It is difficult to imagine a functional kitchen without overhead wall cabinets: where to store dishes and other ugly and necessary accessories for daily cooking? However, practice shows that a single-level kitchen is absolutely functional and, in addition, has a number of positive features: it is lighter, more spacious, aesthetic and original. How to create a kitchen without bulky hanging structures and at the same time keep its main quality - functionality?
Like any other kitchen, a kitchen without hanging cabinets has its own advantages and disadvantages, each of which is conditional. Let's talk about the peculiarities of the modern kitchen format: why is it chosen by the townspeople even for a small apartment and why are those who seek a laconic interior avoiding it?
- To begin with, a kitchen without wall cabinets is unusual at first glance; the question is brewing: where to store the dishes and how to occupy the free upper space of the room? Taking a look at current trends, it can be noted that more and more people are choosing a kitchen of this format - without bulky structures at the top - it is convenient, practical and functional.
- The appearance of more space: visually, the kitchen becomes larger and brighter due to the lack of wall modules.
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- The work surface is better illuminated due to the fact that it does not fall on the shadow from the upper drawers.
- Less furniture in the kitchen means less cleaning time. It is known that wall cabinets collect dust and all those fumes that are formed in the kitchen during cooking (even a hood does not always "save" from such a scourge). The lack of top filling of the headset - an opportunity to facilitate cleaning: you do not have to wipe the surface of the kitchen cabinet that cannot be washed.
- At the same time, hinged structures are often replaced by open shelves, and dust accumulates on them even more intensively; the most important thing is that open shelves will have to get rid of dust much more often - once a week for sure.
- One of the advantages of not having wall cabinets is the more budgetary cost of the kitchen set.
- Safety is a reason to purchase a kitchen set without upper cabinets: the likelihood of their falling due to weak walls or poorly fixed structures decreases (cases of falling cabinets, although rare, do happen in life).
Among the disadvantages of a kitchen without hinged structures in the form of a cabinet may be:
- Inability to use in small apartments; for those who took the risk and assembled the kitchen of their dreams in a single-level format, its lack of functionality may be taken by surprise.
- Hanging cabinets sometimes hide the defects of the room itself: curvature of walls, flaws in decorative finishes and other nuances.
When choosing a kitchen set without "unnecessary" hanging structures, appreciate the room: is it spacious enough for this format? Will you lose the functionality of your kitchen in exchange for its modern and fashionable design?
Do not skimp on a single-level headset and its filling: let its shelves be as convenient and practical as possible, spacious and used so as not to overload the upper open shelves of the room.
If you want to have a single-level kitchen set, you need to know that such a layout is suitable for spacious rooms, then you will be able to keep the maximum return on the kitchen and get the desired result. What if the kitchen is small? A set without upper cabinets will look harmonious in a too narrow kitchen or, on the contrary, wide; in both cases, a single-level design will visually expand or increase the space, in a word, present it in a favorable light.
Tableware storage options
The first thing that future owners of a kitchen without hanging cabinets face is the question: where to store the dishes? The main "storage" of kitchen attributes will be the lower drawers and cabinets, so you should take care of their maximum spaciousness and functionality: the internal arrangement of the shelves should correspond to the amount of your dishes, and with a large set of kitchen accessories, make sure that there are more shelves (even if they are will be lower).
The design of a kitchen without upper wall cabinets implies the presence of open shelves (instead of bulky cabinets) and roof rails - simple structures in the form of a pipe that runs parallel to the kitchen countertop. Surely there is a rail in every kitchen: look at what kitchen accessories like spice jars and towels, large cookers and items for cooking hang on.
Railing in a spacious kitchen without hanging cabinets will become a real salvation for housewives, because on the cornice with hooks-holders, you can place small hanging shelves for storing improvised kitchen cleaning tools or spices, products (oils, for example) and other important items. It's amazing how functional the railing is and how original its design and color can be: black, white, metallic, matte or glossy.
