…or down lowSimilarly, dark units contrast beautifully with white walls. In fact, there isn’t much space for wall units in this kitchen anyway, but even if there was, a row of dark cabinets above the worktops would have distracted from the striking look of the room. The clear expanse of metro tiles gives this kitchen a cool, dramatic feel.
Get creativeBy avoiding wall units, you can give yourself the opportunity to introduce different storage ideas. The owners of this kitchen have added personality to their space with some kitchen cabinet alternatives made from distressed wood and copper piping. The upcycled items add much more interest and character to the room than standard cupboards.
Practice patienceIs the fact that your tap is 8mm larger than you’d pictured, or the paint colour you chose is half a degree darker than the tin suggested bothering you? Then say to yourself daily: No one else will notice. Also remember that, much like life itself, nothing in interiors is fixed, and there’s no law against deciding in a couple of years’ time that you were right, and you genuinely do hate that paint colour/bizarre tap. By then, you’ll hopefully have banked more cash and energy. In the meantime, you might just learn to live with it, or even love it.
Keep it fresh and airyThe fresh colour scheme of this kitchen gives the room a light feel, the white walls and worktop toning with the cream units to create a wonderfully bright space. Wall units would have looked fine here, but by leaving the area clear, the designer has lifted the space even more. It feels elegant, uncluttered and airy.See more cream kitchens on HouzzWhat are your thoughts on wall units? Are they a must-have for you, or would you consider doing without them? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
Highlight architectural featuresIf the walls in your kitchen benefit from beautiful architectural details, don’t feel you need to cover them up. In order to have fitted wall cabinets in this country cookspace, the owners would have had to plaster the walls, hiding the beautiful stonework. Instead, the designers have configured the kitchen in order to do without wall units, leaving the stonework to take centre stage.
Make spaceThis U-shaped kitchen has a simple, uncluttered style, with metro tiles lining the walls right up to the ceiling. The lack of wall units helps to keep that streamlined look, and prevents the space feeling too enclosed. The designers have gone for kitchen shelves instead of cabinets as an alternative storage solution. A steel shelf, which matches the oven and extractor, provides an extra area for decorative items, and the base units and tall cabinet offer plenty more spots to stash kitchenalia.
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