The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and for good reason. It’s where we gather to cook, eat, entertain, and make memories with our loved ones. As one of the most used rooms in the house, it’s important to create a space that not only functions well but also reflects your personal style.
While most people focus on decorating the main areas of their kitchen, such as countertops and backsplashes, one often overlooked area is the space above your kitchen cabinets. This area can be a great opportunity to add some personality and style to your kitchen. In this guide, we’ll discuss some tips and ideas on how to decorate above your kitchen cabinets.
Why Decorate Above Your Kitchen Cabinets?
You may be wondering why it’s even necessary to decorate above your kitchen cabinets. After all, most people don’t spend much time looking up in a kitchen. But the truth is, adding some decoration and design elements can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your space.
Firstly, decorating above your kitchen cabinets can help to fill in empty space and create a more cohesive look. It can also add some visual interest and depth to an otherwise plain wall. Additionally, it allows you to bring your personal style into the kitchen and make it feel like a true reflection of yourself.
10 Creative Ways on How to Decorate Above Your Kitchen Cabinets
The space above your kitchen cabinets often goes underutilized, leaving a design opportunity waiting to happen. Whether you have a sliver of space or a substantial gap between your cabinets and ceiling, there are countless ways to turn this area into a stylish focal point. If you’re looking for inspiration to revamp this oft-forgotten feature of your kitchen, here are 10 creative suggestions to infuse personality and charm into your cooking space.
1. Plants and Greenery
Adding a touch of green to your kitchen creates a lively and natural atmosphere that can soften the lines of your cabinets. Varying the height of your plants and the types of pots can bring visual interest to the area. Consider using herb planters for a functional and fragrant display, or trailing plants like devil’s ivy for a touch of whimsical elegance. Just make sure to choose low-maintenance varieties that won’t mind the occasional dusting or the proximity to heat and cooking fumes.
2. Art or Statement Pieces
Elevate the sophistication of your kitchen by hanging artwork or featuring a striking statement piece. This could be a large canvas with a vivid painting that matches your kitchen’s color scheme, a series of small framed prints for a gallery appeal, or a sculptural item that reflects your personal taste. By keeping the space above the cabinets consistently styled, you’ll avoid a cluttered look and instead create a curated display that brings cohesion to the room.
3. Baskets or Crates
For a cozy, farmhouse-inspired look, consider placing woven baskets or wooden crates atop your cabinets. These can serve both a decorative and practical purpose, providing storage for items you don’t need to access every day. Not only does this add warmth and texture to your space, but it also helps to break up the monotony of a long row of cabinets.
4. Under-cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting is a practical and stylish solution to illuminate the space above your cabinets while creating an inviting ambiance. LED strips come in various colors and can be dimmable, allowing you to set the mood. Whether you opt for a soft white glow to highlight objects on display, or a more vibrant option to add color to your kitchen, this simple addition can dramatically affect the overall look and feel of the room.
5. Seasonal Decor
Swap out the decorations above your cabinets according to the season or holiday. Wreaths, garlands, and themed items can add a festive touch without overwhelming the space. For instance, in the winter, you might adorn the area with twinkling lights and pine cones, while in the summer, a beachy theme could be achieved with shells and coastal artwork.
6. Cookbooks and Recipe Holders
Highlight your culinary interests by displaying a selection of your favorite cookbooks or recipe holders. Not only is this a practical use of the space for those avid home chefs, but it also contributes a personal touch to your kitchen. By choosing cookbooks with interesting spines or laying them flat and pairing them with cooking essentials, you can create an engaging and dynamic display.
7. Reflective Surfaces
Mirrored or metallic surfaces can add a sense of spaciousness and light to your kitchen, making it feel more open and airy. Antiqued or frosted mirrors can lend a vintage or contemporary aesthetic, respectively, while metals like copper or stainless steel can contribute to a sleek, modern look. Be mindful of the placement and consider what will be reflected to avoid clutter.
