23 Kitchen Without Upper Cabinets Designs That Feel Spacious

If your kitchen feels a little cramped, removing upper cabinets might be the refresh you didn’t know you needed. This open, airy approach is trending for good reason—it makes even modest kitchens feel surprisingly spacious.

Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just dreaming, these 23 stunning designs will inspire you to rethink what your kitchen walls can do.

Open Shelving Instead of Upper Cabinets

Swapping out heavy upper cabinets for open shelves instantly makes your kitchen feel twice its size. Natural wood shelf brackets against a clean white wall create a warm contrast between rough-hewn grain and smooth painted surfaces. Stacked stoneware bowls and woven baskets turn everyday storage into a display worth showing off.

Shop The Look

1. Woven seagrass basket set kitchen storage
2. Matte black iron shelf brackets pair
3. White stoneware everyday dinnerware bowls
4. Black linen kitchen tea towel set
5. Mini herb planter pot for countertop
6. Cushioned black and white kitchen floor mat
7. Matte black pendant light for kitchen
8. Small matte black electric kettle countertop

DIY Paint Transformation

• Wall behind shelves: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — a crisp, warm white that bounces light across exposed shelving and makes your collected dishes and glassware pop against a clean, gallery-style backdrop.
• Lower cabinets and base trim: Paint in “Wrought Iron” (Benjamin Moore 2124-10) — a rich, grounding black-charcoal that anchors the bottom half of the kitchen, creating dramatic contrast beneath those airy open shelves and tying into matte black hardware throughout the space.

Best For: Small to mid-size kitchens that feel closed in and need an open, airy refresh without a full renovation.

Why Kitchens Without Upper Cabinets Feel Bigger

Pulling down those boxy upper cabinets instantly changes how a kitchen breathes. White walls paired with warm wood tones create depth, while smooth open shelving against matte plaster and woven basket textures keep everything feeling layered but airy. Your eyes travel upward without hitting a visual wall, making even a modest galley layout feel twice its actual size.

Shop The Look

1. Natural woven basket countertop storage bin
2. Matte black iron shelf brackets pair
3. White linen open shelving curtain panel
4. Brushed brass cabinet cup pull handles
5. Cream cotton kitchen runner rug
6. Ceramic white utensil crock countertop holder
7. Small matte black pendant light fixture
8. Compact white electric kettle gooseneck style

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls and open wall space: Paint in “Chantilly Lace” (Benjamin Moore OC-65), a clean true white that bounces light across every corner, amplifying the open airy effect that removing upper cabinets creates. This bright backdrop makes floating shelves and displayed dishware pop without competing for attention.
• Lower cabinets and base trim: Paint in “Warm Walnut” (Valspar 2007-10C), a rich mid-tone wood brown that grounds the lower half of the kitchen with earthy warmth. This anchoring color draws the eye downward, reinforcing that expansive feeling overhead while giving the space a collected, organic character.

Best For: Small to mid-size kitchens where homeowners want a dramatic sense of openness without a full renovation, especially galley or single-wall layouts under 150 square feet.

Minimalist Kitchen With a Single Floating Shelf

A single floating shelf changes everything when you strip away bulky upper cabinets and let your kitchen breathe. Smooth white walls pair with warm natural wood grain on that lone shelf, while a soft linen tea towel draped nearby adds just enough softness to keep things from feeling cold. This look proves that less really does create more impact.

Shop The Look

1. Natural wood floating shelf 36 inch
2. Woven cotton kitchen runner rug neutral
3. Matte black minimal cabinet knobs set
4. Slim pendant light matte black cord
5. White ceramic utensil holder minimalist
6. Linen striped kitchen towel set neutral
7. Open wire fruit basket countertop black
8. Compact white electric kettle gooseneck

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls & ceiling: Paint in “Chantilly Lace” (Benjamin Moore OC-65), a crisp true white that maximizes light and makes that single floating shelf pop as the room’s focal point against an airy, gallery-like backdrop.
• Floating shelf accent — lower cabinets or island base: Paint in “Whitewashed Oak” effect using “Natural Linen” (Benjamin Moore OC-128), a warm barely-there beige that echoes the wood tone of the shelf and keeps the minimalist palette grounded without competing for attention.

Best For: Small galley or one-wall kitchens where a clean, uncluttered look makes the space feel twice its actual size.

