Why are your cabinets so high up?

I would use the colored back splash tiles behind the range.

I am putting an open shelf 18 inches above the countertop. I hate having extra space above cabinets. Now I can utilize that area for momento's (I collect shot glasses when i travel) and extra storage for duplicate items from costco. Plenty of things I don't use often and not have to worry about them getting all greasy.

At least the stuff on the shelf below I can easily keep clean.

I’m not sure about tile placement, but I can tell you the Hudson tiles look really good installed. I used them on my fireplace.

Oh thank you. It is helpful to see a large are of it.

This was also an option. I think I am leaning towards.

That looks good Traci.

Stop the Pop. That will be the first thing you regret. Do it all in that wonderful color. Mixing it up is wrong stylistically and is way too busy visually. Plus the real marble clashes with the fake marble counter and needs to be the first to get voted off the island.

Thanks. I am going to go with the white subway tile and white grout. The wood shelfs i am putting up should be enough warmth.

I keep thinking about how high your cabinets are. Before you tile you might want to give that more thought if you’re going to resell in the next 5-10 years. If the shelf is at 18”, your cabinets must be at least 24”? I would not be able to reach even the bottom cabinet shelf.

They are higher then that,,.18" up is the shelf. 10 inches above that is the cabinet. So its more like 29" I really just view the first open shelf to be the first shelf of the cabinets... it just exposed instead of closed behind a door or seen behind glass.

I am 5'4 and can reach the bottom 2 shelfs. I use a step ladder for the top 2. I have to tippy toe for the 2nd shelf, but I put tall things on their sides in there. So i don't have to reach to the back, just grab it from the front and pull it out.

Most of what I use on a daily basis is stored below on the first 2 shelfs, the exposed shelf and in the pantry.

Nothing would make me prefer leaving a 10 inch gap at the top.. that gets greasy and has to be kept up. I know I could have used ALOT of crown molding. However I don't like the look of large moldings in a tiny kitchen. I also don't want to waste that space.

The original plan was to stack a small set of cabinets above the first, However, because of the break down in cabinets. and who I was working with, they said the top short one only come in doubles. Getting a layout I liked to compensate that wasn't working.

BTW no plans to sell. I am in NYC. I have seen some dumps sell way too high. I don't think cabinets being high up will be a deal breaker .. But still absolutely no plans to sell.

Here are some pics that I got inspiration from.

Example

Example

Example

example

None of the above.

https://www.mariakillam.com/ask-maria-travertine-backsplash-wrong-white-kitchen/

This is a situation I see all the time. A perfectly timeless and versatile white kitchen with a bossy, earthy backsplash.

I’m convinced it’s because most people, when designing a kitchen, make the
easy mistake of thinking of the finishes as the final product. And if your kitchen finishes are the end point, well then it seems extremely important to make sure you add something ‘interesting’ when it comes to choosing a backsplash.

This is why I see so many odd backsplash choices in otherwise perfectly versatile white kitchens. The backsplash is usually the last to be chosen and installed. And that is where people suddenly feel the need to make a ‘unique’ and ‘creative’ selection.

My suggestion is to avoid thinking of the installed finishes like tile, in kitchens, bathrooms and on fireplaces, as the final product. Instead, it’s best to think in terms of creating a fresh and versatile backdrop or CANVAS FOR DECORATING.

This is a much better goal.

If your home is a timeless canvas, you have endless possibilities for decorating with colour in fabrics and decor. You can make it as serene or interesting as you like. And you can change it up as often as you want.

That makes a little more sense thinking of the shelf as your first cabinet. I 100% agree with you regarding the space above cabinets. That was a driving factor in remodeling my kitchen. I had 9’ ceilings and a 30” cabinets so there was a huge empty space, it drove me crazy! I chose to hang cabinets at standard height (actually, 17” because I like them a little lower) and run them to the ceiling. I can’t reach most of those either

LOL. I bet that even though you can't reach them they have been super useful for storing things you don't use often. I wanted to do what you did and make a top row of glass cabinets. Just didn't work out well with the dimensions in my kitchen.

@HOR, Son of ODIN I agree with you . I let my father get in to my head. He kept saying my kitchen will be to stark, sterile and white..I thought the gray, white. wood combo would be pretty awesome.

This is the color scheme I want - Only instead of black I am going with a soft iron for the pulls

color scheme

I'm 5'4" and I have to stand on my tippy-toes to reach things on the 2nd shelf in my cabinets, hung 18" above the countertop. I need a step stool for the top shelf. This is a BIG mistake!

Anglophilia - we all have our personal preferences. My last cabinets were 21 inches above the counter. I wouldn't go less then 20 inches - even if I did lower the cabinet.

However, with the open shelf I didn't mind placing that at 18". I would understand your concern if i didn't have a shelf at 18". I technically have the same set up. as you. Only my first shelfs are exposed and the 2nd, 3rd and 4th are behind a door.

A lot of people do open shelving though out like this:

open shelving

I personally would never do that because of cleaning reasons. However, having one open shelf along the bottom that could easily be kept up made more sense for me.

Here are some pictures of how my cabinets are organized, for those who are worried about me. As you will see in all the pictures, I can reach all the second shelf items without tippy toeing. Which means I have access to THREE shelfs without a step ladder.

First cabinet by the window

top shelf - cups we buy from traveling and don't use.

next shelf down - cook books that I rarely use.

----- Below is all within reach

next shelf down. Plates and bowls that I can reach.

next shelf down - mugs we use regularly.

Shelf below it - I plan to put a couple of glass cups for easy access.. Was thinking of getting one of those tiered shelfs.

Next cabinet above the sink - glass.

Top shelf will be more stuff we store in the kitchen but don't actually use. (last time I went to Bali I wanted to get this gorgeous tea set, but had no where in my old kitchen to put it. this would be perfect for something like that. )

next shelf down - expensive glass wear we don't use.. like at all.

----- Below is all within reach

Next shelf down. Cool looking mugs we use sometimes to cook in.

Next shelf down more plates and bowsls

open shelf - sink stuff, measuring cup, measuring spoons hung. maybe a plant

Next cabinet - large one

top shelf shot glass we got from travels. Haven't got them up yet.

Next shelf down Extra Costco items storgage.

----- Below is all within reach

Next shelf down tall items I can reach here, large boxes, oils ( as you see)

Next shelf down I have seasonings for now, but they aren't staying there, This will be for more food box storage.

open shelf - Flour, sugar, rice, pasta containers

Cabinet by the fridge.

Top shelf will be more stuff we store in the kitchen but don't actually use.

Next shelf down drinking and cooking wines. ( I don't drink but my 6'2 Fiance does partake in wine every now and then. )

----- Below is all within reach

Next shelf down had plastic plates and cups - this isn't staying there and will probably be adjusted to cereals or somethings.

Next shelf down is all my teas.

Open shelf - Not sure yet.

On top of this I have the tallest 24 inch pantry that I still have yet to fill up. and a bank of 24 inch draws I have to fill up with stuff. It is not organized yet just stuff thrown in for now.

i think I am good o.O