Above Kitchen Cabinet Decor: Unleash Your Kitchen’s Hidden Potential
The kitchen: it’s the heart of the home, the place where meals are created, memories are shared, and (let’s be honest) where a lot of life happens. We spend so much time focusing on the countertops, the appliances, and the cabinets themselves, that we often overlook a significant area of design potential: the space above the kitchen cabinets. This often-neglected zone can be transformed from a dust-collecting void into a stylish and functional extension of your kitchen’s aesthetic. With a little creativity and planning, you can turn that awkward space into a focal point that enhances the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
But where do you even begin? Don’t worry; we’re here to guide you through a treasure trove of above-kitchen-cabinet decor ideas. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic farmhouse vibe, a sleek modern look, or something entirely unique to your personal style, we’ve got inspiration to help you make the most of this often-underutilized space. Let’s dive in!
Why Bother Decorating Above Your Kitchen Cabinets?
Before we jump into specific decor ideas, let’s quickly address the elephant in the room: why bother decorating above your kitchen cabinets at all? Here’s a few compelling reasons:
- Visual Appeal: A well-decorated space above your cabinets adds visual interest and prevents the kitchen from feeling bland or unfinished. It draws the eye upward, creating a sense of height and spaciousness, particularly beneficial in smaller kitchens.
- Personalization: This area is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your personality and style. Displaying collections, artwork, or decorative items that reflect your interests can instantly personalize your kitchen and make it feel more like home.
- Filling Empty Space: That empty space above the cabinets can sometimes feel awkward or unbalanced. Decorating it helps to fill the void and create a more cohesive and visually appealing design.
- Adding Character: The right decor can add character and charm to your kitchen, transforming it from a purely functional space into a warm and inviting gathering place.
- Strategic Storage (Potentially): While primarily decorative, you can also incorporate functional storage elements into your above-cabinet decor, such as baskets or vintage suitcases, to store infrequently used items.
Exploring Different Decor Styles for Above Kitchen Cabinets
The key to successful above-cabinet decor is to choose a style that complements your existing kitchen design and reflects your personal taste. Here are some popular styles to consider:
Farmhouse Charm
Farmhouse style is all about warmth, simplicity, and a touch of rustic charm. This style lends itself beautifully to above-cabinet decor. Think vintage finds, natural textures, and a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Ideas for Farmhouse Decor:
- Vintage Crates and Baskets: Stack vintage wooden crates or woven baskets for a rustic and functional display. You can use them to store cookbooks, linens, or other kitchen essentials, or simply leave them empty for a purely decorative effect.
- Galvanized Metal Accents: Incorporate galvanized metal buckets, watering cans, or signs for a touch of industrial farmhouse flair.
- Antique Dishes and Pottery: Display a collection of antique dishes, pottery, or pitchers in varying heights and textures. Look for pieces with a weathered or distressed finish for an authentic farmhouse look.
- Faux Greenery: Add pops of greenery with faux plants, vines, or wreaths. Choose plants that mimic natural elements found in a farmhouse setting, such as herbs, wildflowers, or cotton stems.
- Wooden Signs: Display wooden signs with farmhouse-inspired sayings or quotes. You can find pre-made signs or create your own using reclaimed wood and stencils.
Modern Minimalism
For a sleek and contemporary kitchen, a minimalist approach to above-cabinet decor is often the best choice. Focus on clean lines, simple shapes, and a limited color palette to create a sense of calm and order.
Ideas for Modern Minimalist Decor:
- Abstract Art: Display a few pieces of abstract art in neutral colors or with bold geometric patterns. Choose pieces that complement the overall color scheme of your kitchen.
- Sculptural Objects: Incorporate a few carefully chosen sculptural objects in metal, glass, or ceramic. Look for pieces with clean lines and simple shapes.
- Large Vases: Place a few large vases in varying heights and shapes. You can leave them empty or fill them with a few stems of greenery or dried flowers.
- Geometric Shapes: Use geometric shapes, such as cubes, spheres, or pyramids, to create a visually interesting display.
- Color-Coordinated Items: Choose a limited color palette and display items that are all within that color range. This creates a cohesive and visually appealing look.
Bohemian Eclectic
If you’re drawn to a more eclectic and bohemian style, embrace a mix of colors, textures, and patterns. This is your chance to showcase your unique personality and create a space that feels truly your own.
Ideas for Bohemian Eclectic Decor:
- Global Textiles: Display textiles from around the world, such as woven rugs, embroidered tapestries, or colorful scarves.
- Collected Curiosities: Showcase a collection of unique and interesting objects that you’ve gathered over time. This could include vintage cameras, antique maps, or travel souvenirs.
- Plants, Plants, and More Plants: Incorporate a variety of plants in different shapes, sizes, and textures. Trailing plants, such as pothos or ivy, are particularly well-suited for above-cabinet decor.