8. Collected Items or Antiques
If you have a collection of vintage items, antiques, or quirky knick-knacks, the space above your cabinets can be the perfect gallery. Group similar items together or space them out for a more curated effect. Mixing in books, boxes, or other container-like pieces can provide visual balance and ensure your collection doesn’t look out of place.
9. Architectural Details
Consider adding architectural elements, such as corbels, moldings, or friezes, to bridge the visual gap between the cabinets and the ceiling. These features can add depth and character, making your kitchen feel more custom and upscale. You can paint or stain these elements to match your cabinetry for a seamless integration or choose treatments that contrast for a bolder statement.
10. Use the Space for Extra Storage
If your kitchen is tight on storage, the area above your cabinets can be used practically to store infrequently used items, like kitchen appliances or serving dishes that are too large for your cabinets. Use attractive baskets, bins, or decorative boxes to keep everything looking tidy and conceal the clutter. This way, you’re decorating and cutting down on visible kitchen clutter at the same time.
By following these decorating tips, you can ensure that the space above your kitchen cabinets is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Remember to keep the scale of your decorations in line with the size of your kitchen to maintain a balanced look, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect style that fits your home. With a little creativity, this often-ignored part of the kitchen can become a highlight that showcases your personality and design flair.
How to Choose the Right Decor for Above Kitchen Cabinets
With so many creative ideas floating around, choosing the right decor for above your kitchen cabinets can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your options and select the perfect pieces:
- Consider the Style of Your Kitchen: The decor you choose should complement the overall style of your kitchen. For example, if you have a modern kitchen with sleek and clean lines, opt for contemporary and minimalistic decor above your cabinets. On the other hand, if you have a rustic or farmhouse-style kitchen, go for more natural and homey decorations.
- Keep It Consistent: To maintain a cohesive look, choose items that are similar in style, color, or material. This will prevent your display from looking cluttered or chaotic.
- Think About the Colors: Consider the color scheme of your kitchen and choose decor in complementary or matching colors. You can also create a statement by incorporating a pop of color that contrasts with your kitchen’s overall palette.
- Make Sure It’s Practical: While aesthetics are important, don’t forget about functionality. If you’re using the space above your cabinets for storage, make sure that it’s accessible and easy to use. If you’re purely using it for decorative purposes, make sure that the items you choose won’t collect dust or obstruct your view of the kitchen.
- Personalize It: The space above your cabinets is a great place to showcase your personality and interests. Don’t be afraid to display items that hold sentimental value or reflect your hobbies and passions.
By following these tips, you can choose decor that not only looks great above your kitchen cabinets but also fits seamlessly into your overall kitchen design. Remember to have fun and let your creativity shine as you decorate this often-overlooked space in your home. So go ahead and get creative with the space above your kitchen cabinets – it’s a blank canvas waiting for you to make it
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should Go in Upper Kitchen Cabinets?
Upper kitchen cabinets are best used for storing frequently used items such as dishes, glasses, and cookware. You can also reserve space for pantry items like cereal boxes or canned goods.
How Do I Hide Space Above My Kitchen Cabinets?
There are a few ways to hide the space above your kitchen cabinets if you don’t want to decorate it. You can use fabric or curtain panels to cover the gap, install a soffit or trim piece, or add crown molding at the top of your cabinets for a seamless transition.
Can I Store Things Above My Kitchen Cabinets?
Yes, you can store things above your kitchen cabinets, but it’s important to be mindful of what you store and how accessible it is. Consider using baskets or bins to keep items organized and easily reachable. Additionally, make sure the items you store won’t collect dust or obstruct your view of the kitchen.
Conclusion
In this Markdown document, we discussed various creative ideas for how to decorate above your kitchen cabinets. From incorporating greenery and artwork to displaying collected items or using it for extra storage, there are endless possibilities for making this often-overlooked area a highlight of your kitchen.
We also provided tips on how to choose the right decor and answered some frequently asked questions about utilizing this space effectively. With a little creativity and personalization, you can transform the space above your kitchen cabinets into a curated display that reflects your style and personality. So don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with this blank canvas in your kitchen! Happy decorating!