No wall units in kitchen. Practical?

FreeBear

Rosa_Damascena said:

FreeBear said:

Another one here without wall units. My kitchen is 3.4m by 2.4m with a run of units down each side. Not having wall units gives the impression that the space is bigger than it really is. Light coloured walls and plenty of lighting adds to the effect. The downside is a reduction in storage space which encourages a more minimal approach to kitchen life. Having gotten used to no wall units, I really don't want the hassle of having any again.

I don't understand the hassle?

Reaching the top shelves for starters. The dust trap on the top and all the ick that collects up there. On top of that, it makes the kitchen seem much smaller.

Gotkeys

Thanks all, lots to think about.

Gotkeys

@getmore4less I'll try and upload a floor plan. There isn't loads of wall space though. Double doors from diner and door under stairs on first long wall, door into utility on short wall, french doors and large window on second long wall, and boiler and space for a fridge on the other short wall.

maisie_cat

A lot of this may depend on what sort of cooking/baking you do. In my last house, because there were no wall units I could set the breadmaker & multicooker and shove them against the wall while they did their thing. I could still use the space in front of them, now I have wall units I cannot do that, so they take over! Similarly, the toaster now has to be pulled out from under the units. Because we spend so much time in our kitchens these little things can make a big difference

[Deleted User]

Good point, maisie_cat.  I found the same with the kettle and when I had a rice cooker / steamer.    Unless I placed them on the front half of the worktop, the steam would go into the underside of the wall cabinet which had light fittings that wouldn't appreciate it!

scottishblondie

If you feel like there’s enough storage space without wall units then don’t bother with them. If you change your mind down the line then you can always add some. 

I wouldn’t go for open shelves instead though - I know they’re very on trend at the moment but everything would get so greasy and dusty!

Rosa_Damascena

scottishblondie said:

If you feel like there’s enough storage space without wall units then don’t bother with them. If you change your mind down the line then you can always add some. 

I wouldn’t go for open shelves instead though - I know they’re very on trend at the moment but everything would get so greasy and dusty!

I am not a fan open shelves for the same reason, but am a great believer in never having enough storage space!

mug2007

We don’t have wall units, our kitchen is big enough not to need them.  We have 4 tall cabinets to help with storage and an island with big drawers.  Our previous 3 kitchens needed wall units as there wouldn’t be enough storage otherwise.  I prefer without as kettle, toaster, bread maker, bread bin, coffee machine, slow cooker are all easier to use without a wall unit above.  Plus it lightens up the room and makes it feel more spacious.  Definitely give it a go without wall units if that’s what you fancy.