A kitchen without upper cabinets will look interesting and quite unusual. Something interesting always happens when furnishing a kitchen, now the upper cabinets are disappearing. What in return? How to arrange a kitchen without upper cabinets? Look how good and practical kitchens are in which nothing is hidden. This kitchen design trend is a kitchen treasure collector's paradise.
A kitchen without upper cabinets will look interesting and quite unusual. Such a device will work especially in small kitchens and open to the living room.
Benefits of shopping at IKEA
By purchasing furniture from IKEA, you can quickly furnish your interior on a turnkey basis. The stores offer all the goods necessary for this. And due to modularity, it is convenient to vary the final price of the system so as not to exceed the budget. Other advantages of shopping in Swedish brand stores:
- Low cost. Furniture is made from recycled materials and recyclable materials. This is how IKEA saves resources and reduces costs. This allows you to reduce the price of goods.
- Full picture of the interior. At IKEA you can purchase furniture and components, storage systems, decor and accessories - all at once and in one place. The buyer sees how all the details will look together.
- Easy to assemble. To participate in the creation of furniture, you do not need to be an engineer. Each module and system comes with detailed instructions.
- Comfort in shopping. Free pencils and rulers, no pushy salespeople, and the ability to touch products on the spot make the process of choosing furniture more fun and enjoyable.
- Stylish solutions. To follow fashion, IKEA updates a third of its products every year. At the same time, it remains possible to combine elements purchased earlier.
Nuances of choosing ready-made Ikea kitchens: tips for buyers
Three steps to buying a kitchen:
- Make sure IKEA fits. The Swedish company's stores have a large assortment of facades, but not all colors are available. The same applies to sizes. For non-standard premises, furniture from IKEA may simply not be suitable.
- Get inspired by ready-made projects. There are many ideas for kitchen equipment in catalogues, on the website and in stores. You can choose the style, color, and some design features.
- Start planning and finalize the design. Even with a finished project prepared independently, it is worth contacting IKEA employees to check and prepare the order.
After this, all that remains is to order delivery and assemble the new furniture. You can order assembly (+ 7-10% of the cost of the kitchen).
Placement planning
Before you go to the store for an Ikea kitchen, you need to take measurements yourself or with the help of a specialist and choose a layout. For example, the placement of a stove with an extractor hood and a sink is determined by communications. It is advisable to arrange the refrigerator, other equipment and functional areas according to the working triangle rule.
You can focus on ready-made kitchen solutions presented in catalogs, on the website and in stores. It features stylish color combinations, convenient layouts and storage systems with carefully selected accessories. But the options you like need to be compared with the features of your kitchen in terms of area, layout, etc.
Design
There is a free planner on the official IKEA website. To get started, you need to register. After entering the parameters of the room, taking into account projections, communications and sockets, you can begin planning.
First, you should place the sink and large household appliances, then cabinets, storage systems, and decorative elements.
The result will be a finished kitchen model. The price of all added products will be calculated automatically.
General information about the modular system "Method"
The versatility of IKEA kitchens is determined by the Method modular system. All elements of the set are fully consistent with each other, which allows you to freely plan the space. You can combine cabinets of different colors and sizes according to the design principle.
Photo 5. Inspiring kitchen interior ideas from IKEA
Main features of the designer
Thanks to the included steel wall rail to hang the modules evenly, detailed instructions and the use of the modularity principle, the set can be completely assembled by 1 person, even without special skills. But this is not the only feature of the system:
- A large assortment. The drawers vary in height and depth, there are modules with and without a closer. Several cabinet height options are available. Buyers can choose from more than 20 types of fronts and 30 types of handles.
- Reliability. The stability of the headset is ensured by galvanized steel frame. The “Method” modular system is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty of 25 years.
- Combination with other rooms. IKEA supports the popular trend of combining the kitchen with the living room, dining room and even hallway (convenient for owners of small studio apartments). We offer universal cabinets that are suitable for any room.
