You do not have to waste that ubiquitous area between the top of your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. This space can serve a useful purpose with the right dose of creativity. Here are 10 ways to decorate the space above the kitchen cabinets that will bring an added layer of style to this room:
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1. Collage.com Custom Photo Plaques
Artwork does not have to be limited to the living room of your home. You can use this extra space in your kitchen to create a gallery loft of your favorite desktop photo plaques with the help of Collage.com. Elevate your art to new heights by placing it on the top of your kitchen cabinets. All that you need to do is select the prints or personal photos that you want to display and let Collage.com do the rest. These photo plaques are available in three sizes and are finished with a glossy look that resists scratches, water, UV rays, delivering a durable decor product that can stand up to the various uses of your kitchen. The premium plaques arrive with a built-in easel backing while the basic plaques include a detachable stand for easy display.
2. Fill it with Greenery
Even if your kitchen is dark, you can brighten it up by adding natural elements to the space above the cabinets. Adding billowy fern leaves, fake flower stems, and crawling ivy are all popular ways to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your kitchen. Placing the greenery in bright white bottles will deliver a contrasting look to make the color of the leaves really pop. Garland is also a beautiful way to add color and an outdoorsy vibe to your kitchen. Greenery is an easy decor item that you can change out with the season. For example, during the holidays, try evergreen branches and large pinecones. Pumpkins and fall foliage make perfect additions for the autumn season.
3. Use it for Storage
You can gain additional storage space by stacking baskets on top of your kitchen cabinets. This look is a great idea if you are going for that farmhouse chic vibe. The baskets provide a functional use by keeping extra kitchen essentials kept out of sight while also adding a decorative touch to the kitchen. If you like order and symmetry, you can use matching baskets of the same sizes. For a more whimsical look, use different types of baskets in varying colors and dimensions.
4. Go Vintage
Antiques and flea market treasures look especially charming in this space in the kitchen. If are not sure what to display, head to your local vintage shop for inspiration. Once you have settled on a theme, it is easy to scour the internet to find coordinating pieces to round out the look. Good ideas include pewter serving platters, vintage vases, apothecary items, and metal canister sets.
5. Display a Collection
If you have an affinity for collecting items, this is a great place to display your finds. While you can display anything that your heart desires in this space, it is especially appropriate to show off kitchen collectibles. Ideas include serving bowls with similar patterns, colorful canisters, or woven baskets. This is an ideal way to express your personality and interests in a room that is heavily-trafficked.
6. Hit a Brick Wall
If you want to keep the space clean and uncluttered, you may want to consider adding a stationary style element such as a brick wall. Stacking bricks will create an industrial look in your kitchen while adding a splash of color. If you do not want to add actual bricks, wallpaper that mimics bricks will also deliver the same sleek effect. Or choose a faux brick backdrop to achieve the same look.
7. Add More Cabinets
If you are in need of more cabinet space, consider adding more cabinets on top of your existing ones. Extending your current cabinets will not only eat up that wasted space but it will also serve a practical purpose of providing more storage. Just be sure to store items in these cabinets that do not need to be accessed as much as your everyday essentials. Small appliances not often used, seasonal baking items, and holiday decorations are good choices to be kept in these high cabinets.
8. Show Off Your Cookbooks
Why relegate your collection of cookbooks to a hidden spot in the pantry? This works especially well if your cookbooks are vintage because this will add another layer of style to the space. Accentuate this look more with an antique colored stockpot, a water vase, or any other cooking item that will complement your collection of cookbooks.
9. Speak Your Mind
One of the biggest trends in home design these days is the use of lettering to spell out meaningful words or phrases in your family. Depending on the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, you can choose wood, plastic, or metal for your letter material. Or you can get extra creative and paint your own letters to match the exact color scheme of your kitchen. Most craft stores carry unfinished wooden or metal letters that you can customize to your needs and personal preferences.
10. Go With Layers
You can add dimension to this area by going with different layers. For example, empty frames set behind your collection of vases will add a new layer of fun and style. Simply hit up some thrift store and buy framed prints and then remove the art from the frame so that it can serve as your backdrop. You can also create a deeper dimension by weaving garland or twinkling lights through the collection that you have displayed. The key is to make the area stand out without it looking too busy or cluttered.
The Bottom Line
Even the most benign areas of your home can convey your sense of style. The empty space above your kitchen cabinets holds a ton of possibility if you are willing to think outside of the box and get creative. Have fun with this space and use it to express the personality and vibe of your home and family. You cannot go wrong with decorating this space as long as it creates the environment that you are looking to install in your kitchen.
