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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.

How to decorate a closet with your own hands: 20 decor ideas

Once upon a time, the presence of a solid wardrobe in the house was evidence of the high status of its owners. And it doesn't matter what rarity you got - a three-leaf chiffonier, a cabinet-supplier or a sideboard, the main thing is the desire to make antiques an accent of the interior, emphasizing the character and tastes of the owners. You can change the design of the cabinet yourself - restore it or give it a second life with the help of decor. To mask defects, renew the old coating, decorate the facade to your taste, you need to know some of the secrets of restoration.

Photo: remont-samomy.ru

Cabinet decor options

To update the interior, it is not always necessary to purchase new furniture. If you inherited a cabinet made of natural wood from your grandmother, do not rush to change it to modern counterparts made of MDF or chipboard, for the reason that the appearance of the rarity does not meet the requirements of interior design. There are many budget techniques for restoring such good-quality and beautiful furniture, which even a home master can handle.

For cabinet restoration, experts recommend wallpapering, covering with fabric, painting with acrylic paints, varnishing, painting with patterns, patinated patina, "suitcase" corners, finishing with a dry brush. For this purpose, decoupage technique, craquelure is suitable.

Materials available to the most modest family budget. To understand exactly what tools are needed, decide on the decoration technique. Before starting a big experiment, try your hand at a small piece of furniture. When you work out skills, for example, on a stool, you can prevent serious mistakes when working with a cabinet.

Painting

Before applying the selected paint to the surface of the cabinet, experts recommend experimenting with color. Prepare 2-3 light and a few dark shades of suitable paint, as well as several bright colors, shellac, clear acrylic varnish, furniture wax and fine sandpaper. You can restore the closet, emphasizing its shabby look.

Photo: pinterest.com

Procedure:

In order for the restored wardrobe to have a finished look, the fittings also need to be changed.

Photo: remont-samomy.ru

Furniture painting with acrylic paints

Cabinet decoration options depend on experience and free time that you are willing to spend on creating a masterpiece. Beginners who do not have the skills of artistic painting should start with stencils. Then you can move on to the decoupage technique, where the basic composition is supplemented with small do-it-yourself strokes.

A home craftsman who knows how to use a brush should try painting furniture with acrylic paints. It will take more time, but the decoration possibilities are limited only by the author's imagination. For the first try, a shoe rack or a chair will do. After improving the skills, you can proceed to painting the cabinet. You can only paint furniture made of natural wood, chipboard or MDF, except for decoupage, wallpaper or fabric decoration.

Photo: Pinterest.com

Photo: Pinterest.com

stencils and stamps

You can apply a volumetric drawing with textured plaster. This method allows you to mask serious defects. Of the tools you will need stencils, a spatula and a mixture. You can make a stencil yourself, according to sketches, or buy it ready-made in a building supermarket. On the surface of the cabinet, the stencil is fixed with adhesive tape. Decorative plaster is applied to it with a spatula directly from above. When the mixture sets a little, the stencil can be removed. When the pattern is completely dry, it is covered with acrylic varnish. Pre-made stamps are even easier to work with. You can buy them in the store. How interesting the wardrobe decorated in this technique looks like, the photo convinces. When coloring, choose no more than three colors. It is desirable that they are combined with shades of textiles, wall decoration and the interior as a whole.

Photo: hustlershop.ru

Aging

If you work with a dry brush on the treated surface, it will leave unpainted areas with the effect of antique furniture. To age the cabinet artificially, it needs to be covered with paint a few tones darker than desired. With a paraffin candle, rub individual places in random order. Then the cabinet is painted with light paint and dried. Wipe everything with sandpaper. You need to fix the effect with furniture varnish.

Photo: pinterest.com

Craquelure

There are special compositions that can turn an unsightly piece of furniture into a rare interior accent. To get antique furniture, stock up on two-phase craquelure and acrylic varnishes with a matte texture, as well as gold powder (it is made from bronze, copper or aluminum powder). Step-by-step algorithm of actions:

Instead of gold powder, specialists also use bituminous wax or "dry pastel".

