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Above kitchen cabinet decorations


Decorating above kitchen cabinets: 10 statement looks |

(Image credit: Paul Massey / Jessica Summer / Mary Wadsworth)

If you have a gap between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling, then you might well be wondering how to fill this space. Decorating above kitchen cabinets is a wonderful way to fill the space with an attractive feature, rather than just letting it gather dust. 

Whether you prefer a classic look with lots of detailing or something more modern, these decorating above kitchen cabinet ideas will provide you with the inspiration you need to create a scheme that fits your home's period, your decorating style and the room's proportions. 

If you're looking for more kitchen cabinet ideas, these clever ways to decorate above kitchen cabinets will provide kitchen styling inspiration for all your kitchen wall decor desires.

Decorating above kitchen cabinets – 10 ways to add interest

We asked the experts for their top decorating above kitchen cabinet styling ideas and tips. Adding them to your list of must-have kitchen ideas will ensure a more charming space, and needn't drive up your budget, but will create a unique room you, and your guests, will want to spend time in.

1. Use an accent color above cabinets

(Image credit: Neptune)

‘An accent color above eye level is a simple way to add strong contrast to a room, without overpowering. As it’s not immediately noticeable, the accent color will draw the eye up for a visual surprise,’ says George Miller, home designer, Neptune . ‘This can have particularly good results in rooms with taller ceilings or grand cornicing, accentuating either feature to great effect.’ 

Continuing the kitchen color idea across different surfaces and planes – for instance, the cooker hood here – has a blocking effect that feels modern and can help smooth out any awkward architectural junctures.

2. Enhance the visual interest 

(Image credit: Jessica Summer)

Bring a little joie de vivre to your kitchen by exploring kitchen art ideas and decorating with art above cabinets and shelving. Many would argue that art belongs in the kitchen just as much as it does any other room, and we can't help but agree.

Here, interior designer Jessica Summer sets the scene with earthy tones and plenty of texture. ‘The cabinetry is minimal and contemporary to allow the materials above to stand out, but also to balance the traditional features like the antique butcher’s block and open shelves,’ 

3. Take paneling to the ceiling

(Image credit: Charlotte Crosland Interiors / Radu Palicia)

Add interest to the space above a kitchen cabinet with wall panels.  In period properties, wall paneling ideas that match or complement the original style and architecture of the property are a wonderful way of marrying old with new. Alternatively, in a plain kitchen that is lacking decorative details or any original architecture of its own, adding a paneled area is a clever way of bringing character to a featureless space.

Here, tongue-and-groove paneling, linen curtains and wall-hung storage all contribute to a French country kitchen feel in this space designed by Charlotte Crosland . Keeping your batterie de cuisine in view and close to hand via magnetic knife blocks, utensil racks and pot stands adds to the laid-back, ‘unfitted’ ambience. Decorate with typical brocante finds like chic vintage china, enamelware and artwork inspired by country pursuits.

4. Fill the space above cabinets with objects you love

(Image credit: Alice Naylor-Leyland of Mrs. Alice)

'Colorful kitchen ideas have been enjoying rather a renaissance, and we’re seeing brighter colors on walls, cabinets and even ceilings,’ says Emma Bulmer, head color consultant at Edward Bulmer Natural Paint . ‘The colors and color combinations being used are also becoming more creative and confident.' 

Use the space between cabinets and ceiling to really make your space sing. 'An absence of top cupboards really opens up this kitchen, allowing the dusky pink paint color and artwork to add character and personalize the space.’ 

5. Raise your game

Urbo and In-Frame Classic kitchen cabinetry, Roundhouse. Project by SPPARC

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth)

The sky – or in this case – the ceiling is the limit when decorating above kitchen cabinets. On maximizing the potential of statement ceilings, architectural practice SPPARC has the drop. 

‘Ceiling ideas featuring interesting shapes and materials can be used to achieve an articulation and rhythm with architectural features elsewhere – in this case the floating stairs that lead from the kitchen to the living spaces above,’ says Trevor Morriss of SPPARC . Crafted from stained ash and oak, this chunky ceiling is certain to have everybody talking.

6. Decorate to delight 

(Image credit: deVOL )

Put a performative and decorative stamp on a room with wallpaper ideas that delight the senses. Kitchen wallpaper ideas offer a beautiful way to decorate above kitchen cabinets – and there is a huge range of paint colors, as well as wallpaper and fabric patterns, to choose from. Traditional paper patterns, which were frequently inspired by nature such as here, are often block-printed in the same way now as when they were first produced. Classic motifs, such as botanicals, checks and stripes, are eternally popular, while also being particularly on trend at present. 

