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A kitchen renovation video by interior designer Lily Walters has renewed debate over whether kitchens need upper cabinets. The report cites an NKBA survey finding that 27% of designers expect to use fewer uppers in their cabinet configurations over the next three years, while designers and homeowners raise practical concerns about storage.
Interior designer Lily Walters has prompted renewed debate about upper kitchen cabinets after sharing plans for a renovation without them, while a cited industry survey suggests some designers expect to use fewer uppers. The discussion puts visual openness against everyday storage needs, especially for households without a separate pantry.
In an Instagram video, Walters questioned whether upper cabinets are becoming less common and described reasons to leave them out. She said a kitchen without them can feel more open, create more space for a visually striking backsplash or tile, and avoid a “shoebox” feeling. Her own renovation plans, as described in the report, do not include upper cabinetry.
The post drew more than half a million views, according to Good Housekeeping. Many commenters defended upper cabinets, citing storage and practical needs. One commenter raised concerns about keeping glass out of reach of a toddler; another called the cabinet-free approach “fashion over function.” A different commenter said they had lived without uppers for more than a decade but wanted them again in a new home.
The report also cites the NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report, which says 27% of designers expect fewer upper cabinets in their cabinet configurations over the next three years. That figure describes designers’ expectations, not a measured share of kitchens already built without uppers. Designer Carol Estes said she encourages clients to remove them in some cases, arguing that reducing excess belongings can help address storage needs.
Storage Choices Shape Kitchen Plans
The debate matters to people planning a renovation because removing upper cabinets changes more than a kitchen’s appearance. It reduces enclosed storage at counter height and can require households to rethink where dishes, food and everyday supplies will go. A design that looks open in a large home may be harder to use in a smaller kitchen or one without a pantry.
At the same time, fewer upper cabinets can leave more wall area visible and give greater prominence to tile, a backsplash or other finishes. The survey figure suggests the idea has a place in designers’ plans, but it does not establish that cabinet-free kitchens are becoming the standard. The decision depends on the room, household needs and available storage elsewhere.
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Walters’ post is the immediate trigger for the discussion described in Good Housekeeping’s report. The comments show a split between people attracted to the roomier look and those who prioritize accessible, enclosed storage. The reaction does not amount to a representative survey of homeowners; it reflects responses to one social media post.
Designer Magan Bouriot, lead interior designer at CRD Design Build, said the push to remove uppers is driven largely by social media and aspirational images of large, high-end homes. She argued that the approach may be impractical for an average homeowner without a separate pantry. Bouriot also pointed to alternatives, including glass-front cabinets, selected open shelves and extending the backsplash, that can change the feel of a kitchen while retaining some storage.
“Are upper cabinets dying, because this week on ‘things I’m questioning as a designer,’ I’m questioning upper cabinets.”
— Lily Walters, interior designer, in an Instagram video
How Widely Uppers Will Decline
The report does not provide the full survey methodology, sample size or detailed wording behind the 27% figure, so its scope cannot be assessed from the cited information alone. It also does not say how many designers expect no change or more upper cabinets. The figure is a forecast about design choices over the next three years, not evidence that the change has already occurred across the housing market.
It remains unclear how Walters’ own renovation will function once completed, including what storage she plans to use instead. The social media response also cannot show how representative either side of the debate is among homeowners. Practicality will vary with kitchen size, household routines and pantry access.
Renovation Plans Will Test the Trade-Off
The next useful evidence will be whether the NKBA’s forecast is reflected in completed kitchen plans and future survey results. For homeowners, the immediate next step is to map storage needs before removing cabinetry: count what must remain accessible, identify pantry or island capacity, and consider whether selective uppers or shelves can meet those needs.
Walters’ renovation may offer a real-world example once it is complete, but the report gives no completion date or follow-up details. Until then, the available evidence points to an active design debate rather than a settled shift away from upper cabinets.
Key Questions
What sparked the debate about upper kitchen cabinets?
Interior designer Lily Walters shared plans for a renovation without upper cabinets and questioned whether the feature is becoming less common. Her post prompted discussion about appearance, storage and practicality.
What does the 27% figure mean?
The report says 27% of designers in the cited NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report expect fewer upper cabinets in their cabinet configurations over the next three years. It is a forecast, not a count of existing kitchens without uppers.
Why do some designers favor removing upper cabinets?
Supporters say fewer uppers can make a kitchen feel more open and leave more space for tile or a backsplash. Designer Carol Estes also argued that some households can address storage by getting rid of belongings they do not need.
What are the main concerns about removing them?
Upper cabinets provide enclosed, accessible storage. Designer Magan Bouriot said a cabinet-free approach may be impractical for households without a separate pantry, and commenters raised concerns about functionality and keeping items such as glassware out of children’s reach.
Are there alternatives to removing all upper cabinets?
Bouriot suggested glass-front cabinets, selective open shelving or extending the backsplash as ways to change the kitchen’s look while retaining some cabinetry or storage.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
