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The space above your kitchen cabinets can often feel like a decorating challenge. It’s a spot that’s easy to ignore, but with a little creativity, it can transform your kitchen into a more welcoming and stylish space. Whether you want to add extra storage, showcase some of your favorite items, or just add a touch of character, there are plenty of ways to make this area shine. In this article, we’ll explore 15 professional tips that will help you decorate above your kitchen cabinets with style and personality.
1. Use Greenery for a Natural Touch
Adding greenery above your kitchen cabinets can instantly bring a natural, fresh feeling into your space. You can use faux plants if you’re looking for something low-maintenance, or real ones if you enjoy caring for plants. Trailing vines like pothos or ivy look great in this space, as they can spill over the edges and create a lush look. Greenery also adds color and warmth to your kitchen, making it feel more inviting. Mixing different shades of green and incorporating varied leaf textures can make the display more dynamic and interesting.
2. Display Decorative Baskets
Decorative baskets are both practical and beautiful for above-cabinet decor. They bring in texture, especially if they are woven or made of natural fibers, and add a bit of rustic charm. You can use them purely for decoration or even for storage if they are easily accessible. Try combining baskets of different shapes and sizes for a layered look. This not only makes the space visually engaging but also adds a sense of casual elegance to the kitchen.
3. Incorporate Accent Lighting
Accent lighting can transform the space above your cabinets into a glowing focal point. Strip lights or small spotlights placed above cabinets can add a soft, ambient glow, perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in the evenings. The light can also highlight the decor you have displayed, making it stand out even more. Lighting above cabinets can be functional, too, making the kitchen seem larger and more spacious by eliminating dark corners. Choose warm tones for a welcoming vibe or cool tones for a modern touch.
4. Showcase Your Favorite Cookbooks
If you’re a fan of cooking, why not show off your favorite cookbooks above your kitchen cabinets? Stacking or leaning a few books up there adds a personal touch and tells a story about your culinary interests. Cookbooks with colorful covers can double as decor, adding both personality and a pop of color to your kitchen. Just make sure they are arranged securely, especially if the space is hard to reach. Mixing in a few decorative bookends can keep the books in place and add an extra decorative element.
5. Add a Collection of Ceramics
A collection of ceramics can add an artisanal feel to the area above your kitchen cabinets. Whether it’s vintage plates, handmade bowls, or unique vases, ceramics bring texture and character into the space. Choose items that have similar colors or themes for a cohesive look. Ceramic items can be easily mixed with other elements like greenery or lighting for an eye-catching display. The glossy finish of many ceramics will also help reflect light, adding a subtle sparkle to your kitchen.
6. Hang Seasonal or Rotating Decor
Rotating seasonal decor above your cabinets is a fun way to keep your kitchen feeling fresh and festive. In spring, you could display flowers and pastel accents, while fall might call for pumpkins and warm-colored decor. Seasonal decorations keep the space interesting and give you a chance to celebrate holidays and seasons. You can also change the decor based on personal milestones or family events, making this area a reflection of your life throughout the year. It keeps the kitchen lively and always in tune with the current mood.
7. Use Artwork or Framed Prints
Artwork and framed prints can be a great way to add personality and style above your cabinets. Choose prints that complement your kitchen’s color scheme or go for a collection that tells a story, like botanical illustrations or vintage advertisements. This approach can add a gallery-like charm to your kitchen. Smaller frames can be grouped together for a gallery wall effect, or a larger statement piece can anchor the entire space. Make sure the artwork is lightweight so it can be safely displayed above the cabinets.
8. Use Decorative Plates or Platters for a Stylish Touch
Decorative plates or platters can add an elegant touch to the space above your kitchen cabinets. Displaying a selection of beautifully patterned or colorful plates helps create a focal point that draws the eye upward. You can choose vintage plates for a nostalgic feel or modern designs to match your kitchen’s style. Plates and platters can be arranged on stands to lean against the wall or placed upright to make sure they are securely displayed. This type of decor adds both color and visual interest without overwhelming the space. It’s a great way to showcase unique pieces that you love, adding personality and charm to your kitchen.
9. Display Vintage or Unique Finds
Vintage or unique finds can add charm and character to the space above your cabinets. Items like antique kitchen tools, old signs, or heirloom dishware tell a story and give your kitchen a personal touch. These kinds of items can spark conversations and create a nostalgic atmosphere in your kitchen. Mixing vintage pieces with modern decor can also create an eclectic and visually interesting display. The key is to balance the old with the new so that the space feels curated rather than cluttered.
10. Use Stylish Storage Jars or Containers
Stylish storage jars or containers can be both decorative and functional above your kitchen cabinets. Consider glass jars filled with dried goods like pasta, beans, or spices for a rustic, farmhouse feel. Alternatively, metal or ceramic containers can add a more modern or industrial vibe. This is a perfect spot for items that don’t need to be frequently accessed but are still nice to have on hand. Clear jars can also add a bit of color and texture, depending on what you store inside them.
11. Incorporate Woven Trays for Texture
Woven trays can add texture and warmth to the area above your cabinets. They are an easy way to create a laid-back, cozy vibe in your kitchen. You can display them standing up or stack them horizontally for a varied look. Woven items pair particularly well with greenery, ceramics, or metal accents, creating a balanced and harmonious display. Their neutral tones make them versatile enough to fit into almost any decor style.
12. Create a Themed Display
A themed display can help bring a cohesive look to your kitchen. Whether you’re aiming for a farmhouse, coastal, or modern vibe, choosing items that fit within a theme will make the space above your cabinets feel intentional and styled. For example, a coastal theme might include driftwood, seashells, and blue accents. A themed display can also help you decide on the types of items to use, making decorating easier and more streamlined. This approach makes the space feel curated and consistent with the overall kitchen style.
13. Add Small Sculptures or Figurines
Small sculptures or figurines can add a touch of whimsy and personality above your kitchen cabinets. Whether it’s animal figurines, abstract sculptures, or something that reflects your personal hobbies, these items can make the space feel unique to you. Using figurines in groups of two or three can create a balanced display, and mixing in different heights can add visual interest. This approach is particularly effective if you want to give the space a playful and lighthearted feel.
14. Use Vases or Tall Decorative Items for Height
Tall vases or decorative items are perfect for adding height to the space above your cabinets. They draw the eye upward and make the ceiling feel higher, giving your kitchen an airy and open feel. Glass vases, ceramic pitchers, or tall candlesticks all work well in this space. For extra visual interest, try mixing vases of different heights and materials. This can make the space above your cabinets feel more dynamic and less predictable.
15. Keep It Minimal for a Clean Look
If you prefer a simple, uncluttered kitchen, keeping the space above your cabinets minimal is a great option. A few carefully chosen items, or even leaving the space empty, can create a sleek, modern look. This approach is perfect for those who love clean lines and an airy, open feel. A minimalist approach also makes cleaning easier and reduces visual clutter, allowing other parts of your kitchen to shine. The key is to be intentional with what you choose—only add items that truly contribute to the overall aesthetic.
Bringing It All Together: Your Above-Cabinet Masterpiece
Decorating above your kitchen cabinets is all about making the most of an often-overlooked space. Whether you love the idea of adding lush greenery, displaying charming vintage finds, or keeping things clean and minimal, there’s an approach that’s perfect for your style. The key is to create a display that feels intentional and adds to the overall warmth and character of your kitchen. By combining some of these professional tips, you can turn the space above your cabinets into a beautiful extension of your kitchen decor that truly feels like home.