Wallpapers made for kitchens and bathrooms are particularly durable, and we see many clients combining tiled walls with wallpapers to great visual effect – in fact, people seem to go bolder in the kitchen as it is a creative space,' says Paula Taylor, head stylist and trend specialist at Graham & Brown .

7. Curate a smart display

(Image credit: Paul Massey / Sculleries of Stockbridge)

Building a kitchen backsplash out into the room may be of more value to your kitchen than the space it initially takes up. Here in the kitchen of Roddy Murray, founder of interior design practice RJ Murray Design , is a marble kitchen backsplash providing clever cubby-style kitchen storage within, as well as creating a shelf above to display the couple’s favorite pieces of crockery and kitchenware.

8. Light the way 

(Image credit: Kitchens By Holloways)

When decorating above kitchen cabinets it can be all too easy to forget about kitchen lighting. However, a few LED strips can go a long way in the kitchen, bringing shelving to life and dialling the mood to relax. The most sophisticated solutions are completely hidden when the lights are off, which requires early discussions with your designer. 

‘It is essential to ensure that the LED strips are properly set into recesses within the shelves or cabinetry,’ explains Mark Holloway, managing director, Kitchens By Holloways . ‘Angling them at 45 degrees, back towards the wall, will achieve the best lighting effect and prevent garish reflections or visible fittings.’ 

9. Introduce decorative elements

(Image credit: Studio Jake Arnold)

The whole purpose of interior design is to create decorative room ideas that answer the needs of the individuals living in them while reflecting their personalities with good design, and that is just what Jake Arnold has achieved here.

Careful consideration of materials and their placement has the ability to transform your existing kitchen ideas into a decorative room that is truly spectacular.  The kitchen of this Californian home is anchored by the carefully-chosen decorative objects above the kitchen cabinets. These materials add interest yet they don’t compete nor do they overpower the room of this size.

10. Install a gallery wall

(Image credit: Future / Paul Massey)

Unexpected as it may seem, we are seeing more and more people experiment with beautiful gallery wall ideas in the kitchen. Now this may not seem like a most sensible space for displaying an expensive art collection, done right, it could be your most admired.

If you are dedicated to the cause, then we suggest taking your gallery wall above the backsplash, or perched on a shelf away from the kitchen sink or stove. However, it is imperative that you speak to a specialist framer before doing so. ‘Objects you might not notice, such as kettles and toasters, can cause damage,’ says Daniel Syrett, Runway Gallery owner. ‘If the artwork is going to go in a kitchen it needs to be sealed in a particular way. ’

Is decorating above kitchen cabinets outdated?

The short answer is no. There are so many beautiful ways to decorative above kitchen cabinets that will inject modernity, textural interest and decorative style to your kitchen. 

There are many interesting kitchen styling techniques and designs to chose from. First and foremost, you should focus on what you love, whether that be certain colors, patterns or textures. Next, think about how these elements can work together to create a harmonious scheme that is bursting with decorative flourishes. 

If you are not planning a full revamp, then art and ceramic objects are the perfect place to begin adding color and pattern contrast to the space above your kitchen cabinets.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space.  Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

9 New Ways to Decorate Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

By

Shelby Deering

Shelby Deering

Shelby Deering is a lifestyle writer who specializes in decor articles and home tours. She spends her spare time at flea markets and hunting for vintage finds. Shelby is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 01/05/22

The Spruce / Candace Madonna

There are those random areas in our homes that seem to be begging for décor, but they tend to be a little, well, awkward. The wall next to the front door. That open spot under the stairs. And the space above the kitchen cabinets, where it seems as if something should go there…but what?

If the styling in your kitchen seems to be lacking in some way and needs just the thing to create a finished look, filling that area above the cabinets might be the answer. There are actually myriad possibilities for decorating that space, proven through featured designers, bloggers, and Instagrammers. From vintage art to practical storage, you can put that space above the cabinets to work.

7 creative ways to use space above kitchen cabinets

1 Arrange storage containers

Instagram arcadianimprovements

In a small kitchen, you should use as much space as possible for storage. So if there is space between the cabinets and the ceiling, you can place baskets, boxes, containers and other containers with things that you use infrequently there.

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Rarely used household appliances or bulky pots can also be removed upstairs.

2 Arrange the dishes nicely

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A beautiful set of dishes can be a great option for decorating a kitchen. You can place it just above the lockers.

