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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 orange couch in front of a mirrorGreenbrook

Welcome To Moe’s

Design Notes

Moe’s Home Collection is, today, one of our greatest finds at the High Point Furniture Market.  Three years ago, we stumbled across Moe’s during one of our twice-annual trips to High Point. We fell in love with their rustic, industrial modern furniture and home decor.

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September 7, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/moes.jpg?fit=1242%2C630&ssl=1 630 1242 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2019-09-07 14:58:002025-07-29 15:14:34Welcome To Moe’s
A kitchen with wood cabinets and drawers with a drawer full of silverware and wood floorWalker Woodworking

Organize: Your Kitchen

Design Notes

An organized kitchen is the foundation of a smooth cooking experience, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—creating delicious meals. When designing your new kitchen, it’s essential to plan your space thoughtfully. This includes not only considering large items but also measuring smaller essentials, such as cutlery, plates, and platters, to ensure every item has a designated space. A well-organized kitchen isn’t just visually pleasing; it makes daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable.

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September 1, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-silverware-drawer-kitchen-countertop-walnut-wood.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 Walker2019-09-01 15:00:002025-07-29 14:46:17Organize: Your Kitchen
National-kitchen-bath-association-NKBANKBA

NKBA Winners In Vegas: Innovative, Unique, and Interactive

Life, Styled

We are thrilled to announce that Greenbrook Design has been honored with an award from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, recognizing our showroom for excellence in customer engagement, education, and unforgettable experiences. This award celebrates showrooms that demonstrate innovation, uniqueness, and interactivity in their design—and we are incredibly proud to have been selected.

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August 30, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NKBA_LogoMaster_primary.jpg?fit=831%2C521&ssl=1 521 831 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2019-08-30 15:03:002025-07-29 14:07:30NKBA Winners In Vegas: Innovative, Unique, and Interactive
White kitchen breakfast bar Walker woodworking cabinets dura supreme cabinets white backsplash

Questions About Your Kitchen Remodel? – What You Didn’t Know You Needed To Know!

Life, Styled

When planning a kitchen remodel, some decisions feel straightforward—painted or stained cabinets? Full renovation or partial upgrade? Traditional or modern aesthetic? Quartz or granite countertops? These are key choices that set the tone for your project.

However, it’s often the smaller, easily overlooked details that make a kitchen truly functional and enjoyable. In this post, we’ll explore a few of these important yet less obvious elements—and why they deserve just as much attention during the planning process.

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August 28, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/White-kitchen-breakfast-bar-Walker-woodworking-cabinets-dura-supreme-cabinets-white-backsplash.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 Walker2019-08-28 13:50:002025-08-01 14:11:52Questions About Your Kitchen Remodel? – What You Didn’t Know You Needed To Know!
A kitchen with wood cabinets and white countertops and a double faucet sinkWalker Woodworking

Tips From The Trade, Why So Many: Kitchen Renovations Go Over Budget

Design Notes

Don’t let these common budgeting pitfalls overwhelm you. With proper planning and guidance, they can be easily avoided. We’re here to support you throughout the entire process. If you’re unsure where to start, contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation or visit our showroom to explore installed products and gather inspiration for your project.

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August 21, 2019/by Stacey Walker
https://i0.wp.com/greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Walker-Woodworking-custom-cabinets-backsplash-quarter-sawn-white-oak-rubio-finish-under-cabinet-lighting-hardware.jpg?fit=1895%2C1280&ssl=1 1280 1895 Stacey Walker https://greenbrookdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Design-Center-Logo-1-02-300x213.png Stacey Walker2019-08-21 15:19:002025-08-01 13:56:43Tips From The Trade, Why So Many: Kitchen Renovations Go Over Budget
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Jan@greenbrookdesign.com
980-404-9600

 

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Our showroom is open to the public. Design meetings require an appointment, which can be done by phone or email. CONTACT US

 

Vendors require an appointment. Please contact: Jan@greenbrookdesign.com

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