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How To Decorate Space Above Kitchen Cabinets: Best Looks
Can you decorate the space above kitchen cabinets? Yes, absolutely! Decorating the space above kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to add personality, style, and even functionality to your kitchen. It’s a often-overlooked area that can transform a bland kitchen into a stunning focal point. From practical storage solutions to artistic displays, there are countless ways to elevate this vertical real estate. Let’s explore the best looks for kitchen cabinet top decor.
Why Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
The area above kitchen cabinets can feel like a forgotten zone. However, it presents a prime opportunity to enhance your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.
- Adds Visual Interest: It breaks up the monotony of plain walls and can introduce color, texture, and style.
- Personalizes Your Space: This is your chance to showcase your personality and interests.
- Increases Storage: For some, practical storage solutions are key.
- Draws the Eye Upward: This can make a smaller kitchen feel larger and more spacious.
- Completes the Look: It ties the entire kitchen design together, making it feel more finished.
Essential Considerations Before You Start
Before diving into decorating, a few practical points are worth considering. This will ensure your chosen style is both beautiful and appropriate for your kitchen.
Cleaning and Maintenance
This is perhaps the most crucial aspect. Kitchens, by nature, can get dusty and greasy.
- Ease of Cleaning: Choose decor items that are easy to wipe down. Glass, metal, and glazed ceramics are good options.
- Dust Traps: Avoid overly intricate or porous items that will accumulate dust and be difficult to clean.
- Grease Buildup: Consider how close your decor is to the stovetop. Items too close might require more frequent, thorough cleaning.
Scale and Proportion
The size of your cabinets and the height of your ceiling will dictate what works best.
- Large Spaces: If you have a significant gap between cabinets and the ceiling, you can opt for larger items or even decorative shelving.
- Small Spaces: For minimal gaps, smaller, more curated items are ideal. Overcrowding can make the space feel cluttered.
- Cabinet Height: Taller cabinets often allow for more dramatic displays, while shorter ones might suit more understated decor.
Lighting
Good lighting can make all the difference in showcasing your chosen decor.
- Natural Light: If you have windows above your cabinets, leverage the natural light.
- Artificial Light: Consider under-cabinet lighting that can be angled upwards, or small puck lights placed on top of cabinets for a subtle glow.
Style Cohesion
Your decor should complement the existing style of your kitchen.
- Modern Kitchens: Think clean lines, metallic accents, or minimalist art.
- Farmhouse Kitchens: Consider vintage finds, wooden crates, or charming signage.
- Traditional Kitchens: Elaborate vases, decorative plates, or antique pieces might fit well.
Best Looks for Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor
Now, let’s explore the most popular and effective ways to decorate above kitchen cabinets. We’ll cover a range of styles to suit different tastes and kitchen layouts.
1. The Curated Collection: Displaying Items Above Kitchen Cabinets
This approach involves carefully selecting a few items that have meaning to you or complement your kitchen’s color scheme. It’s about quality over quantity.
Key Elements:
- Personal Touches: Family photos in stylish frames, travel souvenirs, or inherited decorative pieces.
- Themed Collections: Grouping similar items like antique kitchen tools, ceramic jugs, or colorful bowls.
- Seasonal Decor: Swapping out items to reflect different seasons or holidays.
Styling Tips:
- Vary Heights: Use items of different heights to create visual interest. A tall vase paired with a shorter bowl and a medium-sized picture frame can create a dynamic arrangement.
- Color Coordination: Stick to a color palette that complements your cabinets and countertops.
- Negative Space: Don’t feel the need to fill every inch. Strategic use of empty space makes your display look more intentional and less cluttered.
Example Arrangement:
Imagine a modern kitchen with white cabinets. Above, you could place a trio of minimalist ceramic vases in varying shades of grey, a framed black and white print of a cityscape, and a small, sleek metallic sculpture.
2. Practical Elegance: Above Cabinet Shelving Solutions
For those who need extra storage, incorporating shelving above cabinets is a smart and stylish choice.
Types of Above Cabinet Shelving:
- Floating Shelves: These offer a clean, modern look, with no visible brackets.
- Open Shelving Units: Can be attached to the wall and offer multiple levels for display and storage.
- Built-in Shelving: If you’re undertaking a renovation, custom-built shelves can be seamlessly integrated.
What to Put Above Kitchen Cabinets on Shelves:
- Cookbooks: Keep your favorite recipes within easy reach.
- Decorative Baskets: Store less attractive items like cleaning supplies or extra linens.
- Glass Jars with Pantry Staples: Fill them with pasta, rice, or grains for a beautiful and functional display.
- Small Potted Plants: Herbs like basil or mint can add a touch of green.
- Charming Signage: Wooden or metal signs with kitchen-themed quotes.
Considerations for Shelving:
- Weight Capacity: Ensure shelves are installed properly and can hold the weight of your items.
- Accessibility: If you plan to use these shelves regularly, make sure they are not too high to reach.
3. Greenery Galore: Adding Life with Plants
Plants bring life, color, and a refreshing feel to any space, and the area above cabinets is no exception.
Best Plants for Above Cabinets:
- Trailing Plants: Pothos, ivy, or string of pearls look beautiful cascading down.
- Low-Maintenance Plants: Snake plants, ZZ plants, or spider plants thrive with minimal care.
- Herbs: If you have good light, consider growing basil, rosemary, or thyme.
Plant Display Ideas:
- Stylish Planters: Choose pots that match your kitchen’s decor – ceramic, terracotta, or metallic.
- Groupings: Place several plants together for a more impactful display.
- Watering: Have a plan for watering. A small watering can with a long spout can be helpful. Consider placing a tray underneath to catch any drips.
4. Artistic Flair: Kitchen Wall Decor Above Cabinets
Transform this vertical space into an art gallery.