Bold Backsplash That Steals the Show

When you strip away upper cabinets, that bare wall becomes your kitchen’s main stage — and a bold backsplash knows exactly how to fill it. Picture vivid patterned tile climbing from countertop to ceiling, where glossy ceramic meets rough grout lines and smooth quartz below. This is the kind of statement that makes you forget those uppers ever existed.

Shop The Look

1. Geometric patterned peel-and-stick backsplash tile
2. Matte black iron floating shelf brackets
3. Woven cotton kitchen runner rug
4. Clear glass countertop canister set
5. Matte black cabinet cup pull handles
6. Industrial cage pendant light fixture
7. Linen striped dish towel set
8. Compact electric copper kettle

DIY Paint Transformation

Since the backsplash commands all the attention here, the surrounding walls and lower cabinetry play a deliberate supporting role in two grounding tones:

• Walls: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — this crisp, clean white lets every tile pattern and color pop without competing, keeping the backsplash as the undeniable focal point from counter to ceiling.
• Lower Cabinets: Paint in “Wrought Iron” (Benjamin Moore 2124-10) — this rich, near-black charcoal anchors the base of the kitchen with serious weight, creating dramatic contrast against the bold backsplash and giving the whole room a grounded, intentional feel.

Best For: Open-layout kitchens where the cook wall faces living or dining areas and needs a strong visual anchor to replace the visual weight of removed upper cabinetry.

Extra-Tall Base Cabinets for Hidden Storage

Those extra inches between standard counter height and ceiling make all the difference when you ditch upper cabinets entirely. Smooth matte cabinet fronts meet warm butcher block countertops and woven linen dish towels in a kitchen that feels open yet organized. Taller base cabinets swallow up everything from stand mixers to cereal boxes, keeping surfaces clean while giving your walls breathing room.

Shop The Look

1. Brushed brass oversized cabinet pull handles
2. Woven linen kitchen dish towel set
3. Cushioned anti-fatigue kitchen floor mat
4. Under-cabinet LED puck light kit
5. Ceramic utensil crock for countertop
6. Stackable bamboo drawer organizer inserts
7. Compact countertop electric tea kettle
8. Open wooden cookbook display stand

DIY Paint Transformation

• Base Cabinets: Paint in “Snowbound” (Sherwin-Williams SW 7004) — a grounded warm white that lets the extra-tall cabinet faces feel seamless and airy without reading stark or sterile against natural wood countertops.
• Kitchen Walls: Paint in “Iron Ore” (Sherwin-Williams SW 7069) — a rich charcoal that anchors the open wall space left behind when uppers are removed, giving depth and drama without overwhelming the room.

Best For: Open-concept kitchens where homeowners want maximum hidden storage without the visual weight of wall-mounted cabinetry.

Kitchen Without Upper Cabinets and a Pot Rail

That open wall space above your counters becomes instantly functional when a simple pot rail steps in. Brushed iron hardware against a warm white wall creates a working display that feels equal parts rustic and practical. The matte metal textures of hanging cookware play beautifully against smooth painted surfaces and woven linen towels draped nearby.

Shop The Look

1. Brushed iron wall-mounted pot rail with hooks
2. Woven linen kitchen towel set neutral tones
3. Black iron cup pull cabinet hardware
4. Warm white ceramic utensil crock countertop
5. Vintage-style pendant light iron finish
6. Washable woven kitchen runner rug neutral
7. Open wooden wall shelf with iron brackets
8. Compact iron and wood dish drying rack

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — this warm white opens up the entire kitchen and gives hanging pots and iron fixtures a clean, gallery-like backdrop that makes everything pop without competing for attention.
• Lower Cabinets and Trim: Paint in “Wrought Iron” (Benjamin Moore 2124-10) — this deep blackened iron tone on base cabinets echoes the brushed metal pot rail overhead, grounding the room and creating a strong visual anchor beneath all that open wall space.

Best For: Galley or single-wall kitchens where eliminating upper cabinets demands creative vertical storage that doubles as everyday decor.

Industrial Loft Kitchen With Exposed Brick Walls

Warm red brick and cool charcoal steel create a kitchen that feels like it has a story to tell. The rough texture of aged brick plays against smooth metal shelving and weathered wood countertops, giving the space grit without feeling cold. If you love a kitchen that looks lived-in rather than staged, this open-wall layout delivers real character you can build piece by piece.

