Modern decorating above kitchen cabinets
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.
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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.
19 Ideas for Decorating the Top of Kitchen Cabinets
By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel is an interior design expert who has covered architecture, interiors, and decor trends for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Lonny, and the American and international editions of Elle Decor. She resides in Paris, France, and has traveled to over 30 countries, giving her a global perspective on home design.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 12/22/22
M. Wilcox Design
Decorating the top of kitchen cabinets is an easy way to add some flair to your kitchen while filling in the empty gap between the top of your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling, an often neglected area that can look a little awkward or simply lacking when left bare.
These days many kitchen designers solve this problem by custom building cabinetry all the way up to the ceiling. But if you don't have the luxury of building a custom kitchen from scratch, prefer a less tailored look, are working with existing built-in cabinetry from a rental, or don't have the budget to renovate, there are plenty of ways to fill that dust-collecting kitchen neverland while adding visual interest or extra storage.
Depending on your space, you might choose to line the top of your kitchen cabinets with objects, or to decorate the wall above. Keep in mind that not all kitchen cabinetry comes in a flat pack, and that you can use these tips to style the top of freestanding secondhand, vintage, or antique cabinetry like china cabinets and hutches as well.
Check out these ideas in a range of styles that will help you to maximize every last inch of vertical space in your kitchen.
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01 of 19
Add Decorative Baskets
Design by Studio Peake
This London kitchen from Studio Peake has tall, seamless built-in cabinetry painted in a serene shade of pale gray that ends a few feet short of the glass roof.
A row of decorative woven baskets defines the empty space while adding a touch of warmth that complements the organic wood bar stools. -
02 of 19
Add Open Shelving
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Max Kim-bee
In this light-flooded kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors, open shelving is installed above and around a built-in vintage-style china cabinet perched on top of a row of lower cabinetry. The mix of old and new furniture and fittings and natural wood shelving and painted cabinetry gives the kitchen a lived-in, homey DIY feel that isn't trying too hard, making it cozy and welcoming.
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03 of 19
Hang Some Wallpaper
Design by deVOL Kitchens
To fill the dead space above the cabinetry, deVOL Kitchens hung some nature-themed illustrated kitchen wallpaper that complements the dark green tile backsplash and adds a layer or visual interest without cluttering up the narrow space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling.
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04 of 19
Add Bar Storage
A Beautiful Mess
While it's perfectly acceptable to decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets just for show, there's valuable real estate up there that can be used for storing infrequently used items, or things that you don't want the kids to get their hands on. A Beautiful Mess child-proofed the liquor cabinet by storing it on top of the kitchen cabinets, with bottles neatly organized in a row of wire baskets.
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05 of 19
Add Trailing Vines
Design by deVOL Kitchens
This elegant British kitchen from the U.K.'s deVOL Kitchens is decorated with illustrated wallpaper, shades of green and cream, copper accents, and plants with delicate trailing vines perched atop the closed and glass-front cabinetry that add a natural touch.
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06 of 19
Balance High Ceilings
Mindy Gayer Design Co.
Mindy Gayer Design Co. layered art and objects on top of the kitchen cabinets in this high-ceilinged lower level Lake Arrowhead kitchen that focuses the eye and makes the space feel cozier.
The top of similar cabinets in the corner is left bare to keep the space from feeling cluttered. -
07 of 19
Layer It Up
Lobster and Swan
The top of this olive green painted china cabinet in a rustic English DIY kitchen from Lobster and Swan is layered with objects and a tall vase of branches that fills in the empty space above the relatively short cabinet and draws the eye upward.
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08 of 19
Keep It Casual
Design by deVOL Kitchens
In this timeless English country space from deVOL Kitchens, the top of a free-standing cabinet is styled with a basket and spillover earthenware that is displayed inside and on the open shelving above the sink, creating a casual but coordinated look.
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09 of 19
Add Baskets
Thistlewood Farms
Thistlewood Farms added a row of matching storage baskets to the top of an open china hutch in her modern farmhouse-style kitchen.
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10 of 19
Add Plants
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
Kitchen cabinets come in various shapes and sizes.
In this spacious kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors, a large curvy antique wooden hutch that stores dishware and cookbooks is topped with a row of bushy Boston ferns that create a lush look and introduces some vibrant greenery into the kitchen. -
11 of 19
Add More Cabinets
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
Instead of leaving blank space above the kitchen cabinets, Leanne Ford Interiors added a row of glass-front built-in cabinetry that seamlessly fits the space and can be used to stow non-essential items. The glass fronts add contrast with the larger closed cabinetry below and preserve an airy feel. A sliding library-style ladder attached to the wall allows for easy access.
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12 of 19
Define Space
Dazey Den
Dazey Den added plants and glassware to the tops of opposite rows of cabinetry in this colorful and kitschy midcentury modern space that help define zones in the semi-open-plan kitchen and dining room.
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13 of 19
Mix Materials
Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar
A pair of rustic vintage painted wood cabinets with a charmingly worn patina stacked on a side wall of this kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors provide extra storage and give the room a sense of history. The top of the cabinet is styled with rustic objects in a mix of materials to give it an effortless feel.
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14 of 19
Install Open Storage Nooks
Design by Alvin Wayne
Interior designer Alvin Wayne added open stained wood niches above the white kitchen cabinets that serve as display space and storage for those cookbooks that only get trotted out during the holidays.
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15 of 19
Keep It Practical
Arbor & Co.
In this garage-turned-guest-house from Arbor & Co., an L-shaped kitchen has a mix of upper cabinetry and open shelving to accommodate the small space. The cabinetry top is treated as an extension of the open shelving, housing a pair of simple bowls that makes the corner space look cohesive and keeps everything visible and accessible.