Overbu
The latest, affordable range of wall and floor cabinets features a huge selection of sizes and removable shelves. Straight facades are made of laminated MDF and chipboard and coated with polyester paints or varnishes. One-, two-color, bright, wood-look, etc. inexpensive facades and Overbu cabinets will organically fit into any style direction.
They can be complemented with all kinds of accessories - curtains, tablecloths, curly handles. Modern furniture from this series is devoid of pomposity and will look great in an apartment or country house. The disadvantages of Overbu include the lack of a closer and sensitivity to moisture. All surfaces that come into contact with water should be wiped dry.
Style diversity
IKEA is not only Scandinavian style. You can choose open modules with bright inserts, arrange them in a non-standard way, or give preference to natural shades and traditional shapes. There are options for those who are close to the modern approach and minimalism.
All style solutions are united by a common design, so they can be safely combined to create a unique kitchen.
Method 1: Sink stand with cutting board
This solution not only allows you to find extra space when the entire kitchen countertop is already occupied, but also speeds up cooking (do you know what 10 items will really help you with this?): You no longer have to run with a board from the table to the sink to reset cleaning.
You can choose a suitable stand for any sink - round or rectangular. Many stands can be adjusted to fit for maximum comfort.
Color solutions
The IKEA assortment is dominated by kitchens in neutral shades, which harmoniously combine with any interior design. Classic white modules remain popular.
The original new trend was the deep tones of blue and gray. Bright accents and natural shades will help diversify the interior.
White kitchen
IKEA offers several options for white facades: Budbin with panels and glass inserts on the upper facades, minimalistic Overbu, Hitarp with vertical stripes. Such kitchens have not gone out of fashion for several years. If over time you get tired of the laconic design, you can add a few bright accents.
Bright shades: “Budbin”, “Akstad” and “Kallarp”
Those who love bright colors should take a closer look at the “Akstad” series in matte blue, “Kallarp” in red-brown, and “Budbin” in emerald. Deep and rich color can be complemented with calm shades. Such a kitchen will be stylish and impressive.
Natural colors
Natural motifs in the design of IKEA kitchens are represented by walnut, light and dark brown ash, and oak facades. Any line can be complemented with a wood-look countertop.
Metallic
IKEA has modern furniture covered in stainless steel.
The industrial look of such a set will enhance the industrial style of the entire kitchen or add an unexpected twist to an established design.
How to decorate a wall without upper cabinets?
A kitchen with only lower cabinets means that more wall space is available for additional design. You should not leave a free wall - take good care of its decoration.
The wall above the countertop can be finished with plain wallpaper, tempered glass, brick, architectural concrete or traditional tiles. With an entire wall to yourself, you might also want to consider some interesting graphics or paintings.
| Interior designer advice: A spare wall is also a great place to display stylish and designer kitchen accessories. When deciding to place your gadgets on your shelves, you must remember that it may take a lot of time to clean the dust regularly. |
A kitchen without upper cabinets is not a discovery of modern interior designers . This type of kitchen interior reigned in the houses of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Today this solution has been updated and expanded with practical concepts.
This makes it easy for you to have a traditional white kitchen with no upper cabinets in English style, or combine the trend with a modern, retro or glamorous style.
Selection of Ikea kitchen furniture fronts
The modules are produced in series, but are structurally completely consistent with each other. Only the design differs. Based on the external design, you can find the necessary facades and suitable fittings.
Floor-standing cabinet types
Cabinets of the "Method" system have a width of 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 cm, a height of 60, 80, 100, 140, 200, 220 cm. Each module can have from 1 to 8 drawers. In total, more than 16 thousand possible options for placing lockers are offered.
The height of the plastic base is 8 cm (for comparison: in the Faktum system, which was replaced by the Method, it is 16 cm). This change made it possible to increase the height of the floor cabinets.
For built-in appliances
Modules for built-in appliances have standard sizes. Many cabinets are equipped with additional compartments (drawers, open shelves) for storing dishes and kitchen utensils.