Shop The Look:

1. Black iron pipe floating shelf brackets
2. Matte black cup pull cabinet hardware
3. Industrial cage pendant light fixture
4. Wire mesh countertop fruit storage basket
5. Charcoal woven cotton kitchen runner rug
6. Linen blend brick red kitchen towel set
7. Cast iron paper towel holder stand
8. Compact matte black electric kettle

DIY Paint Transformation

• Accent Wall: Paint in “Rookwood Red” (Sherwin-Williams SW 2802) — a rich, earthy red-brown that mimics the warmth of aged exposed brick on any flat drywall surface, instantly adding that reclaimed loft character without the masonry work.
• Remaining Walls & Ceiling: Paint in “Wrought Iron” (Benjamin Moore 2124-10) — a deep, sophisticated charcoal black that echoes raw steel beams and metal shelving brackets, grounding the space with true industrial weight.

Best For: Open-plan loft kitchens, converted warehouse spaces, or any galley kitchen where you want bold texture and moody contrast without upper cabinets closing in the room.

Handleless Lower Cabinets for a Seamless Look

Smooth slab-front lower cabinets with push-to-open mechanisms create the kind of clean, unbroken lines that make a kitchen feel twice its size. Picture warm white cabinetry meeting a butcher block countertop, where the grain of natural wood plays against matte lacquer surfaces and a woven cotton runner softens the floor underfoot. This streamlined approach proves you don’t need upper cabinets or visible hardware to build a kitchen full of personality.

Shop The Look

1. Woven cotton kitchen runner rug neutral
2. Push-to-open cabinet door latch hardware
3. Slim LED under-counter puck lights
4. White ceramic utensil crock countertop holder
5. Natural linen dish towel set striped
6. Open bamboo countertop shelf organizer riser
7. Matte white electric kettle compact
8. Small potted herb planter ceramic white

DIY Paint Transformation

• Lower Cabinets: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — a warm, versatile white with the faintest creamy undertone that keeps slab-front doors looking fresh without feeling sterile, perfectly complementing natural wood countertops and warm textiles throughout the space.
• Kitchen Walls: Paint in “Pale Oak” (Benjamin Moore OC-20) — a soft greige that reads as a warm neutral against the white cabinetry below, adding just enough tonal contrast to define the open wall space where upper cabinets once lived without competing with the minimalist design.

Best For: Galley kitchens or compact L-shaped layouts where eliminating upper cabinets and visible hardware creates an open, airy feel that makes the room breathe.

Peninsula Layout That Replaces Upper Storage

Trading wall cabinets for a peninsula gives you a kitchen that breathes while keeping everything within reach. Smooth quartz countertops meet warm wood shelving against a backdrop of soft white and natural oak tones. Woven baskets and linen towels layered along the peninsula bring texture that feels collected, not decorated.

Shop The Look

1. Natural woven kitchen counter basket set
2. Brushed brass cup pull cabinet hardware
3. Linen striped kitchen dish towel set
4. White ceramic utensil crock countertop holder
5. Rattan pendant light over peninsula fixture
6. Cushioned anti-fatigue kitchen floor mat
7. Open wood tiered countertop shelf organizer
8. Compact white electric kettle gooseneck style

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls and open shelving backdrop: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — a clean, warm white that maximizes the airy feel of a cabinet-free kitchen and lets natural wood and woven textures take center stage against every wall the upper cabinets once covered.
• Peninsula base and lower cabinetry: Paint in “Whitewashed Oak” (Sherwin-Williams SW 9506) — a pale oak-inspired neutral that bridges the gap between painted surfaces and real wood grain, giving the peninsula base a natural warmth that echoes open shelving and butcher block details throughout the room.

Best For: Midsize open-concept kitchens where the peninsula serves as both a prep station and casual dining spot, eliminating the need for upper cabinets entirely.

Kitchen Island With Ceiling-Height Open Shelving

If your kitchen feels boxed in by heavy upper cabinets, imagine replacing them with open shelves that stretch all the way to the ceiling right above your island. Warm wood shelving against clean white walls creates a layered look where woven baskets, ceramic dishes, and raw linen textures finally get room to breathe and shine.

