How to Reduce Upper Kitchen Cabinets for a Modern Look

Any casual observer of home design trends will have noticed a clear shift in kitchen layouts over the past year. As homeowners reevaluate how they live and use their spaces, many are trimming away the unnecessary and focusing on cleaner, more functional interiors. The global pandemic accelerated this change, prompting people to prioritize organization and purpose in every room, especially the kitchen. One of the most visible outcomes of this rethink is the growing move away from traditional upper cabinets. By removing them, kitchens—both large and small—feel airier and more intentional.

Kitchen without upper cabinets — Doing away with upper cabinets in the kitchen gives it a more spacious visual. From: RLR Architects

Many of the recent kitchen images you’ve seen show backsplashes, windows or floating shelves where upper cabinets once stood. If you’re considering this look as you refresh your kitchen heading into spring, there are important functional choices to make before you remove cabinetry. Below is a practical, easy-to-follow guide for removing upper cabinets while maintaining storage, improving organization and keeping your kitchen beautiful and efficient.

Get Those Open Shelves

One of the simplest replacements for upper cabinets is the open, floating shelf. Open shelving preserves much of the storage you rely on while creating a lighter, more decorative backdrop for your kitchen. Floating shelves are ideal for staging everyday dishes, cups and cookware you use regularly, and they encourage a curated, minimalist approach—keeping only what you need within arm’s reach. Wood and mixed-material shelves remain a popular choice for kitchens wanting warmth and texture.

Floating shelves above brick backsplash — Brick and stone backsplash with sleek floating shelves and lower wooden cabinets. From: Cooper Build

Avoid Attachment!

Letting go of unused items is one of the most practical steps you can take before removing upper cabinets. If a pot, pan or gadget hasn’t been used in a year and you don’t foresee needing it soon, consider donating, selling or recycling it. Reducing kitchen clutter reduces the need for extra storage and helps you design a layout that serves your daily routine rather than storing seldom-used items. This intentional editing makes open shelving and minimalist counters much easier to maintain.

Floating shelf with window — Floating shelf and window occupying the space where upper cabinets once were. From: Moda Interiors

Modern kitchen with natural light — Smart, modern kitchen with brick backsplash and abundant natural light. From: Rosser Design Studio

Make Space for a Pantry

If you want to reduce upper cabinet storage without losing capacity, a well-planned pantry is an excellent solution. A pantry consolidates bulk goods, small appliances and rarely used items, letting you keep only daily essentials near the stove and sink. Pantries can be tailored to any kitchen size—a tall, narrow cupboard, pull-out shelving, or a nearby closet can all serve as effective replacements for upper cabinets. Smart pantry design is a key strategy for maintaining storage while achieving a cleaner visual aesthetic.

Kitchen pantry — A pantry makes it easier to remove upper cabinets without sacrificing storage. From: Houzz

Custom pantry — Add a pantry that fits your specific storage needs. From: Houzz

Sort and Organize

Removing upper cabinets transforms the look of your kitchen, but maintaining order becomes more important than ever. Take time to inventory what you use daily and what can move to the pantry or another storage area. Group items by function—baking, everyday dishes, spices—and use clear containers, labels and drawer organizers to keep frequently used pieces accessible and visible. Open shelving rewards thoughtful curation; a tidy, intentional display looks better and is far easier to keep clean.

Minimal kitchen without upper cabinets — Not every kitchen needs upper cabinets; thoughtful storage planning often works better. From: Hsu McCullough

Move Cabinets Somewhere Else

If you still need closed storage, consider relocating cabinets instead of keeping them above the counter. Base cabinets, an extended kitchen island, or a tucked-away corner can offer substantial capacity without crowding the room visually. A well-designed island with cupboards or drawers provides generous storage while acting as a focal point for prep work and socializing. Likewise, under-counter pull-outs and deep drawers can store heavy cookware more ergonomically than high upper cabinets.

Farmhouse kitchen with large window — Farmhouse-style kitchen with a large window above the counter that brings nature indoors. From: Elevate Design + Construct

Enjoy the Many Benefits

Once you remove or reduce upper cabinets, your kitchen can gain several advantages beyond aesthetics. Open space above the counters allows for extended backsplashes that become a striking design feature, large windows that bring in natural light, or slim floating shelves that showcase curated pieces. Visually, the room feels taller and more spacious. Functionally, targeted storage solutions—pantries, islands and well-organized lower cabinets—can make daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Blue and white kitchen with floating shelves — Blue-and-white kitchen with slim floating shelves replacing traditional upper cabinets. From: Inger MacKenzie Photography

Double-height kitchen with large window — Large double-height kitchen in white with wood flooring and a large window above the counter. From: Etch Design Group

Removing upper cabinets is not simply a trend; it’s a design choice that encourages clearer thinking about what you need and how your kitchen should function. With careful planning—adding open shelving, building a smart pantry, relocating closed storage, and thoughtfully editing possessions—you can create a kitchen that feels modern, spacious and tailored to the way you live.