- Buffet- an excellent alternative to wall cabinets in the kitchen. The sideboards differ in their functionality and design: the classic sideboard is a tall and massive cabinet with wooden or glass shelves and doors, thanks to which you can appreciate its content. Traditionally, it is in the buffet that dishes are stored, and modern models of such furniture for the kitchen allow installing a dishwasher, microwave and other equipment inside the structure, which sometimes you want to hide from prying eyes.
- Curbstone on wheels will become a "lifesaver" for the kitchen of a small square, when there is not enough space for important little things. A traditional cabinet is suitable for placement in a more spacious kitchen, and on top of it you can install equipment such as a TV: combine business with pleasure.
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- Column cabinets- massive products for a spacious kitchen; in a small room, these giants will look inappropriate, although when choosing a more elegant and slender model - why not? Column cabinets are convenient because they are tall and roomy; they are usually installed in the far corner and are combined with a convenient door - it is also functional and endowed with small shelves.
- Pencil cases resemble a column cabinet, but traditionally serve to decorate a refrigerator or oven, dishwasher or washing machine. Pencil cases are installed in different parts of the kitchen, depending on its layout and size, but more often in the corner space of the room.
Kitchen set layout
Depending on the layout of the kitchen, its filling is determined with single-level cabinets, those that are located on the floor.
- Linear type implies horizontal arrangement of kitchen furniture along one wall; work surface, sink, hob - everything is on the same level, or on the same line - practical and convenient. To make the rest of the space functional, place open shelves parallel to the worktop, avoiding the hob area (there will probably be a hood installed there).
Give important attention to the decor of the kitchen: install additional lighting above the cooking area, let the kitchen apron become original, post a few family photos and a couple of pots of flowers.
Linear placement of a kitchen unit is a good choice for a small room up to 9 sq. m, where it is important to leave additional space for the dining area.
- Corner kitchen set placed by the letter "G" and resembles a linear type; however, this design is even more functional than the previous one: in the corner of the kitchen, you can install a pencil case or a sideboard, it is important that massive furniture does not interfere with movement in the kitchen. A corner model of a kitchen set without hanging cabinets requires additional decorations to fill the resulting space: posters and paintings on the walls, photographs, flowers, decorative elements such as candles and figurines are used art.
- Island type kitchen is suitable exclusively for a spacious room with an area of 20 sq. m because it involves placing a functional island in the middle of the room. It is important to note that access to the "island" in the kitchen should be provided from 4 sides, then the kitchen can be called island and enjoy its aesthetics and functionality.
Examples of modern interiors
It is easy to create a modern kitchen interior without hanging cabinets in a room of any format - from absolutely modest to spacious spaces, it is important to take into account the concept of the room and maintain its style or design in every piece of furniture and decor.
Modern design trends are increasingly striving to maximize the release of space and get rid of unnecessary bulky things. This fate has not spared the kitchen furniture. So modern designers are increasingly abandoning the use of massive wall cabinets, preferring compact column cabinets or neat roomy pedestals. With the rational use of space, you can free up the entire upper part of the working area without losing the space necessary for storing things.
Features of zoning
As for the furniture, there are 3 options for the arrangement, suitable for kitchens without wall cabinets:
- Linear. It involves the placement of floor modules along one of the walls. From above, such structures are closed with a table top, and in the lower part there are compact storage spaces. In addition, a sink and hob can be built into such modules. But this option is appropriate only if the wall is long enough to accommodate all the necessary devices.
- Corner. Furniture is arranged according to the same principle, but in this case, the set can be L-shaped or U-shaped. This option is suitable for more compact rooms.
- Ostrovnaya. This option implies placing the work area in the center of the room. In this case, only one of the walls can be taken away for cabinets and equipment. This is a very effective option.
Interior ideas
When arranging a kitchen without hanging cabinets, you will not only have to rationally arrange furniture and, but also replace all lost storage space. For these purposes, a pantry can be equipped in one of the corners of the room. You can put not only dishes and other utensils in it, but also some products. Plus, this way you can rationally use a previously non-functional angle.
