior without upper cabinets
- The popularity of kitchen interiors without wall cabinets is not accidental. This design has a number of advantages:
- Convenience and practicality - only at first glance it may seem that such a kitchen is not practical. In fact, the absence of bulky upper cabinets and the need to remove items from them above the work surface only simplifies all processes in the kitchen and makes staying in it more comfortable.
- Visual increase kitchen space - the kitchen becomes more spacious, and new implementation opportunities open up design ideas.
- Abundance of light - upper cabinets not only create a bulky effect, but also hide the lighting above the work and hob surfaces. That is why a common technique is to install local lighting in wall-mounted kitchen modules. The absence of upper cabinets automatically solves the lighting problem.
- The possibility of implementing original design ideas - the wall surface, freed from wall cabinets, allows you to decorate it in the same style as the room. This is especially true and looks very impressive in studios and spaces where the kitchen is combined with other rooms.
Photos of kitchens without upper cabinets
Look at how the kitchen design is realized in the photo without upper wall cabinets. You will see several original ideas, allowing not only to compensate for the lack of a number of sections, but also to create a stylish and effective design.
Layout options
If you decide to refuse upper cabinets in your kitchen, you should initially decide on the layout option. From correctness decision taken depends not only on aesthetics, but also on ease of use.
Linear
In this case, floor modules are placed along the wall under one tabletop.
Washing, working and hob – everything is located nearby, which in itself is quite convenient.
To prevent the absence of a top row of cabinets from causing disharmony, fill the free space with decorative elements.
Posters, paintings, original watch , non-trivial compositions, framed photos - all this will be yours faithful assistants in the implementation of the original idea.
Select decorative items so that they decorate the room, but do not clutter the surrounding space. Therefore, give preference to flat products.
If you plan to install column cabinets, they should be placed against the opposite wall. Diagonal placement is also allowed.
Corner
Linear and angular layouts are quite similar to each other. The only key difference is that here the cabinets are arranged in the shape of the letter “L”.
Tall modules should also be placed against another wall, where they will not disturb anyone.
It is also worth paying attention here worthy of attention decor. Original composition based on tiles or mosaics will diversify the interior, make it more individual and unusual.
Ostrovnaya
Initially, you should understand that such a solution can only be implemented in spacious kitchens.
By choosing this option, you can safely refuse furniture standing under the walls. The “island” standing in the middle of the room is the place for cooking.
If you plan to integrate household appliances into tall cabinets, place them in close proximity to work surface. Thanks to this, the cooking process culinary masterpieces will be more thoughtful and convenient.
Advantages and disadvantages
Talking about benefits kitchens without upper cabinets, it should be noted:
There are also some drawbacks here. A kitchen is a room in which there are a lot of things, dishes, accessories for cooking and other items. And all this needs to be stored somewhere.
If you are ready to give up practicality for the sake of aesthetics and a non-trivial design solution, then a kitchen without upper cabinets is ideal for you.
Great solution can be additional use columns They will provide the surrounding space with ergonomics and convenience.
When choosing this option, be prepared that most of the dishes and everything you need during the cooking process can only be placed under the countertop.
Therefore, you will often have to bend over. Is not The best decision for housewives who have back problems.
Main problem problem that owners of a single-tier kitchen will face is the lack of free space for storing dishes, placing household appliances, products, table accessories.
Therefore, when deciding on this option, pay maximum attention to optimizing the surrounding space.
Take a few design tips and you can create a comfortable, convenient, roomy and stylish kitchen of your dreams.
Column cabinets
This solution can be used in rooms whose area exceeds 20 sq.m. Sections of high pencil cases will compensate for the lack of free space.
Large household appliances can be built into such cabinets: a refrigerator, an oven, a dishwasher or a washing machine.
They can be placed both on opposite and adjacent walls, taking into account the specific configuration of the room. Look at how the design of such a kitchen without upper wall cabinets is realized in the photos below.
Pencil cases and buffets
If you do not have the opportunity to allocate enough space for column cabinets, give preference to small sideboards, sideboards, and pencil cases. You can place a fairly large amount in them. kitchen utensils.
Complete the interior Open shelves will also help. They are not as massive and voluminous as wall cabinets, but at the same time they provide additional storage space.
The main thing is not to overdo it with their number, because when large quantities shelves, the kitchen will no longer look single-tiered. Be prepared for what awaits you extra work for wiping dust, because on open shelves it is always more noticeable.
Such a set can be made more functional by roof rails, thoughtful filling of the cabinets, and high-quality modern fittings (for example, Blum).