A special module with a metal ventilation grille is available for the oven.
Hanging
Wall-mounted modules are available in different sizes. Width varies from 20 to 80+ cm, height - 40, 60, 80 or 100 cm, depth - 37, 38, 39 or 40 cm (the deepest are corner and modules that are placed above the refrigerator).
There are cabinets with shelves and drawers, blank fronts and frosted or clear glass inserts.
Front panel types
The range includes front panels that will help you discreetly place all household appliances. Behind the facades, which correspond to the choice of doors of the lower and upper sections, you can hide a dishwasher, microwave oven or refrigerator.
Locker doors
Doors and front panels are made of MDF using frameless technology. There are models with a flat, smooth surface, with panels, glossy or matte. The same shelves and drawers can be equipped with different doors.
Arrangement of a kitchen without upper cabinets
Kitchen design without upper cabinets requires good layout and space. This is worth remembering when choosing furniture. The most commonly used countertop depth is 60-62 cm. This is dictated by the width of the MDF boards from which countertops are usually made, as well as the size of household appliances.
A deeper tabletop also has longer drawers, so there is more storage space (under the tabletop, 70cm deep, drawers can be mounted on slides that are 65cm long rather than 55cm).
However, it should be remembered that any non-standard solution in kitchen design is more expensive. You don't need to convince anyone that drawers and drawers are more convenient for interior design than shelves. When you pull out a drawer, you can see all of its contents, and above all, you don't have to bend over.
Installing an oven or microwave at countertop height in the kitchen also has undeniable advantages. Not only is it easier for you to control the baking process, but you also don't have to lift heavy dishes.
Manufacturing materials
Kitchen cabinets and countertops are made from chipboard, fiberboard, MDF, and solid wood.
Fiberboard is wood shavings and sawdust pressed under pressure and at high temperatures.
Coating of facades is melamine film, plastic edging, interior surfaces of cabinets are acrylic or polyester paint. Glass is produced using tempering technology.
Kitchen without upper cabinets: photo and design
A small kitchen designed without upper cabinets will look much larger than it actually is. Having more space above the cabinets will also make your kitchen feel more spacious. Kitchen cabinets can be replaced with a plasterboard rack, a lightweight shelf with brackets, or a wooden hanging “cassette” for plates.
Attach the railings to the shelves using hooks, then there will be more things to store. You can hang not only kitchen tools, but also mugs and cups. Your kitchen will acquire lightness and fashionable charm. If you have a sense of design, you'll quickly pick up on this trend because it offers a lot of display options.
Layout options
The layout depends on the characteristics of the room. For example, if the room is a walk-through, a good option is parallel placement, and in a spacious room you can make a full-fledged island with a hob or sink.
L-shaped or corner kitchen
The angular placement of cabinets optimizes the workspace so that it is comfortable for several people to be in it at once. If you place an L-shaped kitchen correctly, you will get a triangle with full-fledged functional areas (storage, cooking, washing), between which it is convenient to move.
U-shaped
This type of layout allows you to make maximum use of space, increase the storage area and the number of cabinets for built-in household appliances.
U-shaped placement is suitable only for spacious rooms.
But to make it comfortable to cook in the kitchen, the distance between the units should not exceed 2.5 m.
Linear
A linear set is a convenient (and sometimes the only possible) option for planning small rooms. To make the most of the space, you should choose a folding or folding table, which most of the time can serve as a shelving unit, and use folding chairs.
To make it convenient to cook in the kitchen, it is necessary to delimit functional zones:
- storage (lockers, refrigerator);
- cooking (stove, work surfaces);
- washing (wash, dryer).
There should be 40-60 cm of free space between the refrigerator, hob and sink, i.e. 1 full work surface.
Island and peninsular
In a spacious room, an island with a hob or sink is often installed. This is convenient, but difficulties may arise with connecting communications and connecting equipment. With a peninsula layout, which is also suitable for small rooms, a bar counter can become an additional area.
The optimal length of the island is 120-160 cm. These are 2-3 square modules connected by one tabletop.
