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Decorating ideas above cabinets


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.

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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.

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.

Wall Decor: 25+ Ideas for Decorating Rooms

Round Up

Experimenting with spatial geometry is fun. You can change the space without resorting to construction work. The circles on the wall and the door completely transformed the room. To do this, the author of the interior needed several cans of paint and knowledge of one simple rule: dark colors are perceived by the eye as more distant, while light ones seem closer.

Photo
Paul Raeside

Outlining

Outlining can make expressive not only eyes, but also ... walls. This simple but "powerful" technique has been used by decorators for many centuries in a row. The outline of architectural elements, corners, ledges, door frames, plinths gives the room a resemblance to an architectural sketch drawn in full size, making it more graphic, bright and memorable. In addition to the walls in the same way, you can transform individual interior items: consoles, tables, lampshades.

Photo
Paul Raeside

Drawing Lessons

If you want to decorate the walls with paintings, but nature has not endowed you with the gift of a muralist, use stencils (they can be made to order at any of the large format printing companies). Just remember that large prints and bright colors work best in well-lit rooms.

Photo
Simon Upton

Mix not only colors, but also textures. Glossy stripe on a matte surface looks ultra-modern

Two-storey apartment in Moscow. Alla Shumeiko's project. Hostess bathroom. The wall painting was done by Alena Vilyukova.

Photo
Sergei Ananiev. Style: Natalia Onufreychuk

Pantone

Gradient painting, in other words, a smooth transition between two or more colors, is a fashionable design technique. Using it, you can not only create an interesting image of the interior, but also play with the visual perception of the proportions of the room. To make the room seem higher, place more saturated shades from below, making them more transparent as they approach the ceiling.

Photo
Simon Upton

Northern Lights

An idea for avid clubbers. Paint wall fragments in acid colors using special phosphorescent paints. Such a coating accumulates light, and in the dark begins to emit it in the form of a glow. In order for the resulting art canvases to take on a finished look, frame them with a molding or baguette.

Photo
Maison FranÁaise

The fashion for the 1980s is back! “Acid” colors and neon appeared in the interiors again!

Home of Bloggers in Milan designed by John Pentassuglia.

Between the past and the future

If the classic interior seems too boring for you, do not rush to knock decorative moldings and stucco moldings off the walls. We offer an easier and, most importantly, effective way to "rejuvenate" the interior - paint the room in gray, which is relevant at all times. To avoid monotony, bright multi-colored stripes applied over a neutral background will help.

Non-children's games

Children love to play, draw and have fun. In this they are like decorators. Following the author of this room for a boy, you can also misbehave a little: for example, instead of a headboard, draw a rectangle of a contrasting color on the wall, and at the same time adjust the silhouette of a modern wall clock. Agree, they look much more fun this way.

All against the wall!

If only you knew from what rubbish… objects of modern design are sometimes created. Postcards, candy wrappers, herbariums, and even insects are all great wall decorations. One “but” - it can take years to assemble it and, most importantly, hang it up, and with them the desire to complete the job. To save you time and effort, the designers have released ready-made wallpapers imitating a collage of the above objects attached to the wall with adhesive tape, buttons and pins.

Want to be at the forefront of interior design? Cover the wall with newspapers and varnish it

1 of 4

Newsprint vinyl wallpaper, Yien

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Dimensions: 10x1.06 m

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2 out of 4

Wallpaper paper London, "Moscow Wallpaper Factory"

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Dimensions: 0.53 x 10.05 m

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3 out of 4

Vinyl photo wallpaper "Newspaper Notes", "Fashion House"

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Dimensions: 315x225 cm

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4 out of 4

Vintage newspaper print wallpaper, Alessandro Allori

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Patchwork

Who said that only blankets can be patchwork? Patchwork looks great on the walls too. Plain wallpaper, vinyl tile or paint can be used. To avoid excessive variegation, alternate colored squares with white ones.

Look at the root

Have you decided to build a home library? Commendable! In the meantime, the essence and the matter, priceless folios that have not yet been bought can be replaced with wallpaper with their life-size “portraits”. To finally mislead guests, paste over with this wallpaper not only the walls, but also the door. The Fornasetti brand has similar wallpapers. Tiles with books are also a good solution.

Photo
Christopher Simon Sykes

Scientists have proven that banging your head against a wall every 10 seconds burns 150 calories per hour

Children's bathroom. Designed by Kirill Sakharov.

Two in one

When you start renovating, don't rush to buy a set of the same wallpaper for the whole room. Feel like an artist and think of different interesting options. And there are many of them. You can, for example, stick just one strip on a painted wall; alternate wallpaper with different patterns, but the same color, or, conversely, use wallpapers with the same pattern, but different colors ... Any other ideas?

