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a kitchen with blue cabinets and white tile walls
Walker Woodworking

LIFE, STYLED

The Open Concept: Embracing Kitchen Design without Upper Cabinets

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In recent years, kitchen design trends have shifted toward a more open-concept and airy feel, moving away from traditional closed-off layouts. One standout trend is the elimination of upper cabinets in favor of open shelving or a more minimalistic aesthetic. This approach enhances the sense of spaciousness and complements the open-concept style, offering greater creative freedom in both layout and design.

Embracing Minimalism

The absence of upper cabinets in a kitchen can instantly create a sense of airiness and openness. It allows for uninterrupted sightlines, making the kitchen more extensive and inviting. This design choice is particularly effective in smaller kitchens, where upper cabinets sometimes make the space cramped.

a kitchen with blue cabinets and white countertops
Walker Woodworking

Functional Alternatives

While losing storage space might seem daunting, several functional alternatives to traditional upper cabinets exist. Floating shelves, for example, can be a stylish and practical solution. They provide a place to display decorative items or frequently used kitchenware while maintaining an open and airy feel.

Creating Visual Interest

Without upper cabinets, there is an opportunity to create visual interest in the kitchen. This can be achieved through statement backsplashes, bold paint colors, or eye-catching lighting fixtures. The absence of upper cabinets allows these design elements to take center stage, adding personality and charm to the space.

Practical Considerations

When designing a kitchen without upper cabinets, practicality must be considered. This includes ensuring that there is enough storage space in other areas of the kitchen, such as lower cabinets, drawers, or a pantry. It’s also important to consider the placement of appliances and other functional elements to ensure ease of use and efficiency.

a wood shelves with fruit and a bowl of teapot on it
Walker Woodworking

Conclusion

Designing a kitchen without upper cabinets can be a bold and refreshing choice. It allows for a more open and airy feel, creates opportunities for creative design elements, and can make a small kitchen feel larger. With careful planning and consideration of functional needs, this design approach can result in a stylish and practical kitchen that is both functional and beautiful.

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a kitchen with white cabinets and blue and white flowersGreenbrook Design

How to Prepare for a Home Remodel

What's New

Watching HGTV can excite anyone about a home remodel, but it is not as easy as they make it out to be. Once the renovation starts, certain things take place. The things you were used to doing suddenly require some creative thinking, such as cooking or even getting everyone ready in the morning. While a renovation can be a little disruptive to our daily routine, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here, we share a few things about what to expect during a home remodel and how to navigate with ease.

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September 21, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Semi-custom-cabinets-MetropolitanCabinets-blue-island-Metro-Door-kitchen-remodel-large-island-farmhouse-kitchen-Greenbrook-Design-Rainstorm-paint-color-2.jpg?fit=1869%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1869 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-09-21 19:57:352025-07-30 19:57:52How to Prepare for a Home Remodel
family

Kid-Friendly & Mom Approved: Designing for the Family

Life, Styled

As a parent, you already know that having children changes how you see the world, and adjustments to your schedule are inevitable. When designing a home, you want it to be functional and safe for you and your children. This does not mean that you can’t have a style that reflects you, but here are a few tips to make it work for all your family members.

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September 14, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Pink-bedroom-white-bedroom-lighting-wallpapered-bedroom.jpg?fit=1793%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1793 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-09-14 20:02:282025-07-30 20:02:48Kid-Friendly & Mom Approved: Designing for the Family
A bathroom with a claw tub and a walk in shower and with tile flooringWalker Woodworking

Choosing Between a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel

Design Notes

Two rooms in any home have the most potential to affect the property’s appeal and value when it is put on sale: the kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens are valued because they function as a hub where people socialize and meals are prepared. Bathrooms are important because they are where people go to relax and unwind with a hot shower. The condition of a home’s kitchen and bathroom influences its market value.

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September 7, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-custom-master-bathroom-cabinets-two-toned-bathroom-cabinets-.jpg?fit=1707%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1707 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-09-07 20:06:512025-07-30 20:13:38Choosing Between a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel
a kitchen with white cabinets and stainless steel appliancesGreenbrook Design

Revisiting Your Space

Design Notes

Our top priority is helping our clients achieve a space that is suited to their needs and unique lifestyles. Here are three ways we strive to do this and help you create a safe and well-thought-out space for you and your family.

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September 1, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Semi-custom-cabinets-Pure-White-kitchen-remodel-Greenbrook-Design-Sharp-Appliances-large-drawers-kitchen-storage.jpg?fit=1939%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1939 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-09-01 20:18:002025-07-30 20:18:18Revisiting Your Space
A tv sitting on top of a wooden frameless cabinet standWalker Woodworking

Beginner’s Guide to Smart Home Products

Life, Styled

Whether you’ve recently purchased a new construction house or you happen to live in a historic home, there are several things you can do to make your home more technologically advanced. From unique features on kitchen appliances to the latest security accessories, where do you begin when upgrading to a smart home? Read on for some tips, tricks, and easy hacks that will help you discover how to make your housework harder and smarter for you.

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August 21, 2020/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-frameless-cabinets-entertainment-center-quarter-sawn-white-oak-Rubio-finish-floating-shelves.jpg?fit=1920%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1920 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2020-08-21 20:28:362025-08-10 17:59:14Beginner’s Guide to Smart Home Products
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Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
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Vendors require an appointment. Please contact: Jan@greenbrookdesign.com

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