Spain leads trend in removing upper kitchen cabinets

A significant shift in kitchen design is emerging in Spain, where traditional upper wall cabinets are being replaced by more open and social layouts. This trend, projected to gain momentum through 2027, is driven by the rise of open-plan kitchen-living rooms where the cooking area integrates directly with social spaces like the living room.

Designers are moving away from heavy, opaque cupboards in favor of solutions that increase natural light and visual space. Common alternatives include slim shelves, open shelving, and large glass-fronted display cabinets or vitrines. Stylist Olga Gil-Vernet notes that the kitchen is evolving from a purely functional cooking area into a convivial space for sharing moments with family and friends.

Industry data supports this movement. A National Kitchen and Bath Association study indicated that 38 per cent of designers expect fewer wall cabinets in the coming years. Additionally, a Houzz study found that 36 per cent of new accent cabinets were glass-fronted, reflecting a move toward lighter, more decorative storage solutions rather than solid, minimalist doors.