Photo
Paul Raeside

A worthy replacement

Walls upholstered in juyi fabric or textiles with chinoiserie ornaments are undoubtedly very beautiful, but such a finish is not cheap. A more budget option is wallpaper with the same pattern. They can be found, for example, in the collections of Pierre Frey, Osborne & Little or de Gournay.

Designed by David Kleinberg.

In 1853, Pavel Tretyakov decided to decorate the walls of his house and bought a couple of paintings. Thus was born the famous gallery

Wallpaper A thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains in Delft color palette on Bleached White silk, de Gournay.

Paper wallpaper, "Saratov wallpaper"

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B/W

Make a mosaic of wallpapers of the same color range, but with different patterns. A win-win option, suitable for both classic and modern interiors, is a combination of black and white.

Upside down

Don't be afraid to experiment. Try gluing polystyrene ceiling panels to the wall. Acrylic paint in a trendy shade will emphasize the texture and allow you to play with the shadows. It's nice that this finishing option will cost much less than similar wall modules made of wood, MDF and leather.

1 of 4

Ceiling tiles "Idyll", "Format"

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Dimensions: 50x50 cm. m, 4 pcs.

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2 out of 4

Ceiling tiles, embossed, Postavshchikovff

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Dimensions: 50x50 cm. 10 square meters. m, 40 pieces

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3 out of 4

Ceiling relief tiles, "Format"

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Dimensions: 50x50 cm, 1 square. m, 4 pieces

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4 of 4

Gypsum 3D wall panel Klin, Decoreo

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Dimensions: 25x17 cm

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Abstraction

Do your friends boast that they have been to the Guggenheim Museum and seen Mondrian? Let them now look into your bathroom! Typical for this artist, combinations of bright colors work perfectly even in small spaces!

Glass mosaic, NS mosaic

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Dimensions: 30x30 cm

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Residual phenomenon

Everyone who has ever made repairs has a collection of remnants of different-sized tiles. We advise you not to store it in the pantry, but to put it into action. Decorate the wall above the sink in the bathroom or in the kitchen with an original collage. Do not be afraid to combine tiles of different thicknesses, sizes and textures, with or without a pattern. In order not to overdo it with color, “dilute” it all with white tiles.

Photo
Livingetc/Paul Raeside/www.paulraeside.com

Tile "Rainbow Turquoise", "Pentaceramic"

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Alignment to the right?

Don't be surprised to find that this bathroom wall is tiled in different directions: half horizontal, half vertical. Rest assured, this is not a tiler's mistake, but a design move typical of the Art Deco era.

Photo
Red Cover / Global Look

Designer himself

House in Tangier by designer Cassandra Karinsky. The ceramic apron was transformed by the painting in the form of bright stripes.

Photo
Gaelle Le Boulicaut

A boring kitchen apron lined with white mosaics can be refreshed without resorting to prompt measures. Arm yourself with special paint for ceramics and apply a pattern to the tile. If you want to be unique - order a tile according to your sketches!

Apartment in Stockholm.

1 of 3

Wall tiles "Arabesques, majolica", Kerama Marazzi

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Dimensions: 30x26 cm

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2 out of 3

Tile hexagon "Khaki", "Pentaceramic"

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3 out of 3

Wall tiles Mainzu Nazari Iberia

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Dimensions: 15x15 cm

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Stonework

Even in a city apartment you can create the feeling that you are in a castle or palace. Stonework with rustication will be completely replaced by tiles with wide seams or MDF panels. This technique is often used in the design of halls and hallways. Lighting in the form of street lamps, octagon tiles and gothic-style furniture are suitable as entourage.

Program "Time"

Surely each of us has ever collected at least something: figurines of elephants, irons, license plates or, as the owner of this apartment, wall clocks. All this wealth can be used as decoration.

Photo
Gallo Images

Vintage wooden cuckoo clock

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Kingdom of mirrors

We have already written more than once that mirrors can transform even the most inexpressive interior. By hanging mirrors opposite the window, you will kill two birds with one stone: make the room brighter and decorate the wall.

1 of 3

Set of wall mirrors "Bamboo"

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Decorative mirror in a wicker macrame frame

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Wall mirror "Sun", Queen Fair

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In orderly rows

A strict geometric composition is the easiest and at the same time a win-win way to hang pictures or any other works of art. In this case, we are talking about the covers of music discs. A rhythmic composition of identical white frames hung between even rows of vertical bars does not look boring thanks to the bright "substrate". Her role is played by a plain painted wall.