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16 of 19
Add a Book Nook
Whittney Parkinson Design
Whittney Parkinson Design added a cookbook storage nook in the dead space between a built-in refrigerator and matching kitchen cabinetry that's built up to the ceiling in this neutral-toned 1920s Tudor kitchen renovation.
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17 of 19
Extend the Backsplash
Design by Laura Brophy Interiors / Photo by Tim Hirschmann
One way to eliminate the problem of filling the empty space above your kitchen cabinetry is to install an eye-catching kitchen backsplash that extends all the way up to the ceiling, like this contemporary kitchen from Laura Brophy Interiors. A blackened wood drop ceiling also helps to fill in the space while providing additional lighting.
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18 of 19
Bring In Faux Greenery
M. Wilcox Design
Decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets can be challenging from a maintenance standpoint when it comes time to watering and pruning, especially if you don't enjoy climbing up on kitchen stools and ladders to get the job done.
These days you can find beautiful, realistic looking faux plants that will take care of themselves and look good doing it. -
19 of 19
Go Custom
Design by Louis Duncan-He Designs / Photo by Eymeric Wildling
If you're designing a kitchen from scratch, you might want to remove the need to decorate the space above your kitchen cabinets by custom building cabinets that kiss the ceiling instead, like this spacious kitchen from Louis Duncan-He Designs that maximizes every last inch of vertical space.
10 Useful Ideas for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Drawers or Baskets
In cramped kitchens, top cabinets can be used to store essentials and rarely used appliances. So that the interior does not resemble a warehouse, we do not recommend buying plastic or transparent containers.
Wooden crates, wicker baskets, and boxes with lids to keep things dust-free will do. It is desirable that the containers look the same.
The top tier is a great place to store items that need to be hidden from children. nine0005
Dishes
Pretty dishes look great on the upper kitchen cabinets: this is especially useful if there is not enough space inside. It is worth sending up deep ceramic bowls, jugs and trays that are rarely used: then, in order to set the table, you do not have to stand on a stool every day. Collections of plates without drawings, candy bowls, clay pots look stylish.
Refrain from "mixed" colors, otherwise the dishes will make the space on the cabinets cluttered. nine0005
Mirror
A decorative technique that allows you to create an interesting optical illusion. A mirrored canvas will add air to the atmosphere and create the impression that there is another room behind the kitchen set.
When ordering a mirror, keep in mind that it will reflect not only the ceiling, but also the things placed on the cabinets.
Home plants
See also0005
For many green spaces, the top cabinet space is the perfect place to grow.
They visually soften the interior, add decorativeness and purify the air. Suitable:
- chlorophytum, which does not require frequent watering and top dressing;
- climbing cissus, the vines of which will fall beautifully from the upper tier;
- sansevieria ("mother-in-law's tongue") - a fast-growing ornamental leafy plant;
- unpretentious ivy-shaped philodendron. nine0049
- diode tape that fits optimally into high-tech;
- electric garland - for country, Provence, Scandinavian style; nine0042
- spot and track lights, ideal for loft and contemporary.
- If the active backsplash continues above the set and reaches the ceiling, then the wall looks solid. The reception stops working when decor or dishes are placed on the cabinets.
- If the kitchen is designed in a classic style. The main concept of the traditional interior is a strict balance of forms.
The decor under the ceiling (flowers, boxes, vases) look out of place and overload the interior, in addition, the upper part of the headset is usually complemented by an elegant molding. nine0042
If you don't want to care for indoor plantings, get some fake ones - many botanical copies look just as good as live plants.
Glass bottles and jars
Another way to add lightness to the interior and use the usable space at the same time is to place glass utensils on top: beautiful jars, bottles and vases. Transparent glass creates an interesting effect by reflecting and refracting light. Also, empty glassware made of colored glass is suitable for decoration. nine0005
If the bottles are full and there is no place to store them, arrange the containers in identical metal baskets.
This solution looks much more aesthetic than the bottles arranged in a row.
Second row of cabinets
Suitable for flats with low ceilings: the cabinets that make up another upper tier make the kitchen more solid and complete. There is much more storage space, the ceiling looks visually higher, and the dishes remain protected from dust by closed facades. nine0005
Books
Residential kitchen owners will appreciate this decoration method: elements such as books, flowers and baskets make the cooking space more comfortable and bring it closer to the room design. Upstairs, you can store publications with recipes, as well as rarely re-read works.
If you cook often, high temperatures and humidity can affect the appearance of your books.
Picture frames
A high-ceilinged kitchen can easily be turned into a gallery by arranging frames with photographs, posters or drawings on the upper cabinets.
Such decor will definitely attract the attention of guests, as well as dilute the boring atmosphere. nine0005
In order not to overload the suspended structures, choose large frames with lightweight plexiglass.
Lighting
Additional kitchen lighting is a functional part of kitchen decor. It can be turned on during romantic dinners or evening gatherings. Suitable light sources:
Leave empty
We do not recommend filling the space above the cabinets in two cases:
In other cases, the space under the ceiling can be safely filled, thereby turning uncomfortable places into a highlight of the interior.
7 creative ways to use the space above the kitchen cabinets
1 Place 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. nine0005
Storage basket
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Rarely used household appliances or bulky pots can also be removed upstairs.
2 Arrange the dishes nicely
Instagram mariakillam
A beautiful set of dishes can be a great option for decorating a kitchen. You can place it just above the lockers. nine0005
We advise you to look for interesting dishes in handmade ceramics stores.
3 Decorate with vintage items
Instagram ayakitchens
Another type of decor that will look great on cabinets is various 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. nine0005
4 Add plants
Instagram designtropic
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Instagram ourjenericlife
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
Instagram fineline_inc
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
Instagram homeallure.ae
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.
