Why We Chose No Upper Cabinets in our Kitchen

This might be a little controversial, but we decided not to incorporate upper cabinets in our kitchen. This was intentional! We had a clear vision of how we wanted to live and move around this space, and ditching the typical cabinet setup seemed like the right move. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly. We knew that without upper cabinets, we had to make sure everything worked perfectly for us. The shelves couldn’t just be decorative; they needed to be practical, too. At the end of the day, they had to hold our everyday dishes and essentials, not just pretty things we’d look at from time to time. We went back and forth on it, but in the end, we felt that open shelving suited our lifestyle and brought our kitchen to life in a way that feels just right for us.

Shelving Strategy: Maximizing Storage and Style

When it came to installing our shelves, we knew that precise measurements were key to ensuring they fit perfectly. We started by measuring our dinner plates, so the shelves would be just the right size to accommodate them comfortably. This was a crucial step that may have been overlooked, but assured that the shelf was functional and intentional. 

Next, we had to make sure that the shelves were up to par. The decision to go with a quartzite (‘Taj Mahal’ for reference) was intentional. Quartzite is known for being durable and pretty heavy, so we had to make sure that they were properly supported. You’ve probably seen this popular design element being implemented in more of a decorative ledge type of style. That’s ultimately what we were going for but with genuine shelves, not just a tiny marble ledge.

Since we went this route, we had to make sure that the walls had enough support in them. We even added brass brackets for that extra assurance. Our fabricator said there was no way he could build it in a way that would hold that much weight without some sort of artificial support. So, we found these brass brackets which I really do love.

Intentional Appliance Storage

To maximize storage we decided to extend the shelf all around the kitchen. This design choice wraps the shelf around three walls, giving us ample space for our essentials and creating a cohesive look throughout the room.

On one side, we’ve got this full-height appliance garage where we stash our coffee maker, blender, and coffee cups—basically all the stuff we use every day. It’s a game changer for keeping the counters clear and organized.

Mixing Function with Fun

So, here’s the deal with the shelves: I like to use them for all the practical stuff, like dishes and kitchen gear. But, I also throw in some pretty things to keep it looking fresh and lived-in. I don’t like when the kitchen feels like a totally separate space from the rest of the house. I’m all about making it feel like it’s part of your home, not just a place where you cook and store bulky and unaesthetic appliances.

Think of it like styling a living room or a bookshelf. You can add some fun touches, like antlers, a vase of flowers, or a cool piece of art. It’s all about creating a vibe that feels just as inviting and personal as the rest of your home!

Even in a small kitchen, where counter space is at a premium and you need to keep things uncluttered, you can still make room for a bit of style. The key is balancing functionality with those little touches that make your kitchen feel like a real part of your home.

(Read our post if you want to know how to maintain and care for your quartzite counters)