We advise you to look for interesting dishes in handmade ceramics stores.

3 Decorate with vintage items

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Another type of decor that will look great on cabinets is a variety of vintage items. They will add coziness and will look harmonious in kitchens in many styles: Provence, eclecticism, country and even modern style will make great friends with old boxes, vases or a decorative cage.

4 Add plants

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Another element of the interior that immediately adds coziness is indoor plants. If there is no space on the windowsill or other surfaces, it is quite possible to place them on cabinets. The main thing is not to forget to take care of the flowers or choose those that do not require too much attention.

5 Set up a mini library

Instagram hanak_kitchen

Why not place cookbooks on the cabinets? Of these, you can make an interesting composition, supplementing it with decor items.

6 Make a decorative inscription

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An inspirational or atmospheric phrase can also be placed above cabinets. This technique will add individuality to the interior.

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7 Post pictures or posters

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If there is enough space both in the kitchen itself and above the cabinets, you can use the space above them as a small art gallery. So you will definitely get compliments from guests for originality!

Posters for the kitchen

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How do you use the space above the cabinets in your kitchen? Share your answers in the comments.

What to put on top of kitchen cabinets for beauty and use of space

When designing a kitchen, the space above the cabinets is often overlooked. Meanwhile, there is still a decent distance to the ceiling, and the place can be used purely for practical purposes or for decoration. What can be put on top of the kitchen cabinets depends on the overall style of the room and on the preferences of the homeowners.

Content

Enliven the environment with flowers

Fresh flowers will bring freshness not only visually, they will clean the kitchen air from combustion products and extraneous odors. The surface of the cabinets is covered with plastic mats or pallets are placed to protect the furniture from accidentally spilled water.

The plant is selected from undemanding to lighting and care:

Combining practicality and style with the help of antiques

Baskets, stylized wooden boxes, ceramic bowls will organically combine with Provence, ethnic and rustic style kitchens. Old dishes that were waiting in the storeroom can also be put in for decoration.

Another storage area for household supplies

In a small kitchen, you can't leave out the extra space for the possible storage of non-perishable food. The container, as the main decorative element, should be selected especially carefully.

In the northern room, in order not to obscure the light walls, you can use glass jars, glazed ceramic pots or metal cans painted with a light glossy paint. The glare of light reflected from the surface compensates for the lack of sun.

Exhibition of collections

A small collection of figurines, original clocks, bottles or jars of unusual shape will also decorate the top of your kitchen set.

Decorative plates, souvenirs brought from travels will remind you of distant lands. Guests are sure to be interested in the exhibition while you are preparing a treat.

Impromptu Art Gallery

If you are into any kind of art, you can use the space above the cabinets to showcase your own achievements. Passion for artistic photography will help to arrange an exhibition of works in black and white or color.

Sketches, cartoons, kitchen potholders, beaded and cross-stitched pictures will become the pride of the hostess or owner. Patchwork collages go well with eco-styles in design.

Traditional oil and gouache paintings can also be placed on the kitchen set. Their plots should not radically stand out from the context of the room.

Decor to lift your spirits

Those with a good sense of humor will love the idea of ​​humorous captions or witty recipes.

You can make a sign or use chalk wallpaper, then the inscriptions will be updated from time to time.

Decoration for the holiday

Before the New Year holidays, for your birthday, you can decorate the top of kitchen cabinets with garlands, homemade souvenirs and holiday attributes.

Tall upper cabinets can be decorated with LED strip and spruce paws or balloons with colorful textile bows.

See also: Down with gray everyday life — festive decoration of the kitchen with trifles

Unusual decor

From a standard kitchen you will get an exclusive one if you close the top of the kitchen with something extraordinary:

Fantasy will tell you what can be used for decoration. In the house there will always be things that are pleasing to the eye. Where children have grown up, there are toys. They can make a good memorial exhibition.

Folk healer's storehouse

Dried herbs, roots, spicy dry herbs and seasonings are well preserved in heat, without access to direct sunlight. It does not matter whether you put jars on top of the cabinet or spread out bunches. In both cases, the green collection can be picturesquely beaten, for example, tied with a ribbon, burlap.

Additional lighting

The space above the cabinets can simply be filled with light. Decorate the top of the kitchen with lamps in the form of kitchen utensils, old kerosene lamps. You can hide the light source behind multi-colored glassware.

If you place a colored tape along the canopy above the kitchen set, the backlight can be chosen by color depending on the evening mood.

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