TL;DR
Get kitchen gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
A Good Housekeeping report highlights a debate over removing upper kitchen cabinets, sparked by designer Lily Walters’ renovation plans and a widely viewed Instagram video. The NKBA’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report says 27% of designers expect fewer upper cabinets in their configurations over the next three years, but designers cited in the report disagree about how practical the change is for typical homes.
Interior designer Lily Walters has prompted renewed debate over whether kitchens need upper cabinets after sharing renovation plans without them, and a 2027 NKBA Kitchen Trends Report indicates that some designers expect to use fewer. The shift could open up wall space and change how a kitchen feels, but designers cited in the report say the trade-off may be less storage, particularly for households without a separate pantry.
In an Instagram video, Walters questioned whether upper cabinets are becoming less common, describing kitchens without them as more open and better suited to prominent tile or backsplash designs. She said removing the cabinets could also help a kitchen feel less like a “shoebox.” Her own renovation plans do not include upper cabinetry.
Good Housekeeping reported that Walters’ video received more than half a million views. The article said many commenters objected to the idea, citing storage and practical concerns. One commenter said elevated storage mattered in a home with a toddler, while another described the design as “fashion over function.” A commenter who had lived without upper cabinets for more than a decade said they requested them again in a later kitchen.
The article also cited the NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report, which found that 27% of designers expect fewer upper cabinets in their cabinet configurations over the next three years. That is a forecast about designers’ plans, not evidence that most homeowners are removing their cabinets or that the feature is disappearing.
Storage Versus an Open Kitchen
The debate is practical as well as visual. Removing upper cabinets can leave more wall area for tile, artwork, or an uninterrupted sightline, and may make a kitchen feel more open. But it also removes everyday storage that many households rely on for dishes, food, and cookware.
That balance can affect renovation budgets and layouts. A household considering fewer cabinets may need another storage solution, such as a pantry or more lower cabinetry. Without one, the design may shift clutter elsewhere or leave frequently used items without an accessible place. The report does not establish which choice works best for every kitchen; the answer depends on available space, storage needs, and the household’s routines.
For readers planning a remodel, the main takeaway is to treat fewer uppers as a design option, not a universal rule. A visually open kitchen can come with functional costs, and those costs are more relevant when there is little alternative storage.
Products Worth Considering
EGO POWER+ HT2600 26-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer (Battery and Charger Not Included)
Greenworks 40V 16-inch Push Lawn Mower with 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
WORX WG430 13 Amp Electric Leaf Mulcher
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
How the Cabinet Debate Emerged
Upper cabinets have long been a familiar part of kitchen design, but Walters’ post puts that convention under scrutiny. Her argument, as described by Good Housekeeping, is that removing them can make a room feel less crowded and give decorative finishes more room to stand out. The response showed that some viewers place a higher value on keeping storage within easy reach.
The NKBA figure adds a measure of industry interest to a conversation amplified by social media. The report says 27% of designers anticipate using fewer upper cabinets in configurations over a three-year period. It does not say that 27% of kitchens will have no uppers, or identify a single reason behind each designer’s forecast.
Designer Carol Estes, quoted in the article, said she tries to persuade clients to skip uppers because people often have too many belongings. By contrast, Magan Bouriot, lead interior designer at CRD Design Build, said the look is often associated with large, high-end homes and may be impractical for typical homeowners who lack a separate pantry.
“Are upper cabinets dying?”
— Lily Walters, interior designer, in an Instagram video
What the Forecast Does Not Show
The available report does not provide the survey’s sample size, detailed methodology, or the exact question behind the 27% forecast. It also does not say how many designers plan to remove all upper cabinets rather than reduce their number. The figure should not be read as a measure of homeowner behavior or as proof of a broad industry consensus.
It remains unclear how the trend will develop, and the article does not provide data on renovation outcomes, resale effects, or costs associated with replacing upper-cabinet storage. The disagreement in the comments and among the designers quoted is evidence of differing preferences, not a representative measure of public opinion.
Planning Around Storage Needs
The next useful step for anyone considering this layout is to map out where dishes, food, and cookware will go before removing cabinets. A pantry, deeper lower cabinets, or a mix of closed storage and selected open shelves may help preserve function while leaving parts of the wall clear.
Designers’ choices over the next three years will provide a clearer picture of whether fewer uppers become more common, but the cited forecast alone cannot settle the question. For now, homeowners weighing a renovation will need to compare the desired open look with their available storage and daily needs.
Key Questions
Are kitchen designers moving away from upper cabinets?
The cited NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report says 27% of designers expect fewer upper cabinets in their configurations over the next three years. It does not show that most designers plan to remove them entirely.
Why are some designers removing upper cabinets?
Designer Lily Walters said kitchens without upper cabinets can feel more open and give tile or backsplash designs greater prominence. Designer Carol Estes also argued that reducing excess belongings can reduce the need for storage.
What is the main concern about removing upper cabinets?
The main concern is losing convenient storage. Magan Bouriot said the approach may be impractical for homeowners without a separate pantry, while social media commenters raised concerns about function and household needs.
Does the 27% figure mean 27% of homeowners are removing cabinets?
No. The article describes a forecast of designers’ plans for kitchen configurations, not a count of homeowners removing cabinets. The report details provided do not establish how many homeowners will make that choice.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