Which option to choose for yourself is up to you. Check out the photos of such kitchens, perhaps you will see something interesting for yourself.
A feature of a kitchen design without upper cabinets is the installation of a number of tall column-type cabinets in addition to the usual floor units. Such tall cabinets solve the problem of storing groceries.
Planning an installation of this type kitchen furniture, it is important to remember that kitchen appliances will have to be built into floor modules or column cabinets. In such cases it will be possible to achieve optimal location all necessary accessories.
A kitchen without wall cabinets can have several layout options:
- Linear option. In this case, the floor furniture modules should be placed along one wall, and there should be a tabletop on top of them. In such cases, the design of an empty wall may include a variety of decor. Column cabinets with this layout option should be located along the opposite wall or diagonally. In cases of such placement of furniture in the kitchen, comfortable place for cooking food.
- Angular option, in which the kitchen set should have an angular shape. Such furniture will compactly occupy one corner of the room, and column cabinets will be placed separately from it, without interfering with the work process in the kitchen.
- Ostrovny option, which provides for the complete absence of kitchen furniture elements along the walls. In such cases, the center of the room should be occupied by an “island” consisting of a work surface and a food preparation area. In this case, the design requires that the column cabinets should be placed close to the “island”, thus making it convenient to use the kitchen appliances built into them.
Advantages of using kitchens without wall cabinets
In addition to the fact that kitchen furniture without wall cabinets is an achievement of modern designers, it also has other advantages:
- Functionality. For those people who cook a lot of food often, this furniture option will be indispensable, since unnecessary elements will not block the light and “crush” from above. In addition, frequently used column cabinets are quite convenient and spacious.
- Space. Visually, a room without bulky pieces of furniture hanging on the walls looks even more spacious and bright.
- Decorativeness. Walls unoccupied by furniture can be used as a canvas for decoration.
Basic elements of a single-tier kitchen
- Working surface. Depending on the design of the kitchen itself, the work surface can be placed either against the wall or in the center of the room, forming the basis of an “island”. The surface can be made of marble or other polished stone, or of metal or solid wood.
- Low cabinets. There are many options for such furniture that have various options, design, material and so on. Low cabinets can be organized indoors not only near the walls, but also grouped in the center, in an “island”. In this case top part will be organized under the work surface, and the lower part will be used to store utensils, spices and bulk products.
Shelves instead of cabinets will help “expand” the kitchen without sacrificing ease of use
- Column cabinets. Such furniture allows you to create many design solutions. The dimensions and design of the cabinets make it possible to get by with literally two elements of such furniture - they will not clutter up the space and at the same time allow you to place all the necessary utensils in them.
- Cabinets. Instead of cabinets, it is possible to install several small cabinets, some of which are mobile. In this case, several cabinets serve as a working surface, which the housewife can organize at will in any place in the kitchen. In this case, the design of the room will generally be completely extraordinary and non-standard.
- Buffet. It’s best to store dishes and kitchen utensils in one place so you don’t have to look for them throughout the kitchen. In this case effective solution there will be a buffet without upper cabinets, in which there are no upper modules.
What to consider when organizing a single-tier kitchen
When organizing a kitchen without wall cabinets, you should take into account a number of factors that have a significant impact on the design of the room and the convenience of the housewife herself.
The main problem lies in the organization of lighting. Due to the lack of upper modules, there is no possibility of installing a middle light tier, which is located at head level. Therefore, it is important to effectively place luminaires on movable brackets. With their help, the housewife can direct the light flow to where she needs it.
You should also know that a single-tier kitchen, no matter how much it has unique design, will not allow you to place enough cabinets in it to store dishes, food and spices. Therefore, if you plan to keep a lot of kitchen utensils in the kitchen, install built-in household appliances (oven, washing machine), store food - the single-tier layout option will be unsuccessful.
When is a kitchen without wall cabinets appropriate?
Despite the fact that a single-level kitchen has many advantages, it is not appropriate to install it in all cases. It is optimal to use such furniture in the following cases:
- When the kitchen has a long and narrow layout . In such a room, the lower modules will play the role of the main storage place for all the necessary equipment.
- When The kitchen is wide and has a lot of free space. In such cases, it would be advisable to use, in addition to floor modules, various chests of drawers, drawers, and so on.
- When the kitchen is combined with the living room into one space. In such cases the best option storage of kitchen utensils and household appliances will be the installation of column cabinets.
Conclusion
The design of single-tier kitchen furniture is an interesting and stylish solution. And if you think through every detail of the arrangement of the elements of such furniture, then the kitchen can become the embodiment of style and beauty.