Upper cabinet decor
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.
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.
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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.
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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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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:
- Clean the surface and apply a coat of dark paint.
- Let dry and apply a coat of light paint on top.
- Scuffs can be simulated with sandpaper.
- A drawing is applied with bright paint (you can use a stencil).
- After drying, the picture should be treated evenly with a brush and furniture wax.
- Lacquer in two layers, the surface is covered in a day.
In order for the restored wardrobe to have a finished look, the fittings also need to be changed. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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:
- Apply a coat of craquelure varnish to the cleaned surface. nine0036
- Without waiting for complete drying, treat the surface with varnish again.
- After the formation of characteristic cracks, allow the coating to dry completely.
- Dip a soft sponge into powdered powder and buff cracks.
- Top coat with acrylic lacquer.
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. nine0003
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:
- Thoroughly clean the surface of the old coating.
- After removing dust and debris, degrease the facade with mineral spirits. nine0035 After the solvent benzene has completely dried, apply a layer of PVA glue.
- Carefully peel off the top layer with the design from the paper towel.
- Stick on and carefully smooth out the napkin.
- On top, apply another layer of PVA glue to the surface.
- When the base dries well, you can draw a contour with paint, apply shadows.
- The final touch is to cover the finished drawing with acrylic varnish in two layers.
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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:
- Attach the lining with liquid nails or staples. nine0036
- Gently pull the fabric over it and secure with a stapler.
- Smooth out any wrinkles.
- Glue beads, buttons, braid, lace, cords and other selected decor (Moment glue can be used for better fixation). You can decorate the facade by fixing the decor with pins.
- Similarly, not only the facade is decorated, but also the side walls of the cabinets.
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. nine0003
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:
- pieces of pottery;
- fragments of colored glass;
- shells;
- beads;
- sea pebbles;
- artificial flowers.
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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). nine0003
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.
- Remove the doors from the cabinet - in a horizontal position, it is more convenient to finish them.
- Remove all metal parts or tape them.
- Clean the surface with degreasers. nine0036
- Apply material to loosen the old substrate.
- Use a spatula, brush and sandpaper to remove any residue.
- Chips and scratches can be repaired with putty or putty.
- After sanding and clearing of debris, a primer is applied.
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. nine0003
Invent, try, decorate, delighting loved ones and surprising guests!
9 kitchens where the owners abandoned the top (and it looks great!)
Top drawers are not always needed in the kitchen.
If you have accumulated items there that it’s time to throw away or give away, you can probably get by with the lower cabinet module. Try it - you will see how spacious the kitchen will become. And how best to do this, we will show with examples.
1 A cohesive interior with a unified palette
Instagram @hannahsfavorites
Instagram @hannahsfavorites
This kitchen has replaced massive upstairs kitchen cabinets with decorative shelves. Perhaps because of the sloping ceiling. But be that as it may, this design looks holistic and complete thanks to a single style and palette. The design of the shelves echoes the overall interior design - the same wooden texture is used and even almost in the same shade. And their white color continues the shade of the facades of the lower part of the headset. nine0003
2 Kitchen with a country mood
Instagram @pienipuutalo
Instagram @pienipuutalo
Instagram @pienipuutalo
In this interior, the top was abolished only on one wall.
Instead of cabinets, the walls were decorated with beautiful wallpaper with a pattern. This technique makes the kitchen space more spacious, and in tandem with a poster and wicker paths creates a cozy country mood.
3 Miniature wall art interior
nine0002 Instagram @ma123rieInstagram @ma123rie
The texture of wood, white and rich herbal shades work together perfectly, resulting in an eco-style space. In the upper part of the wall, instead of a kitchen set, a small art wall was designed. It emphasizes the natural orientation of the interior: butterflies and botanical ornament work in conjunction with the overall palette.
4 Laconic kitchen with bright decor
Instagram @fides_goods
Instagram @fides_goods
Instagram @fides_goods
Laconic white walls, minimalist lighting and matching backsplash require bright accents.
Here, the white top is diluted with decorative plates with a blue pattern. The plates hang in an unusual way: with their help, a corner is formed that connects two walls.
5 A space with unifying details
Instagram @heim.liebelei
Instagram @heim.liebelei
Instagram @heim.liebelei
A minimalist kitchen in white with contrasting black details. Here, too, left the upper cabinets on one wall. nine0003
7 Monochrome black and white space
Instagram @homebylyngesen
Instagram @homebylyngesen
This kitchen uses black as a contrasting element. Decor in this shade looks impressive, but dark colors require a lot of space. Otherwise, they greatly overload the interior. This is probably why they decided to abandon the top here. nine0003
8 Kitchenette with lots of wood texture and backsplash storage
Instagram @oursweetliving
Instagram @oursweetliving
The compact corner kitchen is decorated with lots of wood textures and light colors.