Double row
For elongated rooms (especially if the door and window are located opposite each other or the room is a passageway), a double-row arrangement of cabinets is suitable. It is better to maintain a distance between rows of 1.5 m. At 1.2 m, opening cabinets and cooking may be difficult if there are several people in the kitchen.
To make the space as comfortable as possible, it is worth placing a refrigerator and work area on one side, and a stove and sink on the other.
Parallel layout
A parallel layout involves the arrangement of lockers in 2 rows (as well as a two-row or two-line). In such a kitchen, an important task is to accommodate the dining group. One row can be made shorter, and the free space can be used to install a folding tabletop and folding chairs.
Ikea kitchen range
At IKEA you can find ready-made solutions, modular systems, mini-kitchens. The Method system will allow you to plan the location of functional areas depending on the buyer’s personal preferences and needs. Any facades available are simply selected for ready-made frames.
The Knoxhult modules include design projects for standard and small-sized premises (for example, in studios and Khrushchev-era buildings). And mini-kitchens are a good solution for those who love simplicity or are looking for a convenient temporary solution at an adequate cost.
"Budbin"
One of the most popular series is suitable for interiors in the Scandinavian neoclassical style, as well as Provence or country. Budbin kitchens are available in warm white, dark green, and classic gray. All types of countertops are combined with sets in different colors.
"Dalarna"
Dalarna modules look similar to Budbin furniture and are available in white, black and brown colors. This series is more expensive due to the material used (“Dalarna” is made of solid birch, “Budbin” is made of chipboard, fiberboard).
"Ekestad"
The series is distinguished by its natural design. Blind facades with a thin frame and a solid wood body are made in a natural color (light oak). The upper modules can be equipped with doors with frosted glass inserts.
"Yutis"
The "Yutis" series are facades for wall cabinets with transparent or smoky glass. There are no lower modules; they need to be combined with other solutions (with blank facades).
"Lidingo"
After changing the Faktum modular system to Method, Lidingo kitchens are no longer available for order. The facades are made in shaded white, the lower ones have panels, the upper ones have panels or glass inserts.
"Lerhyttan"
If you need a kitchen in a traditional style, you should choose modules from the Lerhüttan series. Straight lines and clear frames of the front panels make the interior laconic and stylish. Available front colors are light gray and black.
"Knoxhult"
Knoxhult kitchens are sold as a set. There are solutions with linear or L-shaped furniture arrangement, options for small-sized rooms or non-standard layouts (for example, miniature sets of 1.2 m, corner sets of 1.2x1.8 m). The frame is made in white, the facades are in gray, white glossy and matte, light green, stained ash.
"Voxtorp"
"Vokstorp" is furniture with a laconic design and clear lines. The fronts are light beige with gloss or matte white, dark gray, walnut, with integrated handles.
"Sunnersta"
Sunnersta mini-kitchens are not like traditional solutions. Peculiarities:
- white or black steel frame;
- countertop and sink made of stainless steel;
- open storage system
Sunnersta furniture is suitable for small spaces and limited budgets. Such furniture is easy to disassemble when moving, and can be used temporarily during renovations or in a rented apartment.
"Kallarp"
The facades of the Kallarp series are manufactured in a glossy red-brown color. This type of furniture goes better with a black-brown cabinet frame and the same countertops. Oak tables look good with the Kallarp series.
"Askersund"
Askersund panels are the most budget-friendly in the IKEA range of modular kitchens. The facades are made in natural shades, combined with matte white. They can be ordered to replace familiar doors to make inexpensive cosmetic repairs.
"Torhamn"
Doors for cabinets and drawers “Torhamn” are wooden (ash), untreated. Glass doors are available for the upper modules. Such facades can emphasize the rustic style of the kitchen.
"Overbu"
Overbu cabinets can no longer be found in IKEA stores - the furniture has been discontinued. Those who managed to purchase before the change from Faktum to Method could choose from the following modules:
- floor cabinets: single door with niche; with drawer and niche;
- wall mounted: with one door; with door and niche.