If you use linear or angular placement of furniture, it would be a good option to install blind column cabinets in one or more corners of the room. In addition to the shelves, they can be equipped with a microwave or oven. So you can relieve the upper part of the room, leaving the work area as open as possible.
If there is a loggia or balcony next to your kitchen, then they can be insulated and used as a compact storage for kitchen utensils.
If your kitchen cannot boast of outstanding space, then shelves can be used as an alternative to wall cabinets. They can be used to store frequently used dishes, flowers and other little things. But you don't need to turn them into a warehouse. All rarely used items are best placed in cabinets or cabinets.
Together with the shelves on the walls, you can install roof rails - straight or curved decorative pipes. They are equipped with special hooks on which you can hang any items, be it towels, potholders or dishes.
It should be borne in mind that rails and shelves do not protect the dishes from dust settling on them, so wet cleaning will have to be done quite often.
If the work area freed from bulky cabinets seems empty to you, then all kinds of pictures, posters and other decorations can be placed above it. The main thing is that they are flat. Another option to diversify the area above the cutting surface is pendant lamps. They will provide high-quality illumination of the work area and fill the resulting void.
To get rid of wall boxes and not lose the necessary storage space, you can put a free-standing sideboard in the kitchen. Any dishes and small utensils can easily fit into it. Plus, it doesn't have to match the color of the rest of the kitchen furniture. So if you paint the sideboard in the color of the walls, then the space will appear visually wider.
Color spectrum
The choice of color scheme is directly related to the interior style used. However, it is not recommended to abuse dark shades in such a room. On the contrary, in the freed up space it is better to use light colors - white, gray, beige shades of brown and terracotta.
In such a room, shades of blue and salad are appropriate.
Several bright accents can be added to the interior, however, here you also need to know when to stop. For these purposes, you can paint one of the walls in a brighter color or use multi-color posters.
Furniture selection
The ideal option for a kitchen of this format are low ones with drawers. By and large, when removing wall cabinets, you can replace them with any other types of furniture. It is appropriate here to use all kinds of coasters, bottle holders, baskets.
Column cabinets are also appropriate in such an interior. They can be placed in niches. So they will take up a minimum of space.
As an alternative to cabinets, you can put a tall sideboard. It should be as roomy as possible, but you shouldn't choose too pretentious option. Furniture with an excess of carved seems cumbersome, which is not appropriate in such an environment.
The best solution would be to choose a buffet that is as close as possible to the modern style.
For storing things, you can also put low mobile shelves. If necessary, it can be used as a stool or as an additional surface. Mobile units require a perfectly flat floor. The highlight can be.
Lighting
The absence of wall cabinets gives a lot of creative scope not only in the choice of furniture, but also in the arrangement of lighting. The simplest lighting option for a kitchen free from upper cabinets is the use of several lamps with movable brackets. Their design allows you to freely rotate the device in the desired direction and then return it to its original position.
If your room has sufficiently high ceilings, then you can easily place several ceiling chandeliers. But do not choose too fanciful models. It is better to give preference to options with transparent or matte lampshades. They can be placed in the work and dining areas.
An extraordinary solution would be to place a wide LED strip at the level of the cornice along with the general light. It can be extended along the entire perimeter of the working area. If necessary, LEDs can also be installed in the lower part of pedestals and cabinets. In addition to additional lighting, this will create the effect of "floating" furniture.
Even with an abundance of natural light, the kitchen work area still needs additional lighting.
Hanging lamps can also be a good option for illuminating the working area (as an alternative, you can use a number of spotlights).
Decorating
In a room free from upper cabinets, the design of the walls comes to the fore. In such a kitchen, it is the walls that take over most of the decorative load.
Depending on the direction you choose, they can be made out in different colors and manners, namely:
- Modern classics - in this style, all elements strive for understated versatility. Overly contrasting and intricate objects and things are not used here. Quiet warm colors (shades of beige, cream, black, white) often prevail in such rooms. In such a room, the walls can be made in the form of brickwork or painted.
- - this direction is replete with small details. This decor must include all kinds of vases, flower pots, figurines, curtains and unusual dishes.