Shop The Look

1. Natural woven jute kitchen runner rug
2. Matte black iron cup drawer pulls
3. Oversized rattan pendant light for island
4. White ceramic utensil crock for countertop
5. Linen striped dish towels neutral tones
6. Woven seagrass shelf storage basket set
7. Wooden cookbook stand for kitchen counter
8. Compact matte black electric kettle

DIY Paint Transformation

• Island Base: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — a crisp, warm white that keeps the island feeling fresh and airy beneath all that exposed shelving without pulling too cool or sterile against natural wood tones.
• Shelving Wall Behind Island: Paint in “Revere Pewter” (Benjamin Moore HC-172) — a soft greige backdrop that gives ceiling-height open shelves visual depth, letting stacked dishes, cookbooks, and baskets pop without competing for attention.

Best For: Open-concept kitchens with high ceilings where a statement island can anchor the room and tall shelving replaces upper cabinet storage with curated, accessible style.

Warm Wood Tones Without Upper Cabinets

Honey-toned oak and creamy white walls create a kitchen that feels like a permanent Sunday morning. The grain of natural wood base cabinets plays against linen dish towels and woven rattan baskets, bringing texture you actually want to touch. This combination keeps your kitchen feeling open overhead while staying grounded and cozy at counter level.

Shop The Look

1. Woven rattan countertop storage basket set
2. Honey oak finish cup pull hardware
3. Natural linen striped kitchen dish towels
4. Warm brass pendant light wood accent
5. Cream wool flatweave kitchen runner rug
6. Wooden utensil crock for countertop display
7. Matte brass cabinet knobs warm finish
8. Compact wood grain electric kettle

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls & Open Shelving Backdrop: Paint in “Alabaster” (Sherwin-Williams SW 7008), a warm creamy white that amplifies natural light bouncing off wood surfaces and keeps the upper wall space feeling intentionally open rather than unfinished.
• Lower Cabinet Frames or Kitchen Island: Paint in “Warm Caramel” (Benjamin Moore 2160-40), a rich honey-wood tone that echoes the warmth of natural oak grain and ties together any existing wood elements throughout the space.

Best For: Cottage-style or evolving kitchens where you want an airy, collected-over-time look without the heaviness of upper cabinetry closing in the room.

Small Kitchen Without Upper Cabinets That Works

A compact kitchen feels twice its size when you ditch those boxy upper cabinets and let the walls breathe. Warm white walls meet natural wood open shelving, creating a layered look where smooth subway tile, grainy butcher block, and woven textile textures play off each other beautifully. This setup proves small kitchens can feel open, stylish, and completely functional without sacrificing storage.

Shop The Look

1. Natural woven kitchen runner rug
2. Brushed brass round cabinet knobs
3. Slim pendant light white shade
4. Wooden utensil holder for countertop
5. Linen striped dish towel set
6. Floating wood wall shelf bracket kit
7. White ceramic canister storage set
8. Compact electric kettle matte white

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — a clean, warm white that bounces light around the room and makes the space feel instantly larger without upper cabinets crowding the sightline.
• Lower Cabinets: Paint in “Bleached Wood” (Sherwin-Williams SW 9307) — a soft natural wood tone that grounds the kitchen with warmth and pairs seamlessly with butcher block countertops and open wood shelving above.

Best For: Galley or single-wall kitchens under 100 square feet where maximizing visual space and natural light matters most.

Black Lower Cabinets With White Open Walls

That bold contrast between black base cabinets and bright white open walls creates a kitchen that feels both grounded and airy at once. Matte black cabinetry plays against smooth white plaster walls while natural wood cutting boards and woven baskets soften the graphic palette. This high-contrast look works beautifully in kitchens where you want drama without darkness.

Shop The Look

1. Black and white striped cotton kitchen runner
2. Matte black cup pull cabinet handles
3. White ceramic utensil crock for countertop
4. Black metal pendant light with open shade
5. Natural woven storage basket for open wall
6. White linen dish towels with black stripe
7. Matte black electric kettle compact size
8. Wooden cutting board display stand holder

DIY Paint Transformation

• Lower Cabinets: Paint in “Tricorn Black” (Sherwin-Williams SW 6258), a true saturated black with zero undertone that delivers the bold anchor these base cabinets need against lighter surroundings.
• Walls: Paint in “Chantilly Lace” (Benjamin Moore OC-65), the crispest clean white available that maximizes light reflection and keeps the upper half of the kitchen feeling wide open and expansive.

