Can you spot that gaping gap between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling? You may not have thought about the aesthetic potential of this no-man's land, but we're here to tell you that the area above your kitchen cabinets is the perfect way to add a little flair and personality to your cooking space, and (most importantly) make every inch of space your home enjoys. But there's a trick to making your above-the-cabinet decor really stand out.
“I try to balance style, functionality and 'cleanability,'” says New York interior designer Megan Pflaug. “When thinking about style, I look for vintage pieces like ceramic vases that double as great storage and are easy to clean.” The designer also likes to display art and place small lamps on top of open shelves. “They're unexpected and help create a cozy atmosphere,” she adds.
Interior designer Samantha Ware also agrees with adding lamps, and suggests thinking about contrasting finishes: “Try incorporating different textures, like an antique wooden cutting board or vintage decor pieces, to make your kitchen feel more layered rather than stark,” she says.
of course, Too Over-decorating runs the risk of looking cluttered or, even worse, cheap. But done carefully and with consideration, it can create an appealing effect that will delight your guests. To show you how, we've picked 15 above-the-kitchen-cabinet decorating ideas that will instantly elevate your space.
Decorate a cutting board
“This kitchen was inspired by beautiful English country kitchens, where everything you need is there,” says Kimberly Rasmussen, design principal at Establish Design. Here, she showcases a round charcuterie board above the range hood, a twist that allows easy access to kitchen essentials while also functioning as décor.
Swing the basket
ELLE DECOR's A-list designer Lorenzo Castillo injects plenty of glamour into this seaside villa kitchen, from the fringed light fixtures to the mustard kitchen island and blue-and-white tile backsplash. But it's the rustic baskets grouped together atop the decorative cabinetry that really elevate this kitchen. Copy this style if you have a similar basket collection and want to show it off.
New display products
This light-filled kitchen designed by Jacques Grange near Comporta, Portugal, is bright and bold. To contrast with the white walls, the cabinet tops are decorated with antique Portuguese plates and ornaments. Isn't the rooster-shaped pitcher adorable?
Decorating with Vintage Pottery
Author and stylist Michelle Mason loves the classic look of blue-and-white ceramic, which contrasts with dark wood to give it a lively look. “The empty wall above your cabinets is perfect for displaying a collection of vintage plates,” she says.
Upgrade your kitchen appliances
Metallics and greens dominate the Malibu, California beach house kitchen of designers Nathan Turner and Eric Hughes. A cubbyhole above the cabinets is the perfect space to display more pops of color, like a blue kettle or pots, a colorful kitchenware book, and a collection of silverware.
Try Wallpaper
Not all kitchens have a lot of space between the cabinets and the ceiling, so in those cases, a simple wallpaper can brighten up the space. Here, designer Tom Scherer chose a pretty botanical wallpaper to tie together a green-themed room.
Display your glassware collection
Bronson Van Wyck's stunning kitchen, designed in collaboration with Ben Bischoff, Oliver Freundlich, and Brian Papa, is anything but boring: Glass jars adorn the tops of the cabinets and a stately bust overlooks the room.
Display pots and pans
If you want to keep your kitchen functional and cooking-friendly, there's no better way to decorate it than with cookware, and this collection of copper pots and pans in the home of fashion mogul Robert Duffy is the perfect example of how to do just that.
Let's put it all on the table
“I've always loved vintage and have been collecting all kinds of knick-knacks for over 30 years,” says stylist Lisa Piddington. For her maximalist kitchen, she wanted a room filled with things she loves and that make her smile. “My kitchen is full of plants, tins, enamelware, copper pots, antique art, and a fox mirror, so I feel happy every time I enter,” she says.
Add a wall sconce
There's never enough lighting in the kitchen, which is why interior designer Sam Sacks added dramatic sconces above the kitchen cabinets. Painted a vibrant Benjamin Moore blue, the cabinets blend beautifully with the crisp white walls.
Add a shelf
Don't forget the spaces while Kitchen cabinetry. Here, designer Megan West makes clever use of shelving. “I wanted this space to feel cozy, so I focused on incorporating warm tones, like floating shelves, different textures, and honey bronze hardware,” she explains. Complementary décor and glassware keep the look clean and sophisticated.
Incorporate a theme
If your kitchen has a particular theme, the unused space above your cabinets is a great way to accentuate the ambiance. Surfing photos pair well with the decorative sailboats and ceramic vases in this ocean-themed kitchen.
Decorate with plants
Art director and designer Janine Genower loves colorful kitchens, and to bring even more vibrancy to the room, she placed attractive plants in matching pots on top of the cabinets.
Add a wine rack
This eggplant-colored kitchen by Krantz Designs makes the most of the space above the kitchen cabinets. This modular wine rack installed above the cabinets is not only visually appealing, but it also adds a special element to the room. After all, there's always happy hour going on somewhere.
Brass Accessories
Blogger Corey Williams wanted to infuse her kitchen with a modern farmhouse aesthetic with a European twist, and what better way to achieve that than with a collection of brassware and accessories displayed above the cabinets? “We were able to create a light, bright kitchen with warmth and character,” says Williams.
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