- Ecostyle is one of the most relevant modern trends. This style assumes the maximum closeness to nature, the use of exclusively natural materials in the interior and an abundance of color.
- Provence is one of the coziest styles. In this case, light curtains, comfortable chairs and a table in light shades must be present in the decor. The walls are often painted and decorated with landscape paintings or family photographs.
- - one of the most suitable directions for such a cuisine. This style involves the rejection of everything unnecessary and non-functional. Minimalism frees up space as much as possible. In this direction, a minimum of objects and things are used. Straight lines and light monochrome colors are encouraged.
Based on the above directions, the following elements can be used to decorate such a kitchen:
- Photos, paintings or modular paintings depicting still lifes or landscapes;
- Wall ceramics or porcelain;
- All kinds of frescoes and wall paintings are appropriate here;
- You can install a decorative shelf in the kitchen and place various souvenirs, beautiful dishes or antique kitchen utensils on it;
- In houses with high ceilings, compositions from hanging ampelous plants will look great.
And what we are offered with wall cabinets: video
Conclusion
Getting rid of wall cabinets in the kitchen has become one of the current trends. However, the use of this technique will be appropriate only in rooms with a considerable area. Column cabinets, tall sideboards, stationary or mobile cabinets are used as alternative storage places in such rooms. The described technique allows you to maximize the free space of the room. Kitchens without wall cabinets look cozier and lighter.
He will tell you how to correctly combine wallpaper of two colors in the kitchen. And you will find out whether it is possible to glue vinyl wallpaper with non-woven glue.
Ecology of consumption. Interior design: A kitchen without upper cabinets is a modern and stylish solution, but how much is it justified in terms of ease of use and storage? ..
A kitchen without upper cabinets is a modern and stylish solution, but how much is it justified in terms of ease of use and storage?
Let's find out how you can compensate for the lack of upper sections, what layout and design of the kitchen to choose, and in what way single-tier headsets are inferior to standard two-tier ones.
6 ideas for organizing your storage system
The main problem of a single-tier kitchen is the lack of storage space for dishes, appliances, groceries, etc. Therefore, all space should be thought out and optimized as much as possible.
There are several ways you can do this:
1.With column cabinets- if the kitchen area is more than 20 sq. m, then the absence of upper cabinets will be able to fully compensate for the sections from high cases, the so-called column cabinets, into which you can build a refrigerator and other appliances and store most of the kitchen utensils and things there. Column cabinets and a single-level set can be placed both on walls opposite to each other, and on adjacent ones.
2.Using a sideboard or pencil case- if the kitchen is small or you don’t want to allocate a whole wall for column cabinets, and you don’t need such a large storage system, then you can replace them with one sideboard, shelving or a pencil case in which some of the things and utensils will be stored.
3.Using open shelves- open shelves look much "lighter" than wall cabinets with facades and, if desired, can completely replace them. On the other hand, if you hang a lot of shelves, then the kitchen will cease to be single-tier and it will be a completely different design. In addition, open shelves require double attention - regular dusting, neat storage of things, etc. But you can hang just one or two shelves in the most necessary place - near the sink and / or directly above the work area.
4.Using roof rails- roof rails, of course, will not solve the storage problem, but they will nevertheless make a single-level headset more functional. They can be used to hang essential kitchen utensils and spice jars. But keep in mind that the minimalism of the interior, for which the kitchen without upper cabinets was planned, will be slightly disturbed, because the roof rails can create a feeling of a little mess.
5.Using floor-standing cabinets with increased capacity and functionality- when choosing a single-level kitchen set, you need to think carefully about the filling of floor cabinets. This is especially true of the vanity unit and the corner unit. It is good when they include pull-out shelves, baskets, carousels and shelves.
6.With ... wall cabinets- and finally, you can choose a linear, corner or U-shaped single-tier set and hang the hanging modules only along one wall or even locally.
Depending on the shape and area of the kitchen, you can choose the following layout options:
- Linear- a scheme when floor cabinets line up along one wall in whole or in part. The working area with a sink and a hob are located side by side, it is advisable to place a refrigerator not far from the place of cooking, so that it is convenient to cook. This layout option is especially relevant for narrow kitchens.