Best For: Galley or single-wall kitchens in smaller homes where eliminating upper cabinets prevents the space from feeling closed in, while black lower cabinets still deliver a strong design statement.

Range Hood as the Only Wall Feature

When you strip away the upper cabinets and let a bold range hood command the entire wall, the kitchen suddenly breathes differently. Brushed stainless steel catches light against smooth matte walls, while a rough-hewn open shelf or two adds just enough warmth. This minimal approach feels intentional, not empty — the hood becomes sculptural art you actually use every day.

Shop The Look

1. Woven cotton kitchen runner rug
2. Matte black cup pull handles
3. Slim pendant light brushed nickel
4. Ceramic utensil crock for countertop
5. Linen dish towels neutral striped set
6. Floating wood shelf with brackets
7. Compact electric kettle matte finish
8. Glass and wood salt pepper mills

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls: Paint in “Chantilly Lace” (Benjamin Moore OC-65) — a clean, true white that pushes the range hood forward as the undeniable focal point, making stainless steel pop against a gallery-like backdrop.
• Lower Cabinets: Paint in “Wrought Iron” (Benjamin Moore 2124-10) — a rich, near-black charcoal that grounds the room beneath all that open wall space, giving the eye a strong anchoring base while the hood floats dramatically above.

Best For: Galley or single-wall kitchens where one striking focal point replaces visual clutter and makes a compact layout feel open and deliberately designed.

Concrete and Glass Kitchen Without Wall Cabinets

Raw concrete meets sleek glass in a kitchen that feels both industrial and surprisingly warm. The gritty texture of poured concrete walls plays against smooth glass shelving and polished countertops, creating a space that looks like it belongs in an urban loft. If you love modern design but want your kitchen to feel lived-in rather than sterile, this pairing delivers exactly that honest, no-fuss energy.

Shop The Look

1. Industrial concrete-look woven kitchen mat
2. Brushed steel modern cabinet bar pulls
3. Glass pendant light with exposed bulb
4. Clear glass tiered countertop fruit stand
5. Charcoal linen kitchen towel set
6. Open glass display shelf for spices
7. Concrete-finish electric pour-over coffee maker
8. Smoked glass countertop canister storage set

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls: Paint in “Gray Matters” (Sherwin-Williams SW 7066) — a grounded, warm concrete gray that mimics the look of raw poured cement without the cold undertone, giving your kitchen that authentic industrial loft backdrop.
• Window Trim and Open Shelving Brackets: Paint in “Glass Slipper” (Benjamin Moore 1632) — a barely-there icy blue-white with translucent quality that echoes the clean transparency of glass elements, keeping sight lines open and airy against the heavier gray walls.

Best For: Urban apartments, loft-style homes, or compact galley kitchens where removing upper cabinets and using glass shelving makes the space feel dramatically larger and more modern.

Plate Rack Built Into the Backsplash Wall

That narrow strip of wall between your countertop and ceiling is prime real estate, and a built-in plate rack turns it into both storage and art. Creamy white wooden rails pop against a warm gray plaster backsplash, while the tactile interplay of smooth ceramic plates, rough-hewn wood slats, and matte stone countertops gives the whole wall a collected, European feel. It’s practical charm you can absolutely recreate this weekend.

Shop The Look

1. Cream ceramic dinner plates set
2. Wooden wall-mounted plate display rack
3. Woven cotton kitchen runner rug
4. Brushed pewter cup pull handles
5. Linen striped dish towel set
6. Mini herb planter for countertop
7. Warm white pendant light glass shade
8. Compact electric kettle matte finish

DIY Paint Transformation

• Backsplash wall: Paint in “Repose Gray” (Sherwin-Williams SW 7015), a sophisticated warm gray with the soft, plaster-like depth that lets white dishes and wooden rack details stand forward beautifully against the surface.
• Plate rack and trim: Paint in “Alabaster” (Sherwin-Williams SW 7008), a creamy white that reads warm and authentic rather than stark, perfectly mimicking the aged European quality of hand-built kitchen storage.

Best For: Galley or single-wall kitchens where eliminating upper cabinets demands clever vertical storage that doubles as a curated display moment.

