Say goodbye to traditional tall kitchen cabinets-everyone’s opting for this space-saving, comfortable option now.

Open, airy kitchens are quietly replacing crowded, boxy layouts, and a once “untouchable” element of traditional design is suddenly disappearing.

Across Italy and the rest of Europe, designers are rethinking how we store plates, glasses, and pantry staples. The tall wall cabinets that once lined every kitchen are being torn out and replaced by a mix of deep drawers, low storage, and simple shelving-keeping everything within easy reach while letting light and air move more freely.

Why high wall cabinets are losing their crown

For decades, kitchen planning followed the same formula: base cabinets on the bottom, a countertop in the middle, and a heavy band of wall cabinets up top. It worked, but it came with trade-offs.

Those tall cabinets ate up light. They made small rooms feel tighter. And for many people, the top shelves were barely reachable-turning into a graveyard for unused gadgets and chipped mugs.

Designers say the new priority is comfort at eye and arm level-not storage stacked so high you need a step stool.

This shift is happening as the kitchen itself changes roles. It’s now where we answer emails, help with homework, host friends, and try ambitious TikTok recipes. That kind of everyday, multi-use space calls for calmer surfaces, less visual clutter, and storage that supports daily routines instead of working against them.

The new favorite combo: big drawers and light shelves

The alternative showing up in magazines-and in real homes-is surprisingly simple. Instead of filling the walls with bulky cabinets, designers are combining two elements:

• Large, deep drawers or pull-out “basket” units under the countertop
  
• Slim, often open shelves on the walls instead of full-height cabinets

These two features work together. The drawers handle the bulk of storage out of sight. The shelves visually finish the wall and keep key items instantly accessible.

Deep drawers that actually use space well

Modern kitchen drawers are nothing like the shallow, flimsy ones from the past. Today’s versions glide smoothly, handle serious weight, and make use of every inch of depth.

They pull all the way out, so you can see everything at once. No more kneeling in front of a dark cabinet and reaching into the back corner for a forgotten pan.

With pull-out drawers, you bring the storage to you instead of climbing or bending to reach it.

Dividers and organizers matter here. By breaking a large drawer into zones, you can store plates vertically, separate pans and lids into dedicated slots, or group pantry jars so labels are always visible.

Minimal shelves that let the wall breathe

On the wall, the trend is lightness: narrow wood or metal shelves, not bulky boxes. They often sit above the backsplash and stop well below the ceiling.

These shelves do three main jobs:

• Finish the wall aesthetically without blocking light
  
• Keep daily items-coffee cups, olive oil, spice jars-visible and reachable
  
• Add personality with books, small plants, or ceramics
  

Because shelves are shallow and open, they don’t visually “press down” over the countertop. People who are sensitive to clutter tend to be more selective: only what they truly use or love stays on display.

How this layout changes everyday life in the kitchen

The impact of removing tall wall cabinets isn’t just visual. It changes how you move and cook.

Old high wall cabinets	Drawers + shelves alternative
Storage stacked above shoulder height	Most storage between waist and chest height
Often requires steps or stools	Accessible even for kids or older adults
Shadows over the countertop	More natural light on the work surface
Top shelves are hard to keep organized	Everything is visible when you open a drawer

For small apartments, this can be transformative. Removing a row of chunky cabinets instantly opens up the room. Paired with lighter paint or tile, the kitchen can feel nearly one size larger-without changing the floor plan.

Who benefits most from ditching tall cabinets

Not every home has the same needs, but several groups tend to gain the most from this shift.

Families with children

Lower drawers mean kids can help set the table, unload the dishwasher, or grab snacks without climbing onto a chair. You can dedicate one or two shallow drawers to their plastic plates, kid-sized utensils, and lunch boxes.

People with limited mobility

For anyone who struggles to reach above shoulder height, tall cabinets are simply inconvenient. A bank of pull-outs at hip height lets you store everything from pots to cereal within easy reach, reducing strain on shoulders and back.

Home cooks who like to see their tools

Open shelves work well for people who cook often. Keeping oils, spices, teas, and favorite bowls in view means no rummaging. With occasional dusting, the open look stays practical and attractive.

Design tricks to make the no-wall-cabinet look work

Simply ripping out wall cabinets without a plan can backfire. The key is to make up for that storage below and stay realistic about how much you actually need.

The success of a kitchen without high cabinets depends less on square footage and more on editing what you store.

Designers often recommend these guidelines:

• Choose deeper base cabinets (for example, 27.5 inches instead of the standard 23.5 inches) where the room allows it.
  
• Add at least one tall pantry cabinet-ideally with pull-out mechanisms-on a side wall.
  
• Use corner drawers or rotating shelves to avoid dead space.
  
• Plan at least one “landing zone” shelf near the stove and one near the coffee machine.
  

Materials matter, too. Thicker wood or stone shelves look solid and intentional, while slim metal works well in smaller or ultra-modern spaces. Brackets can be hidden for a floating look or left visible for an industrial style.

What about dust, grease, and real-life mess?

Skeptics often ask the same thing: won’t shelves just collect grease? In practice, a lot depends on placement and habits.

Shelves directly above a stove will need frequent cleaning. Many designers now leave that area as a simple backsplash and place shelves farther away-over a section of counter used more for prep than frying.

It also helps to choose shelf items wisely. Things you use daily-glasses, plates, spices-get “self-cleaned” through constant handling. Decorative pieces stored higher up may only need a wipe every few weeks.

Planning the switch: questions to ask before you renovate

If you’re considering this change, start with a quick inventory. Take everything from your current wall cabinets, spread it out on a table, and ask honestly: do I use all of this?

Many homeowners find that once duplicate gadgets and old dishes are gone, the amount of storage they actually need is far smaller than they expected.

Then sketch how you’d reassign storage:

• Everyday plates and bowls: one or two deep drawers near the dishwasher.
  
• Pans and lids: a pull-out drawer with vertical dividers, close to the stove.
  
• Dry goods: a tall pantry cabinet with pull-out shelves or interior drawers.
  
• Occasional serving platters: upper sections of a tall cabinet or a sideboard, not the main cooking zone.
  

Running through this exercise often shows that deep drawers, one well-designed tall cabinet, and a few open shelves can replace an entire row of traditional wall cabinets without sacrificing practicality.

Extra touches: lighting, acoustics, and atmosphere

Clearing the wall above the countertop also opens up new lighting options. Instead of a shadowy strip under cabinets, you can use slim LED bars, wall sconces, or even a small pendant over a breakfast nook. Light reflects off the open wall, making tasks easier on the eyes.

There’s also an acoustic effect. Removing large cabinets can slightly change how sound travels, especially in open-concept spaces. Some designers respond by adding soft elements-a rug under the dining table, fabric shades, or acoustic panels disguised as art-to keep the room comfortable for conversation.

If you rent or are on a tight budget, a full renovation isn’t the only option. You can try a partial experiment: remove a couple of wall cabinets, patch and paint, then install two or three sturdy shelves. Pair that with a new organizer system inside your existing base cabinets. Living with that hybrid setup for a few months can help you decide whether you miss the old cabinets at all.