- Parallel- this is the layout option when either the floor cabinets stand opposite each other, or when column cabinets are located opposite the single-level headset along the wall (as in the photo below), and between these rows there can be an island table or a dining group. The parallel furniture arrangement is suitable for very spacious or long narrow kitchens (in this case, the dining area is not located in the middle, but at the end of the room).
- Corner- a rational and convenient option for placing a kitchen set, when either the floor cabinets have an angular configuration, or the corner along the adjacent walls is formed by column cabinets and floor cabinets. With an angular layout, it will be easier to comply with the "working triangle rule" (when the sink, refrigerator and stove are located in reasonable proximity to each other). The corner set is ideal for any kitchen, especially a small one.
- U-shaped- when the headset modules are placed in the shape of the letter P along three walls. On the one hand, this is an excellent type of layout, since it is also easy to follow the “working triangle” rule and use space efficiently, but on the other hand, not every kitchen has the opportunity to implement U-shaped furniture.
- Ostrovnaya- in this case, the main work surface is the island in the center of the kitchen, which can include built-in appliances, a sink, and storage space, and therefore, theoretically, the walls can be completely empty. But most often, an island kitchen is complemented by pillar cabinets or a set. This furnishing option is only suitable for spacious kitchens (from 20 sq. M.).
Where do kitchens without wall cabinets win, and where do they lose to the standard?
Advantages:
- Kitchens without wall cabinets look more spacious, "lighter" and neater;
- Still, decorativeness and the ability to implement unusual design ideas are the main advantages of a single-level kitchen, while practicality and functionality fade into the background. Having abandoned the upper shelves, you can decorate the free space with something like a mosaic panel or glass panels with photo printing, or focus on textured wall decoration, for example, brickwork.
- With such furniture, the shadow from the upper cabinets will not fall on the work area;
- Single-tier kitchens fit especially well into the interiors of Scandinavian-style kitchens, country, Provence, loft, industrial and minimalism.
Disadvantages:
- Headsets without upper cabinets are two times less spacious than standard headsets, and it is possible to equip a kitchen with column cabinets only if its area is more than 20 square meters. m .;
- Kitchens without wall cabinets are obliged to bring an empty wall to an ideal state, since even if it is not an accent of the interior, it will still attract attention;
- You need to get used to doing everyday life and cooking in a single-tier kitchen, because in order to get dishes or products from the lower drawers, you will have to bend over more often;
The lack of wall cabinets is associated with some inconveniences, but the appearance of the room is transformed for the better.
To create the most convenient and original project, the designer temporarily transforms into the mistress of the house and imagines himself in her place. Women sometimes have to cook quickly and a lot, but the food must be tasty and beautifully presented. Food can only meet all these requirements in a comfortable cooking zone.
It is difficult to surprise modern housewives with a “kitchen-kitchen”, today they want to get a light and airy space, in which it is not only convenient to cook, but also it is pleasant to spend some time all alone with a cup of coffee.
Kitchen layout options without upper cabinets
The decision to ditch the overhead cupboards requires planning changes... If the project is correct, the hostess will not experience discomfort during the cooking process. There are several types of kitchen furniture layouts.
Linear - work modules are installed along one wall. This arrangement is very convenient due to the fact that the hob, sink and cutting surface are on the same line. The absence of upper cabinets can be compensated for with decorative compositions:
- ;
- panel;
- paintings;
- ;
- wall clock.
All interior elements should be selected so that they do not create a clutter, but decorate the space. Opposite the modules, you can place a pencil case, which will contain all the kitchen utensils.
Everything you need has now moved down, and you will have to bend down much more often, the load on the muscles of the back and legs will increase. On the one hand, this is a disadvantage, on the other, a plus, since unnecessary movements have not harmed anyone yet.
Advice! If the hostess does not have enough time for daily scrupulous cleaning, it is better to refuse such a layout.