How to Light a Kitchen With No Upper Cabinets

Without upper cabinets blocking light, your kitchen walls become an open canvas where warm whites and soft matte black fixtures create real design drama. Think brushed brass pendant chains catching light against smooth plaster walls, woven linen shades softening the glow, and textured concrete countertops reflecting it all back. This layered approach makes the whole room feel intentional and inviting.

Shop The Look

1. Matte black pendant light with brass accent
2. Under-cabinet LED puck light kit
3. Woven linen drum shade sconce
4. Brass pull handles for lower cabinets
5. Cream cotton open-shelf liner textile
6. Black metal floating shelf with hooks
7. White ceramic countertop utensil crock
8. Small matte black electric kettle

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — this warm, clean white maximizes every bit of natural and artificial light bouncing off bare walls where upper cabinets used to live, making the kitchen feel twice as bright and airy throughout the day.
• Lower Cabinets & Accent Trim: Paint in “Onyx” (Benjamin Moore 2133-10) — this true matte black grounds the lower half of the kitchen with serious depth, giving pendant lights and sconces a dramatic dark backdrop that makes their glow pop even more against the open wall space above.

Best For: Galley or single-wall kitchens where removing upper cabinets left the space feeling flat and in need of intentional lighting layers to define zones and add warmth.

Two-Toned Kitchen With Uppers on One Wall Only

Pairing deep navy lowers with crisp white uppers on a single wall creates a kitchen that feels collected rather than cookie-cutter. The contrast between smooth painted wood, honed marble countertops, and woven natural fiber textures gives every surface its own story. This layout keeps three walls open and airy while anchoring storage where you actually need it most.

Shop The Look

1. Navy and white striped cotton kitchen runner
2. Brushed brass cup pull cabinet hardware
3. White ceramic utensil crock for countertop
4. Woven seagrass basket for open shelf storage
5. Brass pendant light with white glass shade
6. Navy blue linen dish towel set
7. Matte white electric kettle compact design
8. Marble and wood cutting board display set

DIY Paint Transformation

• Lower cabinets: Paint in “Hale Navy” (Benjamin Moore HC-154), a sophisticated deep navy with gray undertones that reads rich without feeling too bold against lighter countertops and flooring.
• Upper cabinets on featured wall: Paint in “Chantilly Lace” (Benjamin Moore OC-65), a clean true white with no yellow or blue cast that keeps the single bank of uppers looking light and intentional against the navy below.

Best For: Mid-size kitchens where you want the drama of two-toned color but need to keep at least one wall of upper storage for everyday dishes and pantry overflow.

Pantry Closet That Replaces Every Upper Cabinet

One tall pantry closet anchored beside the counter holds everything those upper cabinets used to store, freeing every wall for open sight lines. Warm white shiplap walls meet natural wood shelving inside the pantry while woven basket textures keep dry goods organized and accessible. The result feels clean, grounded, and surprisingly spacious for any kitchen size.

Shop The Look

1. Woven seagrass pantry storage basket set
2. Matte black bin pull cabinet hardware
3. Natural wood lazy Susan turntable organizer
4. Striped cotton kitchen runner rug
5. Clear glass airtight canister set
6. Plug-in matte black swing arm sconce
7. Waffle weave cotton dish towel set
8. Compact white label maker machine

DIY Paint Transformation

• Pantry Interior Shelving & Back Wall: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — a warm, clean white that brightens the inside of your pantry closet and makes every item on the shelves easy to spot against shiplap or flat panels.
• Pantry Door & Trim: Paint in “Sylvan” (Sherwin-Williams SW 0054) — a muted natural wood-toned sage that echoes the organic warmth of the baskets and wooden shelving, grounding the tall pantry as a purposeful design feature rather than an afterthought.

Best For: Small to mid-size kitchens where removing upper cabinets demands one smart, centralized storage solution that keeps counters and walls completely clear.

Outdoor-Indoor Kitchen With No Overhead Storage

That seamless flow between your patio and cooking space feels like the ultimate entertaining setup. Natural wood tones meet weathered stone textures while woven rattan accents soften the passage zone. Concrete countertops ground the open layout, and linen curtains billow where walls once divided inside from out.

