That is that clumsy area above the kitchen cabinets. The dusty one that leaves you half-baked as to what in the world you are expected to do with it? Yeah, I’ve been there too. It does not necessarily have to be that Bermuda Triangle between your cabinets and ceiling.
I would turn a blind eye to that space before I realized that I was missing out so much in decorating real estate. Now I take this as the best chance to introduce a personality into my kitchen without having to spend a lot of money or make any serious renovation. And here are some of the things that really work–no Pinterest flops this time, promise! 🙂
Greenery That Won’t Judge Your Cooking Skills
Living Plants for the Brave
Plants that are live should be placed over your cabinets and make your kitchen instantly alive. I mean tougher versions that would withstand your cooking escapades, heat, and humidity.
Snake plants, and pothos, do the same up there. They are virtually shatterproof and this is ideal because I am similar to the person who forgets that plants require water at times. Keep them in ornamental baskets or ceramic pots that match with the colour scheme of your kitchen.
Pro tip? Plants in odd groups-it has a more natural effect and does not seem so much like you run a plant nursery.
Faux Plants for the Realistic
Not all people are green thumbs, and there is nothing wrong about it! Artificial plants can appear very realistic today and they are of high quality. I have deceived more dinner-tables than I am proud to remember, with sporadic artificial branches of eucalyptus.
The key is choosing artificial plants that don’t scream “plastic fantastic.” Look for ones with realistic textures and natural-looking imperfections.
Storage That Actually Makes Sense
Decorative Baskets with Purpose
Why not use up that space? Seasonal items, additional linens or kitchen appliances that you almost never use but cannot stomach discarding should be hidden in woven baskets or decorative boxes.
I have my baking ingredients that I use during the holidays in labeled baskets up there. It is practical and does not seem unintentional. Select baskets and make them suit your kitchen style: rattan which reminds of a farmhouse, smooth metal which reminds of modern kitchen.
Glass Canisters for Show
Colorful ingredients in clear glass containers will transform your kitchen to appear as though it is in a cooking magazine. Imagine dried pasta, colored beans or even ornamented sand in layers.
Well–whatever you have there up there must be either beautiful or something you are not going to mind a little dust on. On a personal experience, I was taught this lesson because white rice became a dust magnet.
Lighting That Creates Magic
String Lights for Ambiance
String lights that are warm lights can turn that dead space into a homey and welcoming one. Hang them over your cabinets or weave them into other decorative material.
The battery versions are excellent when you do not wish to worry with outlets. I do not have cold blue lights; the warm white ones are more flattering and do not make everything look like a hospital.
Under-Cabinet Lighting Extension
In the event that you already have some under-cabinet lighting, you could add some LED strips to emphasize everything you put above. It gives the entire kitchen a depth and makes it appear unified.
It works particularly well when you are displaying collectibles or artwork up there.
Collections and Personal Touches
Cookbook Display
Have beautiful cook books lying angrily in a Drawer? Hang them over your cabinets! Cookbooks that are old or contain beautiful covers will be colorful and full of personality and inform your guests about your cooking preferences.
Combine horizontal and vertical arrangements and do not stack them up. Make each book breathe a little–it is more curated and less cluttered.
Vintage Kitchen Tools
The old copper pots, the old scales, or outdated kitchen appliances will make the place look authentic, used, and lived in. Another wonderful discovery I made at a flea market is the amazing discovery of copper molds which I currently have hanging above my cabinets.
The weathering and the personality of these objects give them a warm experience that cannot be replicated by new objects. They are also good talking points when the guests enquire.
Seasonal Rotation Strategy
Holiday Themes Made Easy
One of my favorite tricks? Seasonal decor rotations. Spring, with its new greenery and pastels, summer with its bright colors and beach motifs, fall with its pumpkins and warm colors, winter with its pine branches and metallics.
Maximize on the few important items that you can change. The boxes I use are by season, and the process of changing does not take more than 20 minutes.
Color Coordination
Whichever one you prefer, it has to be the one that matches with what you already have in the kitchen. In case your kitchen is neutral, then now is the opportunity to put in some colors. In case it is already colored, use more discreet colors up there.
Architectural Elements That Wow
Crown Molding Extension
Decorative molding or trim work that is added over your cabinets will make it look like your cabinets extend all the way up to the ceiling. It is a more permanent answer, however, the visual effect is stunning.
This is very effective in traditional/transitional and kitchens. Smoother more simplistic trim choices may become conducive to modern kitchens.
Faux Ceiling Beams
Faux beams are available in lightweight and can be used to give your ceiling a more rustic look, as well as elevate it. They are also simpler to fit than actual wood beams and a lot less weight to your actual ceiling structure.
Art and Wall Treatments
Gallery Wall Above Cabinets
So because gallery walls are only appropriate on the normal walls? Hang an edited gallery of framed prints, photographs, or small art on top of your cabinets.
Make the frames of similar color or style. I work with all white frames no matter what is in them- it pulls everything together.
Wallpaper Accent
Stick some removable wallpaper to a wall above your cabinets, so that you can have a sudden burst of pattern or texture. It is far less committed than painting, and you can switch it up whenever you become bored.
Select patterns that can match other elements in the kitchen design, but do not conflict with it.
Quick Styling Tips That Make a Difference
Always use the rule of three when positioning objects, make things in odd numbers to attract the eye. Alternate heights and textures in order to generate interest without confusion.
Keep layers at a variety of depths but do not put everything in a line like soldiers do. It adds dimension and becomes more natural.
Remember scale–small objects are lost in there, and large objects can take over the room. Go to medium-sized objects that are visible at normal standing height.
Lastly, it is important to make sure that whatever you end up doing is representative of who you are. Your kitchen has to tell a story and not appear as a showroom in which no one really lives.
Making It All Work Together
The voids in front of your kitchen cabinets should not be an afterthought, it must be a way to complement the entire kitchen design. Decorative storage, personal collections, or live plants, either way, what matters is that you select something that you will smile when you enter your kitchen.
It is best to begin with one or two ideas that you like, and go on with them. In my opinion, it is always good to have a few well-selected pieces than to jam everything on the available inches. You will be thanked, your future self will thank you, when you will be dusting up there!