Open, light-filled kitchens are steadily taking over from cramped, boxed-in layouts - and one formerly “non-negotiable” feature of classic kitchen design is now being quietly removed.
Across Italy and elsewhere in Europe, kitchen designers are reassessing the way we store plates, glasses and cupboard staples. The tall wall units that used to dominate most kitchens are increasingly being taken down, then replaced with a blend of deep drawers, lower-level storage and straightforward shelving. The result keeps everyday items within easy reach while allowing daylight and air to circulate more freely.
Why high wall cabinets are falling out of favour
For years, kitchen layouts tended to follow a familiar formula: base units below, a worktop at mid level, and a heavy run of wall cabinets above. It was functional, but it brought compromises.
Those tall cupboards could block natural light, make smaller rooms feel tighter, and create a looming band above the worktop. In many households, the highest shelves were awkward to access, so they became a dumping ground for rarely used gadgets and chipped mugs.
Designers increasingly prioritise comfort at eye and arm height, rather than storage stacked so high that a step stool becomes essential.
This change also reflects how the kitchen is used today. It is no longer just a cooking zone: it is where people reply to emails, supervise homework, welcome friends and try out bold TikTok recipes. A space with so many roles benefits from calmer sightlines, fewer visually heavy elements, and storage that supports daily habits instead of getting in the way.
The new go-to layout: deep drawers and open shelves
The approach appearing in magazines - and, increasingly, in real homes - is strikingly straightforward. Instead of filling the walls with bulky cupboards, designers are pairing two key components:
- generous, deep drawers or pull-out “basket” units beneath the worktop
- slim open shelves on the wall in place of full-height wall cabinets
Together, these elements share the workload. The deep drawers handle most of the storage out of sight, while the open shelves finish the wall neatly and keep frequently used items within instant reach.
Deep drawers that make proper use of the space
Today’s kitchen drawers are a world away from the shallow, flimsy drawers many people remember. Modern systems glide smoothly, take substantial weight and use the full depth of the cabinet.
Because they extend fully, you can view everything at a glance. That means no more crouching in front of a gloomy cupboard and reaching into the far corner for a pan you forgot you owned.
With pull-out drawers, the storage comes to you - rather than you climbing up or bending down to reach it.
Internal dividers and organisers make the difference. A single large drawer can be split into practical sections: plates stored upright, pans and lids kept in separate tracks, and pantry jars grouped so the labels stay visible.
Minimal shelves that let the wall “breathe”
On the wall, the emphasis is on lightness. Picture narrow timber or metal shelves rather than big boxy cupboards. They are often installed above the splashback and intentionally stop well below the ceiling.
In most kitchens, open shelves tend to do three jobs:
- visually complete the wall without cutting off light
- keep everyday essentials (mugs, olive oil, spice jars) visible and easy to grab
- add character with cookbooks, small plants or ceramics
Because open shelves are shallow and exposed, they do not feel like they are pressing down on the worktop. Many people find they naturally reduce clutter: only items they genuinely use or like tend to remain on display.
How removing tall wall units changes day-to-day cooking
Taking out high wall cabinets is not only an aesthetic choice; it also alters how you move around and work in the kitchen.
| Old high wall units | Drawers + shelves alternative |
|---|---|
| Storage piled above shoulder height | Most storage sits between waist and chest height |
| Often requires steps or stools | Easier access for children and older adults |
| Can cast shadows onto the worktop | Allows more natural light onto work surfaces |
| Top shelves become hard to keep orderly | Contents are visible as soon as a drawer is opened |
In small flats, the effect can be dramatic. Removing a chunky row of wall cabinets can make the room feel immediately more open. When paired with lighter paintwork or tiles, the kitchen can seem almost a size larger - without changing the footprint.
Design tactics to make the no-wall-cabinet look succeed
Removing wall cabinets without a clear storage plan can quickly become frustrating. The key is to make up for the lost volume at base level and to be realistic about how much you truly need to keep.
A kitchen without high cupboards succeeds less because of square metres, and more because of how well you edit what you store.