Kitchen without upper cabinets: storage ideas for utensils
Usually wall cabinets are filled with dishes and bulk products. A freestanding sideboard can easily replace bulky top modules. Moreover, in terms of color and style, the sideboard is not at all obliged to match the rest of the furniture.
The best option is arrangement of a pantry, which will at the same time be a storage for pots, cans and food supplies. The pantry can be equipped in one of the corners or in a niche, if there is one.
The choice of kitchens is now so wide that it will not be difficult to make something unique. Moreover, the workshops themselves offer to make custom-made headsets with individual characteristics. But even with such a variety of designs, the hostesses want to stand out and add uniqueness, so the designers came up with a new stylish move - a kitchen without upper cabinets, a headset on one side or without them at all.
At first glance, this idea seems strange and inconvenient, but in reality everything is different. Convenience and beauty will be proved by photos of kitchen design without upper cabinets.
Dignity
Of course, any decision regarding the design or functionality of the kitchen has advantages and disadvantages: the absence of the upper row of the headset is no exception. But such a move is becoming more and more popular, despite the persistent stereotype that the headset should be two-tiered.
Spaciousness
Space is freed up and the room looks more spacious. This will play into the hands of the hostesses of small kitchens (up to 9 sq. M, for example, in a Khrushchev) who want to expand the room.
In addition to physical space, there is also room for imagination: a single-tier headset can be positioned as you like - even under a window, and it will not look strange or cut off.
Lighting
Light from the chandelier and ceiling will travel directly down to the work area, and no additional lighting is required. The more light, the more spacious the room seems. This is another reason to abandon the upper cabinets or make them narrow if the kitchen is small.
Purity
A standard headset is large enough and hangs high. To reach the very top, you need to take a stepladder or at least a stool. And, frankly, dust often forms at the top: if that area is wiped once a year, this can already be called a success.
If there is no headset, there will be no "dust collector", which means that the air will become cleaner. This is exactly what is needed in a room where food is first prepared and then consumed.
Availability
This follows from the previous paragraph. If you don't have to take a ladder to get something from the top shelf, life will be much easier for miniature housewives.
But here we mean not only physical accessibility, but also economic: a layout with only lower cabinets will cost two times cheaper. And for a classic kitchen, this is most often a significant amount.
Security
The cabinet may fall if not properly secured. Or, if you reach for the sugar carton or other object on the top shelf, something may fall. Sometimes there are embarrassments with the doors, when one person touches another without noticing him.
Tall housewives, when preparing a dish, can touch the edge of the headset with their heads, which is also unpleasant. Usually, such adaptation to a new headset takes about a year, but even after the "punctures" happen.
The principle applies here: no headset - no problem.
disadvantages
Although there are so many advantages to abandoning top cabinets, there are also disadvantages to this idea.
The most important question- where to put all the good that is usually stored in the upper drawers. If the cereals / service can still be transferred somewhere, then the situation with a dish dryer is more complicated - it is usually located above the sink.
We'll have to adhere to minimalism, not only as an interior, but also as the meaning of life.
Another question- how to decorate an "empty" wall. This usually baffles people who decide to ditch the top headset. Below we will look at how you can use the new space using examples of real photos.
Layout
It is not difficult to stylishly design a kitchen with a single-level set if you know the types and principles of planning. There are five options:
- linear- the entire set is located along one wall. A table and, if necessary, a refrigerator are placed against the opposite wall. This is the simplest type of layout while still providing convenience for food preparation. Suitable for a narrow kitchen;
- angular- the set is located on two adjacent walls of the kitchen. This layout option can provide a very convenient working triangle consisting of refrigerator, sink and stove. The smaller this triangle is, the more convenient it will be for the hostess in the kitchen. With this layout, the sink is placed in a corner, thus creating a lot of storage space under it;
- parallel- the headset is placed on two parallel walls. This layout is perfect for square rooms where you plan to install a headset without a top. There is enough space for storing and preparing food, but the room will look spacious;
- u-shaped- wardrobes occupy three walls. A wall with a doorway usually remains free. Also perfect for the kitchen when deciding to abandon the upper cabinets. The problem is that there may not be room for the dining table, so one of the sides of the headset is designed in the form or the dining area is transferred to another room. A more logical solution would be to use such a layout in a studio or a combined kitchen-living room;
- insular- is distinguished by the presence of an island in the kitchen. The headset can be located according to any type of layout disclosed earlier. A good option even for a small kitchen, since the island can be used in different ways - first for cooking, then for lunch behind it. Apart from this, the island provides a lot of additional storage space.
