In many French kitchens, rows of tall cabinets still block the view above the workspace. In Spain, this setup is already changing rapidly. A trend touted as the most modern, functional, and practical for 2027 is replacing the old closed cupboards with storage that visually feels lighter. The idea: clear the walls, let the space breathe, and transform the kitchen into a living-décor as much as a preparation area.
The shift is explained by evolving usage: the kitchen opens onto the living room, we work there, we entertain there, we stay longer. Okdiario notes that in recent years, “kitchen-living rooms” have gained ground in Spain, with a shared floor and coordinated furniture. In this framework, the accumulation of tall closed cabinets is less accepted, in favor of solutions that interact more with the rest of the room.
Why the kitchen without upper cabinets appeals to Spain
According to Okdiario, the 2026 trend centers on large open-plan kitchens, often organized around a central island paired with a breakfast corner where one can have a coffee or dine quickly. In these open spaces, a kitchen without upper cabinets widens the perspective and lets in more natural light. The walls become a calm backdrop for a few selected storage pieces rather than a continuous row of doors.
For the magazine El Mueble, this evolution is primarily social. “It’s no longer just a place to cook, but a space where we share conversations, laughter and intense moments with friends and family,” explains stylist Olga Gil-Vernet. A warmer, more convivial kitchen supports fewer rows of opaque doors, especially when it is visible from the sofa. Lighter wall storage makes the overall space warmer and less bulky.
Showcases, open shelves and columns replace the old cabinets
Experts interviewed by El Mueble also describe a very concrete turning point in layout: “If in 2025 we saw many kitchens without upper cabinets, in 2026 what we will see more and more are large display cabinets, spectacular designs,” they explain. These large kitchen display cabinets lighten the walls while maintaining the comfort of closed storage, ideal for showing glassware and dishes without exposing them to dust.
The famous open shelves, or baldas, are often added to these display cabinets to showcase everyday tableware. El Mueble nevertheless cautions: “In 2026 we leave behind spaces that are cold and minimalist, kitchens entirely white or black, with glossy finishes and thin, smooth worktops. Open shelves, impractical in daily use, are also shrinking,” notes the publication. The storage volume lost vertically is then recovered in closed columns and a modern pantry grouped on a wall section.
Adopt the kitchen without upper cabinets without sacrificing comfort
To translate this trend into one’s own home, the key is to prioritize what remains visible and what must be concealed. Harmonious and frequently used objects can find their place in a display cabinet or on a short shelf near the worktop. Everything that is eclectic, plastic, or bulky is easier to store in deep drawers and solid columns, gathered to form a discreet block.
Materials also play a role in this new landscape. As Elle reminds us, the design kitchen reinvents itself with wood, ceramic, or lacquered furniture, and more structured layouts. In Spain, El Mueble notes that in 2026 spaces that are too cold, all white or all black, with glossy finishes, recede noticeably. The combination of warm wood, light display cabinets, and a few well-chosen open shelves already outlines the face of kitchens for 2027.