Photo
Paul Raeside

Gender

Dreaming of a chalet? To do this, it is not at all necessary to buy a house on the slopes of the Alps. You can create the right atmosphere in a city apartment. Just take a floorboard (preferably an old one) and sheathe one of the walls with it. Both light and dark wood will look equally impressive.

Photo
©2007 Tim James - All Rights Reserved. No reproduction of any kind allowed without express written permission of the author.

All openwork

How does a designer differ from an ordinary person? The ability to look at things in a new way and use them not for their intended purpose. A fresh idea is to decorate the wall with fragments of white radiator grilles with openwork patterns. The wall against which they are installed, of course, should be painted in a bright color.

Photo
Paul Raeside

Doors, window frames, cabinet doors and countertops can be used to decorate walls

Screen for radiator "Gothic", Stella

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Dimensions: 60x60 cm

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Brick wall

Ever since bare brickwork migrated from lofts to ordinary apartments, it has been dearly loved by architects and designers. If you like the natural color of the brick, cover it with a protective layer of polyurethane varnish or drying oil, then it will not “dust”. Or roll up the wall with paint, such as white or gray.

Home of the designer Sabine Marselis.

Braid with three boxes

The wall can be finished, but even better - done. This lightweight partition consists of a wooden frame, inside of which strips of thin plywood are fixed. This design not only looks impressive, but also partially transmits light, which is sometimes necessary. If you want to do this, please note: instead of plywood, you can use fabric stretched over the frame, such as coarse canvas or thick silk.

Picture
Paul Raeside

Malevich's Architecton

Decorate your wall with an abstract composition in the spirit of the avant-garde artists of the twenties. To do this, you will need several sheets of drywall or MDF. After sticking the squares on the wall, paint the “masterpiece” with matte or glossy paint. If you don’t have time to fiddle with breadboard knives, glue and a brush, order ready-made wall panels with an interesting relief. Drywall and white paint can be found in any building market.

Picture
www.paulraeside.com

Closed Doors Day

The American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Every wall is a door." Designers have figured it out in their own way. Do not rush to throw away old doors - they can become excellent wall panels. Different shapes, colors and textures will only add originality to the solution. Old doors should be looked for in demolition houses. In addition to them, by the way, you can find a lot of other interesting things.

Photo
©SIMON KENNY

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Decorating Over Kitchen Cabinets - 10 Ways • Space Decor Ideas

. Decorating above kitchen cabinets is a great way to fill a space with an eye-catching feature rather than just letting it gather dust.

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

1. USE ACCENT COLOR ABOVE WARDROBE

An accent color above eye level is an easy way to add strong contrast to a room without overpowering it. Because it's not immediately noticeable, the accent color will draw attention to the visual surprise. This can work particularly well in rooms with higher ceilings or large eaves, highlighting any feature to great effect.

2. INCREASE VISUAL INTEREST

Bring some joy into your kitchen by exploring kitchen art ideas and decorating cabinets and shelves with art. Many argue that art should be in the kitchen just like any other room, and we can't help but agree.

3. RAISE THE CEILING SHELL

Add interest to the space above the kitchen cabinet with wall panels. In vintage homes, wall cladding ideas that match or complement the home's original style and architecture are a great way to blend the old with the new. Alternatively, in a simple kitchen lacking decorative details or any original architecture of its own, adding a paneled panel is a smart way to bring character to a featureless space.

Groove paneling, linen curtains and hanging cabinets create a rustic French kitchen feel in this space. Keep your kitchen faucet visible and close at hand with magnetic knife blocks, dish racks and pot holders to add a laid-back, "unsettled" vibe. Decorate with typical broccante leather pieces such as chic antique china, enamelware and rustic-inspired artwork.

4. FILL THE SPACE ABOVE THE CUPBOARDS WITH YOUR FAVORITE OBJECTS

5. UP YOUR GAME

The sky—or in this case, the ceiling—is the limit when decorating over kitchen cabinets.

“Ceiling ideas with interesting shapes and materials can be used to achieve articulation and rhythm with architectural elements elsewhere – in this case, a soaring staircase leading from the kitchen to the living spaces upstairs.

6. DECORATE TO PLEASE

Give a room a performative and decorative print with wallpaper ideas that delight the senses. Kitchen wallpaper ideas offer a wonderful way to decorate kitchen cabinets - and there is a huge selection of paint colors as well as wallpaper patterns and fabrics. Traditional paper designs that were often inspired by nature, like here, are now often printed using woodcuts just as they were when they were first created. Classic motifs such as botanical motifs, plaid and stripes are always popular and are especially relevant at the present time.

7. BUILD A SMART DISPLAY

Embedding a splashback in a room can be of more value to your kitchen than the space it initially takes up.

8.

Learn more