Ideas for Kitchen Wall Decor Above Cabinets:
- Framed Artwork: Choose pieces that resonate with you – abstract art, still life, or botanical prints.
- Gallery Walls: Mix and match frames of different sizes and styles.
- Mirrors: A decorative mirror can reflect light and make the space feel larger.
- Metal Wall Art: Adds a modern or rustic touch depending on the design.
- Chalkboards or Letterboards: Perfect for displaying weekly menus, inspirational quotes, or family messages.
Tips for Hanging:
- Secure Anchors: Use appropriate wall anchors for heavier items.
- Consider Placement: Hang art at eye level when standing at counter height for the best viewing experience.
5. The Minimalist Approach: Less is More
For a clean, uncluttered look, a minimalist approach is often the best.
Key Principles:
- Limited Items: Choose one or two well-chosen pieces.
- Neutral Colors: Stick to whites, greys, blacks, or natural wood tones.
- Simple Forms: Opt for items with clean lines and understated designs.
Examples:
- A single, large piece of abstract art.
- A pair of elegant ceramic vases.
- A minimalist sculptural element.
6. Vintage Charm: Antique and Retro Finds
Infuse your kitchen with nostalgia and character by incorporating vintage items.
What to Look For:
- Antique Kitchen Utensils: Rolling pins, graters, or whisks.
- Vintage Tins or Canisters: Great for storing small items or just for display.
- Retro Appliances: Small, decorative vintage-style appliances like a toaster or mixer (if not in active use).
- Old Signs: Advertising or directional signs from bygone eras.
- Enamelware: Pitchers, bowls, or mugs.
Displaying Vintage Items:
- Group by Era or Theme: Display items that share a common vintage feel.
- Mix with Modern Elements: Juxtaposing vintage with modern can create a unique and stylish contrast.
7. Seasonal Transformations: Adding Personality Above Cabinets
Keep your kitchen feeling fresh and dynamic by changing your decor with the seasons.
Spring/Summer Ideas:
- Light and Airy: Use pastel colors, floral arrangements (real or faux), or decorative birdcages.
- Nautical Themes: Seashells, driftwood, or blue and white pottery.
Fall/Winter Ideas:
- Warm Tones: Incorporate pumpkins, gourds, autumnal foliage, or cozy knitted accents.
- Holiday Decor: Christmas ornaments, festive wreaths, or winter-themed figurines.
8. Creative Kitchen Cabinet Top Ideas: Beyond the Usual
Let’s get a bit more adventurous with these creative ideas for decorating kitchen cabinet tops.
Unusual Item Displays:
- Vintage Suitcases: Stack them for a retro travel vibe.
- Decorative Ladders: Lean a wooden ladder against the wall for a rustic touch, perfect for hanging faux greenery or small baskets.
- Architectural Salvage: Old windows, doors, or decorative molding can add unique character.
- Hanging Lanterns or Pendant Lights: If your ceiling height allows, this can add ambient lighting and a stylish focal point.
9. Narrow Space Decor Above Cabinets: Maximizing Tight Spots
If you have a limited gap, don’t despair! These ideas work well for narrow spaces.
Best Practices:
- Slim Items: Think tall, slender vases, slim picture frames, or narrow decorative bottles.
- Wall-Mounted Elements: Consider wall-mounted shelves or artwork that doesn’t protrude too much.
- Vertical Lines: Items that draw the eye upwards, like a tall, narrow plant or a tiered display.
- Mirrors: A well-placed mirror can create an illusion of depth.
Example Arrangement for a Narrow Space:
A single, tall, slender ceramic vase with a few dried eucalyptus branches, placed centrally above the cabinets. Or, a set of three slim, framed botanical prints hung in a vertical line.
10. Adding Personality Above Cabinets: Reflecting You
This is your kitchen, so let it reflect your unique style and interests!
Ways to Inject Personality:
- Hobby-Related Items: If you love to bake, display vintage baking tools. If you’re a musician, a small decorative instrument could be perfect.
- Family Heirlooms: Items passed down through generations add a personal touch and story.
- Travel Mementos: Display souvenirs or photos from your adventures.
- Quotes and Sayings: Use letterboards or decorative signs with inspiring or funny kitchen-related quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it messy to decorate above kitchen cabinets?
It can be, but careful selection of items and regular cleaning can mitigate this. Opt for items that are easy to wipe down. Also, consider placing a barrier or tray underneath if you’re concerned about spills or dust affecting things below.
Q2: What if I have very low ceilings or no space above my cabinets?
If you have no space above, focus your decorating efforts on other areas like your backsplash, countertops, or walls. Alternatively, you could consider decorative trim or molding just above the cabinets to create a finished look.
Q3: Should I use the same decor on every section of cabinets?
Not necessarily. You can create a cohesive look by using a similar style or color palette but varying the items. For example, if you have a long run of cabinets, you might have a larger grouping on one end and a smaller, more minimalist arrangement on the other.
Q4: How high should I place items above cabinets?
This depends on your ceiling height and the items you are displaying. Generally, you want the items to be visible and not so high that they look out of reach or disproportionate. Aim for a visually pleasing balance with your cabinets and ceiling.
Q5: Can I put open shelving above my cabinets?
Yes, open shelving is a very popular and practical solution. Just ensure it’s installed securely and that you curate what you display on it to maintain a tidy and attractive look.
Decorating the space above kitchen cabinets is a rewarding way to enhance your kitchen’s appeal. By considering practicality, scale, and your personal style, you can transform this often-ignored area into a beautiful and integral part of your home’s design. Whether you opt for a curated collection, practical shelving, vibrant greenery, or artistic displays, there’s a perfect solution for every kitchen.