Photo: koneb.ru

Glazing

The essence of the technique is that the first layer of paint shines through a transparent second one. The result is rich shades with overflows, glare playing in the light. The advantage of glazing is the ability to use both acrylic paints and oil, watercolor and even strong tea leaves. Diluting acrylic paint with water, it is applied with a sponge. Dense uniform toning is not required, a light background is enough.

Photo: pinterest.com

Brushing

Brushing is one of the most common methods of wood restoration. The procedure consists in removing soft fibers from the surface of the tree with a stiff brush. The result is a textured picture with a pronounced structure of growth rings.

Such cabinets look especially impressive in loft, Provence and other retro styles. To make scuffs look natural, you need to choose the right “natural” places for them. The maximum load during the operation of furniture falls on the edges of the cabinet, fittings, corners, protruding decor. After removing the old paint and weak fibers, the furniture is varnished. Pine, oak, ash, larch cabinets lend themselves well to processing.

Photo: polkvartir.ru

Wallpapering

Vinyl wallpaper and special glue are best used for decoration. You can paste over sheets of all internal and external surfaces or decorate pointwise, individual fragments - it looks fun and original. In any case, you first need to prepare the drawings and patterns, then cut out the necessary pieces and stick them on the surface, smoothing the sheets with a rubber roller or a dry rag.

Photo: pinterest.com

Decoupage

Fabric applique looks beautiful on the wooden facade. The ready-made kit, which can be purchased at art stores, contains PVA glue, special paper napkins with a pattern, paints and a fixative. Decoupage technique simple:

Decoupage technique seriously transforms the look of furniture. This method is actively used by designers to age furniture in order to fit it into the chosen style. When mastering the technique, leave the base white. There are no traces of glue on it, and it looks spectacular, it is more difficult to decorate a black background.

Photo: pinterest.com

Stickers

The pattern is applied to the vinyl film. After gluing on the facade, stylish patterns are obtained, very similar to the painting of a professional artist. Stickers do not complicate the care of the cabinet, the pattern will not suffer from moisture. He keeps for a long time. If the decor needs to be changed, the pattern is easy to remove, it does not leave marks on the surface. Vinyl patterns can be glued to any substrate: plastic, wood, glass. There are many options for stickers, there are motifs specifically for corners, you can make an ornament around the perimeter of the facade. Small stickers are easier to apply and look especially good on a mirror.

Photo: pinterest.com

Sheathing with fabric

Sheathing with fabric is another affordable and original way of decorating. Textiles add softness and comfort to furniture. Usually choose an inexpensive bright chintz. This facade looks good in the nursery and bedroom. Prepare fabric, foam rubber or synthetic winterizer lining and a furniture stapler. The work consists of several stages:

On such a cozy background, you can make a photo collage, fix a collection of icons. Facades can be covered not only with fabric. By analogy with the carriage technique, the head of the bed in the bedroom can be covered with leatherette for the cabinet doors.

Photo: pinterest.com

Epoxy resin

This material cures quickly when exposed to air, leaving a beautiful translucent layer of honey shades with glass effect. Defects on the tree are covered with colored sand, shells and other decor. All this is filled with resin on top. If you add luminescent powder to the base, the cracks literally come to life.

Photo: pinterest.com

Mosaic

Multicolored mosaic pattern will add color and originality to the interior. For decor use:

First you need to prepare a sketch and lay out the drawing on the table to evaluate the idea. The surface is cleaned with sandpaper, leveled with putty. The selected elements are attached with rubber glue. Glue is applied in the center of the fragment, then it is distributed neatly.

Photo: pinterest.com

Changing fittings

Updating the look of an old cabinet, don't forget about fittings. It needs to be replaced with a more suitable one for the new style. Handles can be plastic, metal, faience, combined, double and single - the range of supermarkets allows you to choose accessories for any style. If the old handle was fastened on one screw, when replacing it with a model with two fasteners, the hole must be sealed with putty, sanded and painted over to match the general background. After that, you can drill new holes.