It is worth choosing one or another type of layout based on the available premises.
For example, if the room is small, then you should not make a U-shaped arrangement of furniture, since the kitchen will seem tighter.
The second factor to be guided by is the estimated cooking frequency. If you plan to cook a couple of times a week and you need few items, then a linear layout will do. If more - angular or even more massive.
Interior decoration
If the layout does not imply upper cabinets, then you should think about decorating the wall near the working area, since it will attract attention. The decoration should be made of special high-quality materials, since ordinary wallpaper (even washable) may not cope with dirt, splashes of juice and grease flying from a frying pan or from under a knife. That's why the material has the following requirements:
- resistance to heat and high temperatures;
- resistance to high humidity;
- ease of cleaning.
There are many that fit these requirements.
Ceramics
Ceramic is the most popular option for an apron. There is a huge selection of tiles, both in size and design, which allows you to decorate the wall near the work area as uniquely as possible.
This is a very durable material that can survive even several kitchen sets: the tiles are not afraid of any external influences, except for direct hammer blows.
But the weak point of the tile is the seams. They quickly lose their presentable appearance, and in themselves serve as an excellent home for bacteria, since grouting is a porous material.
In this regard, it is advisable to choose a large tile, and refuse the mosaic altogether. In addition, this option will require additional financial investments, since the wall must be leveled in front of the tiles, which is what the master does together with the laying of the tiles - it is difficult to do this with his own hands.
Glass
Glass can be either transparent or with photo printing. The bonuses of standard transparent glass are that you can remove it and change the picture under it, making adjustments to the design at low cost. Absolutely everything can be “hidden” under the glass - beautiful fabric, photo wallpaper or drawings of growing children.
The glass apron is in trend right now and looks very stylish. But there are also disadvantages: for example, such an apron will have to be wiped more often, since all drops and stains are visible on the glass. But this finish has no seams, which means that bacteria simply have nowhere to settle.
The best option is a glossy glass sheet 6 mm thick, because matte is difficult to clean. In addition to natural material, you can trim the apron with acrylic glass. It is stronger, more durable and cheaper.
It is fashionable to hang a mirror instead of a standard apron, but this is a very impractical solution, since it will constantly seem dirty. You will have to wipe the mirror with glass cleaning solution several times a day, and these are not the best smells for the kitchen.
Laminated chipboard and MDF panels
Another popular option for wall decoration in the kitchen. Differs in its simplicity and low cost. Even a beginner can handle the installation of such a panel with his own hands - you only need glue or a few screws. It will also be easy to replace it. The panels are made of wood shavings, which are pressed and glued, and covered with a thin layer of plastic film on top.
This is the most short-lived option presented. will live for about 15 years, and then gradually the appearance will deteriorate: in some places it will swell from moisture, the film will be erased, and so on.
Laminate is considered as an option for decorating the walls of the panel. If lamellas remain after laying the floors, then you can lay out an apron or even the entire wall with them - it will look very stylish.
There is nothing complicated in this installation: it is necessary to put the first lamella on the glue, just do it according to the level. The next lamella is first inserted into the groove of the previous one, then glued to the wall.
It is advisable to choose a class 32 or 33 waterproof laminate. Seams in the work area can be sealed with a transparent sealant.