Designers frequently recommend:
- opting for deeper base units (for example, 70 cm instead of the standard 60 cm) if the room can accommodate them
- including at least one tall pantry unit, ideally with pull-out mechanisms, positioned on a side wall
- choosing corner drawers or rotating shelving so awkward corners do not become wasted “dead zones”
- planning at least one “landing zone” shelf near the hob and another close to the coffee machine
Materials matter as well. Chunkier timber or stone shelves feel deliberate and substantial, while slimmer metal shelves can suit smaller or ultra-modern kitchens. Brackets can be concealed for a floating look, or left visible for a more industrial finish.
Ventilation and extraction: a practical consideration many people miss
One knock-on effect of removing wall cabinets is that the extractor and splashback area becomes more visually prominent. If you cook frequently, it is worth investing in effective extraction and positioning it carefully, especially if you are relying on open shelves nearby. A well-specified cooker hood and an easy-clean splashback can do as much for day-to-day comfort as any storage upgrade.
Sustainability: reusing tall wall units rather than sending them to landfill
If your tall wall units are still in good condition, you do not necessarily need to dispose of them. Some homeowners repurpose them in a utility room, garage or hallway as closed storage, or donate them via local reuse networks. Reusing existing cabinets can reduce waste and free up budget for drawer organisers, better lighting or a quality pantry unit.
Who benefits most from replacing tall cupboards
Not every household stores and cooks in the same way, but several groups often see the biggest improvement from ditching tall cupboards.
Families with children
When storage moves into lower drawers, children can help set the table, unload the dishwasher or fetch snacks without balancing on a chair. Many families allocate one or two shallower drawers to children’s plastic plates, smaller cutlery and lunch boxes.
People with reduced mobility
For anyone who struggles to reach above shoulder height, tall cupboards can be more trouble than they are worth. A run of pull-out drawers at hip height can hold everything from pots to breakfast cereals while reducing strain on the shoulders and back.
Home cooks who like tools in view
Open shelves often suit people who cook regularly. Having oils, spices, teas and favourite bowls on display can speed up everyday routines and reduce rummaging. With occasional dusting, the open arrangement stays both practical and appealing.
Dust, grease and real-life mess: do open shelves cope?
A common objection is that open shelves will simply gather grease. In practice, the reality depends on where the shelves are placed and how you use the kitchen.
Shelves positioned directly above a hob will need regular cleaning. For that reason, many designers now keep the hob area simpler - a splashback and extraction - and place shelves slightly away from the heat, above a stretch of worktop used more for preparation than frying.
Choosing what lives on the shelves also helps. Items you use daily (glasses, plates, spices) are naturally “self-cleaning” because they are handled constantly. Decorative objects placed higher up may only need a wipe every few weeks.
Planning the switch: questions to ask before renovating
If you are considering removing high wall cabinets, start with a straightforward stocktake. Empty your current wall cupboards onto a table and ask yourself, honestly, whether you use everything you own.
Many homeowners discover that once duplicates, gimmicky gadgets and old crockery are removed, the storage volume they genuinely require is far less than expected.
Next, map out where items would go in the new arrangement:
- everyday plates and bowls: one or two deep drawers near the dishwasher
- pans and lids: a pull-out drawer with vertical dividers, positioned close to the hob
- dry goods: a tall larder/pantry unit with pull-out shelves or internal drawers
- occasional serving platters: higher sections of a tall cabinet or a sideboard, outside the main cooking area
Working through this plan often shows that deep drawers, one well-designed tall pantry unit and a handful of open shelves can replace an entire run of traditional wall cabinets without sacrificing ease of use.
Extra touches: lighting, acoustics and atmosphere
Once the wall above the worktop is freed up, lighting options broaden. Instead of relying on a dim strip light under wall cabinets, you can add slim LED bars, wall lights, or a small pendant above a breakfast spot. Light reflects off the open wall, which can make prep work less tiring on the eyes.
There can be an acoustic change too. Removing large cupboards may slightly alter how sound travels, particularly in open-plan homes. Some designers balance this by introducing softer materials - a rug beneath the dining table, fabric blinds, or acoustic panels that double as artwork - to keep conversation comfortable.
If you are renting or working to a tight budget, you do not have to commit to a full refit. You can trial the idea by removing a couple of wall units, making good the wall, then fitting two or three sturdy shelves. Combine that with improved organisers inside existing base units, live with the hybrid setup for a few months, and see whether you miss the old wall cabinets at all.
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