This 1 cabinet design decision could end up making your kitchen look basic – here's why designers avoid it, and how to fix it

Cabinets are the real workhorse of your kitchen, both functionally and aesthetically. The design you choose can make or break your entire kitchen design, so it's important to get it right to avoid creating a space that looks basic and dated.

One of the most common questions asked is, should your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, and the answer is always yes. Stubby wall cabinets that stop short of the ceiling are almost always the cause of making a kitchen look dated.

Here's why designers always recommend ditching stubby kitchen cabinets, why they are such a problem in your design, and how to take your kitchen from dated to utterly chic with this one small fix.

You might think the height of your upper kitchen cabinets is just a small detail that doesn't affect the overall look of your space, but you'd be very much mistaken. It's perhaps one of the most noticeable details, and something designers always pay attention to for an elevated finish.

'Wall cabinets are always up for discussion, but I would go for slim, glazed, and big, as a good starting point. Stubby, deep ones can be quite ungainly and look a little top-heavy,' says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens.

Having a heavy profile at the top of your space is a quick way to not only make a kitchen look basic and outdated but also create an overcrowded atmosphere that feels uninviting. It will instantly make the room look shorter, bringing down the ceiling height, which is the opposite of what you want to achieve, especially in a small kitchen.

And the reason they look so dated? Because they quite literally hail from kitchens of bygone eras, when design and customization of cabinets were much less sophisticated than they are today.

'In the kitchens of the past, cabinet sizes were standardized and modular to reduce costs and production time. Standardized heights made it much more difficult to have cabinetry extend up to the ceiling, which is why short cabinets are a clear sign that your space is living in the past,' explains interior designer Kristina Khersonsky.

'Design customization has come such a long way over the years, and these days, there is no shortage of custom and semi-custom options that allow you to take full advantage of your ceiling height when installing kitchen cabinetry. This is one reason why shorter cabinetry can feel so dated – we have so many better alternatives to choose from,' she adds.

And those alternatives don't necessarily have to be a taller wall cabinet. You could replace your short design with a few open shelves, a pot hanger, or even a vintage plate rack for a dose of traditional charm.

The key here is to design a kitchen, and by extension, cabinets, that feels considered, stylish, and characterful. Your chosen cabinetry should work for the way you use your kitchen and adhere to your desired aesthetic, rather than being thought of as simply functional.

'Houses are no longer just utilitarian spaces. Short and stocky cabinetry is a mark of that past concept, where houses were more for serving basic functions and less about enhancing and enriching our lives,' says Kristina.

3 ways to fix your stubby wall cabinets

If you're looking to get rid of your stubby wall cabinets, replacing them with designs that go all the way to the ceiling is the best option to balance style and function. However, it's not the only solution, especially if you don't have the budget for a kitchen remodel.

There are plenty of alternatives, from open kitchen shelving to vintage finds that can add character and style to your cooking space in a more unique and unexpected way. Here are a few ideas that get the designer seal of approval.

1. Replace your short wall cabinets with open shelves

As our kitchens become more lived-in, personalized, and sociable, introducing opportunities for displays and decor is key. So, if you currently have short wall cabinets that are causing an eyesore, consider taking them down and replacing them with open shelving.

It's a design decision that retains storage for your favorite plates, cutting boards, and glassware, but allows you to have them on display, meaning they double as decor. layered with decorative pieces such as art, lamps, and vases, you can instantly add a more personalized touch to your kitchen that feels up-to-date and stylish.

2. Introduce a vintage storage piece

Removing your dated short wall cabinets opens up plenty of wall space to introduce a statement design that feels stylish and, most importantly, timeless. So, why not look for something vintage to replace them?

'Use your wall cupboards as statement pieces, maybe vintage, but always pretty or elegant rather than functional,' suggests Helen, who always recommends introducing something vintage to your cooking space for a more characterful feel.

A vintage glass-fronted cabinet, like in this kitchen, adds a more curated, decorative feel that adheres to the rule of taking them to the ceiling, while a plate rack feels more traditional yet still adds plenty of storage space for flatware and glassware, depending on the design you introduce.

3. Install custom trim to add height to your stubby cabinetry

If you're not in a position to remove and replace your stubby wall cabinets, there are a few workarounds that can make a huge difference. To take away that dated aesthetic, simply filling the gap will give your space a more custom feel.

'If replacing your short cabinetry isn’t an option, consider adding on to it instead. By adding custom trim, moldings, or even upper cabinets that are installed to match your current boxes, you can make your short cabinetry feel purposeful,' says Kristina.

You could opt for kitchen cabinet hats or pedestals, one of this year's biggest kitchen trends, to remove the void space between the cabinet and ceiling that feels fun and on-trend, rather than dated.

Alternatively, in a period home, introducing a trim in the style of the era will create a timeless look, rather than an outdated one.

No matter the style or size of your space, kitchen cabinet details (even the tiny ones) are important. A stubby cabinet that leaves a huge gap to the ceiling is the cabinet detail that's making your kitchen look dated, so try one of these alternatives for a more stylish look.