Storage
A bare wall and lack of storage space can be somewhat intimidating for the hostess. In this case, replacements can be found for the upper cabinets. There are some interesting options:
- column cabinet, or pencil case- such a solution will be able to overcome one of the main problems - where to put things that were left “without a home” after giving up the upper drawers. Such pencil cases are most often narrow, but high. They are located near the refrigerator, on the sides of the floor cabinets or opposite them. It is convenient that household appliances from a microwave oven to an oven and even a washing machine can be built into the pencil case. Such a solution will look very stylish, and besides, it will free up space for the rest of the kitchen;
- open shelves- will facilitate the urgent task of storing things and balance the existing hood. But the disadvantage is that the shelves will become dusty, and you will have to regularly dust them. It is undesirable to store frequently used dishes there, as dust will also settle on it. Another disadvantage is that a thing can fall off the shelf with small jolts - for example, if a child is actively jumping in the kitchen, and the object has a rounded shape;
- roof rails- they are struggling with the problem of falling things, since they are a barbell on which the necessary objects are suspended. But this does not get rid of dust and carbon deposits that arise with a gas stove or boiler. It is worth hanging on the railing only those items that are often used and washed.
Thus, it is obvious that you can find an alternative storage system for dishes and other household items. The main thing is to beautifully fit it into the interior.
Decor
After we have found a replacement for wall cabinets in the interior, it is worth thinking about how to decorate the vacant wall.
Usually, the apron area is different from the rest of the wall, but if there is no top, the headset can be decorated as well. For example, you can run a laminate or brick all over the wall from the countertop to the ceiling, but it is advisable to add glass in the apron area, which protects the finish from dirt, dust and grease.
You can, on the contrary, emphasize the absence of the top and decorate the vacated wall with a different finish. Here are some options:
- brickwork- a fashionable move for a modern kitchen. Suitable for loft, minimalism, hi-tech and even Provence, if you paint the brick in light colors;
- ceramic tile or a mosaic is a very effective solution. You can play in contrast and decorate the apron, for example, with dark tiles, and the area above with light ones. The mosaic will look beautiful, but its seams are difficult to clean from dust;
- panels made of wood that match in color with the headset, but contrast with the apron, will make Scandinavian cuisine very stylish and eye-catching;
- masonry will look great in loft or high-tech style and will be combined with glossy surfaces.
When choosing a finishing option, it should be borne in mind that later there may be a need for wall cabinets or shelves, and hanging them on a gypsum brick is quite problematic.
Style selection
Many still have a strong belief that a design without top cabinets will not work in a modern kitchen or, conversely, in provence. It is best to deal with this visually, so let's look at kitchens in different styles, which have one thing in common - the absence of a "top".
Country
A cute rustic style that will give a feel of nature even to the inhabitants of the metropolis. Provence is characterized by:
- natural materials;
- feigned rudeness and simplicity in decoration;
- calm colors.
In the country style, it is easy to abandon the top headset, replacing it with shelves made of thick wooden boards.
Provence
Provence is a subspecies of country, but with a French bias. He's more romantic and sophisticated. His color palette is delicate, as if diluted with milk: olive, lilac, mustard, lavender.
Since this is a subspecies of country, wooden shelves will also look good here instead of wall cabinets on which you can put a beautiful service.
Modern
A room decorated in this style is a real work of art. It is characterized by gloss, correct and strict geometry, the use of metal, glass and even plastic.
Lighting plays an important role: it is necessarily a large chandelier and several single lamps, sometimes LEDs. But there are no requirements for the color scheme - you can even use black.
Futurism
An unusual design direction, created for young and active people. It is based on white and metal surfaces, unusual furniture and bright accents.
Any design decisions are possible here, even the most daring ones, so the rejection of the top of the headset in this case will not surprise anyone.
Art Deco
Luxurious style for those who love the classics. Most often used in large apartments and country houses, where the kitchen is combined with the dining area.
Only the most expensive materials are used: mahogany, silk, leather, crystal. There must be stucco molding, patterns on the walls.
If you remove the upper set, then only pictures should be in its place - this style does not like open shelves.
A kitchen without hanging cabinets is an excellent solution that will add originality and lightness to the room. It can fit into absolutely any interior. Experiment - this is the only way you will get exactly the kitchen that will delight you for many years!