Photo: pinterest.com

We glue the details, decorative elements

On a soft fabric base, the decor can be fixed with pins. Everything is appropriate - from a photo to a collection of icons. In other cases, beads, braid, flowers are fixed with hot glue or Moment glue. Metal parts - "suitcase" corners, handles can be fixed with self-tapping screws. In some styles, rivets and furniture nails are used for facade decoration.

Mirror

A mirror is an interesting material that hides what is behind it and emphasizes what it reflects. Using mirrored surfaces in decorating an old closet, you can transform the entire space, especially if the room is small. If the wardrobe is a compartment, you can mount the mirror to its full height. In other cases, horizontal inserts, curly details and mirror mosaics are suitable to help hide defects.

Photo: pinterest.com

Stained glass windows

The easiest way is to remove the old doors and order a stained glass window in the workshop. Pleasure is not from the budget, if you want to save money, you can use a translucent stained glass film. It is also suitable for doors with a mirror.

The basis of the film is translucent, light transmits. The mirror reflects it and returns it. It turns out the effect of a glow like that of colored glass. The technique for sticking mosaic film is similar to working with vinyl stickers.

Photo: pinterest.com

Self-adhesive film

If you do not want to mess with acrylic paint, fabric or decoupage, you can use decorative film. The assortment in building supermarkets is sufficient - from imitation of natural materials to photo printing, mirror, luminous, textured materials. First, the film must be marked and cut out the necessary pieces, then glued like a sticky tape, slowly and carefully pressing it to the base and dispersing the bubbles. It is important to align the film well, otherwise all defects will be visible.

Photo: pinterest.com

Adding lighting

Illuminated cabinets look interesting. If you fix it from the inside, it will be easier to maintain order in the closet. Fix it on the top wall of the cabinet in the middle, on the front edge of the shelves and on the side walls. On the facade from the outside, diode lighting will perform a decorative function. You can install the LED strip with your own hands. Modern flexible tapes have a wide choice of colors. By connecting a motion sensor, you can get a smart sensor system that will turn on when the cabinet is opened. The power supply is installed additionally. To protect against contamination, the tape is covered with a special corner. Soffits are placed on doors, open shelves, a protruding visor. Before installation, check how the chosen option will affect the appearance of the furniture as a whole.

Photo: pinterest.com

Replacing doors with curtains

Curtains are the easiest and most popular way to update the facade. Ideal for interiors in the style of Scandi, Provence, Loft. After choosing textiles, think about how to attach curtains and the optimal length. A simple cornice is suitable for fastening. You can use a cord, eyelets, loops, clips. Decorate the curtains with ribbons, braid. The curtain can also be folded. Such an accordion is ordered in the workshop. In addition to horizontal models, vertical lifting curtains on a textile basis are also used. Choose natural fabrics: silk, cotton, linen, cambric. It is important that they are not only durable and beautiful, but also easy to care for, because such facades will have to be washed every month. You can immediately prepare a spare set (according to the season or mood).

Photo: pinterest.com

Tips from designers and craftsmen

Vintage antiques have nothing to lose, so don't limit your imagination. After choosing any decorating method, it is important to prepare the surface.

When choosing a decor option, take into account the interior of the room, the features of the restored furniture and your preferences. The interior of the room determines the main style and color scheme. For example, a room in a classic style will only benefit from artificially aged furniture, gilding, and volumetric decor made from restrained shades of plaster. Frivolous country is suitable for floral ornaments or bright ethnic patterns, facades trimmed with fabric or decorated using decoupage technique. Laconic modern loft or high-tech interiors will benefit from a cabinet with a mosaic or mirrored facade.

Invent, try, decorate, delighting loved ones and surprising guests!

7 creative ways to use space above 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.

Storage basket

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Buy

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.

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 a variety of vintage pieces. 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

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 inspiring or atmospheric phrase can also be placed above cabinets.

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