The body is made in white, the facades are solid beige. There are no glass doors or other shade options.
"Heatharp"
"Hitarp" - furniture in a classic white design. The facades are decorated with patterns of vertical grooves. A simple and functional series is suitable for interiors in shabby chic, Provence, country, and retro styles.
Budbin
Cute Budbin kitchens are the most popular IKEA series. They involve a large number of components, which makes it easy to adjust the degree of filling of the kitchen space. Paneled or glass facades made of chipboard or MDF are coated with a special varnish.
A white or gray set will suit many styles - Provence, classic, country, loft, shabby chic, art deco, etc. Light shades in combination with natural wood will help decorate a kitchen in a Scandinavian style. If the interior seems too monochromatic and nondescript to you, complement it with brighter curtains and textiles, which are also available in the IKEA catalog.
For example, the photo below shows several options for a ready-made IKEA kitchen.
Rich colors look great against black facades. But, if the kitchen is small, there should be little of this color, because... it tends to “eat up” space.
Just one “but” - furniture surfaces should never be cleaned with chemicals and abrasives. Some people recommend using “Mr. Muscle” for glass, while others recommend just a well-wrung out rag, after which you need to wipe everything dry.
Internal equipment: appliances and plumbing
Internal elements allow you to make the kitchen comfortable and hide the contents. Behind the facades you can use:
- retractable modules;
- waste sorting solutions;
- additional inserts in the shelves;
- organizers, trays, dividers;
- internal drawers, which are located behind external doors.
In addition to modules and contents (from storage accessories to textiles, dishes), you can purchase plumbing fixtures and built-in appliances on site. Peculiarities:
- all faucets sold at IKEA are equipped with an aerator that reduces water consumption by 40% without reducing pressure;
- stainless steel sinks are made from almost 60% recycled material;
- household appliances are purchased from reliable suppliers; the entire range is covered by a 5-year warranty.
Dalarna
Being a supporter of the above-mentioned styles and preferring natural wood, pay attention to the new series of Dalarna facades. The furniture is made of solid birch, covered with protective stain and varnish. The model range is represented by cabinets, countertops, shelves, front and overhead panels that hide household appliances, glazed and wooden doors and plinths.
The colors offered are universal - white and black-brown. Such furniture will provide sophistication and naturalness to a kitchen decorated in both classic and modern styles. The following photos show compact interiors with spectacular facades made of darkened glass. The classic “Laksarbi” series is also partially made of solid birch.
Price overview
IKEA is good quality at an attractive price. The cost of ready-made kitchens with a standard layout is 12,989-31,289 rubles. If the standard Knoxhulta is not suitable, you can assemble the required set from individual modules and facades. The price of frames is from 1000 rubles. for a small wall cabinet up to 7,000 rubles. for a section of Vadholm boxes.
Facades cost from 500 rubles. (door 20x80 cm, “Häggebi”) up to 10,500 rubles. (door 60x200 cm, “Ekestad”).
Disadvantages of shopping at IKEA
IKEA is not without its shortcomings. Despite the assortment of facades, the kitchens turn out to be of the same type. Ways to avoid this:
- refuse replicated accessories;
- choose a limited edition;
- order an individual project;
- shift the emphasis from furniture to an apron, appliances or decor;
- experiment with a combination of different lines.
Due to mass production, furniture is sold in standard sizes, which may be too large for kitchens in standard apartment buildings. This disadvantage cannot be called relative: although it is possible to make the design unique, then ordering a smaller cabinet will not work.
Kitchen without upper cabinets: wall decoration above the kitchen countertop
Remember that by eliminating the upper cabinets, you get quite a large area of walls that should be properly decorated.
If you plan to fix the wall above the tabletop, you can choose, for example, a uniform wallpaper that is protected to a certain height by a glass panel. Impregnated brick or tile will also look good. With the entire wall at our disposal, we can come up with an interesting design.