Shop The Look

1. Natural woven jute kitchen runner rug
2. Matte black steel cup drawer pulls
3. Industrial cage pendant light black metal
4. Concrete utensil crock countertop holder
5. Linen cafe curtain panel natural beige
6. Open wooden floating shelf bracket set
7. Rattan woven storage basket rectangular
8. Compact portable indoor outdoor herb garden

DIY Paint Transformation

• Walls & Ceiling: Paint in “Accessible Beige” (Sherwin-Williams SW 7036), a warm greige that mimics sun-bleached wood and creates that effortless indoor-outdoor continuity without feeling sterile or cold against natural stone surfaces.
• Lower Cabinet Base & Trim: Paint in “Wrought Iron” (Benjamin Moore 2124-10), a deep charcoal black that anchors the open layout and echoes the matte black hardware and industrial metal light fixtures throughout the space.

Best For: Open-concept kitchens that connect directly to patios, covered porches, or outdoor dining areas where overhead cabinets would block sightlines and natural airflow.

Best Countertop Materials for Open Kitchen Walls

When your upper cabinets come down, every inch of countertop and wall space becomes a visual statement. Smooth quartz surfaces bounce light against exposed brick or raw wood shelving, while matte concrete countertops pair beautifully with woven textiles and brushed metal hardware. Choosing the right material transforms your open kitchen from bare to intentionally styled.

Shop The Look

1. Marble-look quartz countertop sample set
2. Woven cotton kitchen runner rug
3. Brushed brass cabinet cup pulls
4. Ceramic utensil crock for countertop
5. Hanging pendant light brass finish
6. Linen open shelf liner natural
7. Floating wood display shelf brackets
8. Compact countertop herb garden kit

DIY Paint Transformation

The wall space above your countertops does all the talking now, so the paint colors you choose need to complement your countertop material rather than compete with it.

• Walls behind countertops: Paint in “Alabaster” (Sherwin-Williams SW 7008), a warm white that makes quartz and marble-look surfaces pop without adding yellow undertones, creating a clean gallery-style backdrop for open shelving and everyday kitchen objects.
• Lower cabinet bases: Paint in “Iron Ore” (Sherwin-Williams SW 7069), a rich charcoal that anchors the room beneath lighter countertop materials, giving concrete and butcher block surfaces a grounded, modern contrast that feels intentional and collected.

Best For: Open-concept kitchens where removed upper cabinets leave expansive wall space that needs a cohesive color story to connect countertops, shelving, and everyday decor into one polished look.

How Much Does Removing Upper Cabinets Cost?

Before you grab a crowbar and start pulling cabinets off the wall, understanding the real costs helps you budget smartly. Smooth plaster walls meet warm butcher block countertops and woven linen towels in kitchens that trade upper storage for open, airy breathing room. The final look feels lighter, but patching, painting, and replacing storage adds up quickly.

Shop The Look

1. Woven seagrass counter storage basket
2. Matte black floating shelf bracket set
3. Linen striped kitchen dish towel set
4. Brushed brass cabinet cup pull handles
5. Cushioned anti-fatigue kitchen floor mat
6. Industrial style plug-in wall sconce light
7. White ceramic utensil holder crock
8. Compact countertop spice rack organizer

DIY Paint Transformation

Removing uppers exposes bare wall space that needs serious attention. Patching nail holes, mudding drywall seams, and applying fresh paint are the most common DIY costs — often saving $300–$500 over hiring a painter. These two foundational colors cover every exposed inch beautifully.

• Walls: Paint in “Simply White” (Benjamin Moore OC-117) — this clean, warm white brightens newly exposed wall space behind where upper cabinets once hung, making the kitchen feel twice as large without spending a dime on structural changes.
• Lower Cabinets: Paint in “Wrought Iron” (Benjamin Moore 2124-10) — this rich, soft black on remaining base cabinets grounds the room and adds dramatic contrast below the counter line, giving the whole kitchen a modern, intentional designer feel.

Best For: Galley or small U-shaped kitchens where removing uppers prevents the space from feeling boxed in and claustrophobic.

What to Budget For

Most homeowners spend $500–$2,500 total when removing upper cabinets, depending on scope:

• Removal labor: $200–$600 (or free if DIY)
• Wall patching and painting: $150–$400
• Electrical relocation (if lighting or outlets sit behind cabinets): $300–$800
• Open shelving replacement: $50–$300 per shelf installed
• New task lighting: $100–$400

The biggest hidden cost? Rerouting electrical. Always check what’s behind those cabinets before removing them — outlets and junction boxes need professional attention.