- Woven Baskets: Use woven baskets in a variety of sizes and shapes to add texture and warmth to the space.
- String Lights: Add a touch of whimsy with string lights. Drape them across the top of the cabinets or weave them through plants for a soft and inviting glow.
Coastal Retreat
Bring the breezy, relaxed vibes of the coast into your kitchen with a coastal-inspired decor scheme. Think natural materials, light colors, and touches of nautical charm.
Ideas for Coastal Decor:
- Seashells and Starfish: Display a collection of seashells, starfish, or other coastal treasures.
- Driftwood and Coral: Incorporate pieces of driftwood, coral, or sea glass for a natural and organic look.
- Nautical Ropes and Knots: Use nautical ropes and knots as decorative accents. You can create a simple knot display or use rope to wrap around vases or other objects.
- Blue and White Pottery: Display blue and white pottery, such as vases, bowls, or platters.
- Lighthouses and Boats: Incorporate miniature lighthouses, sailboats, or other nautical-themed figurines.
Practical Considerations for Above Kitchen Cabinet Decor
While aesthetics are important, it’s also crucial to consider the practical aspects of decorating above your kitchen cabinets. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Dust Control: The space above your cabinets can be a dust magnet. Choose items that are easy to clean or consider using a sealant to protect porous materials. Regularly dust the area with a long-handled duster or vacuum attachment.
- Accessibility: Consider how easily you can access the items you’re displaying. If you need to use a step stool to reach them, choose items that you don’t need to access frequently.
- Weight: Be mindful of the weight of the items you’re placing above your cabinets. Make sure your cabinets are sturdy enough to support the weight, and avoid overloading them.
- Scale and Proportion: Choose items that are appropriately sized for the space above your cabinets. Avoid items that are too small or too large, as they can look out of proportion.
- Lighting: Consider adding lighting above your cabinets to highlight your decor. Under-cabinet lighting can also help to illuminate the countertop and make the kitchen feel brighter.
- Cabinet Height and Style: Take into account the height of your cabinets and the overall style of your kitchen. Taller cabinets may require larger or more dramatic decor, while shorter cabinets may benefit from smaller, more delicate items. A modern kitchen might suit minimalist decor, whereas a traditional kitchen can handle more ornate pieces.
Specific Decor Item Ideas for Above Your Kitchen Cabinets
Now that we’ve covered different styles and practical considerations, let’s explore some specific decor item ideas that you can use to transform the space above your kitchen cabinets:
Baskets
Woven baskets offer a versatile and stylish way to add texture and storage to your above-cabinet decor. Choose baskets in various sizes, shapes, and materials to create a visually interesting display. Use them to store cookbooks, linens, or other kitchen essentials, or simply leave them empty for a purely decorative effect. They fit perfectly in farmhouse, bohemian or even coastal style kitchens.
Cookbooks
Displaying your favorite cookbooks above your cabinets is a practical and stylish way to add personality to your kitchen. Choose cookbooks with attractive covers or spines, and arrange them in an organized and visually appealing way. Consider stacking them horizontally or vertically, or using bookends to keep them in place. They can be used in almost any kitchen style.
Greenery (Real or Faux)
Adding greenery to your above-cabinet decor is a great way to bring life and freshness into your kitchen. Use real or faux plants, vines, or wreaths to add pops of color and texture. Choose plants that are low-maintenance and easy to care for, or opt for realistic-looking faux plants if you don’t have a green thumb. Trailing plants, such as pothos or ivy, are particularly well-suited for above-cabinet decor. Greenery brightens every kitchen and brings a natural element inside.
Pottery and Vases
Displaying a collection of pottery and vases above your cabinets is a great way to add color, texture, and visual interest to your kitchen. Choose pieces in varying heights, shapes, and colors to create a dynamic and eye-catching display. You can fill the vases with flowers, greenery, or dried branches, or simply leave them empty for a minimalist look. Choose pottery style according to your kitchen style: rustic pottery for a farmhouse kitchen, clean-lined vases for a modern kitchen, colorful pottery for a bohemian kitchen.
Artwork and Prints
Adding artwork or prints above your cabinets is a great way to personalize your kitchen and showcase your unique style. Choose pieces that complement the overall color scheme and design of your kitchen. Consider displaying a single large piece of art or a collection of smaller prints. Frame your artwork or leave it unframed for a more casual look.
Vintage Finds and Antiques
Incorporating vintage finds and antiques into your above-cabinet decor is a great way to add character and charm to your kitchen. Look for unique and interesting items at flea markets, antique stores, or estate sales. Consider displaying vintage dishes, pottery, tins, or other kitchen-related items. These items can add a touch of nostalgia and history to your kitchen.
Trays and Platters
Decorative trays and platters can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your above-cabinet decor. Choose trays and platters in various sizes, shapes, and materials to create a visually interesting display. You can use them to display other decorative items, such as candles, vases, or plants, or simply leave them empty for a minimalist look. They are especially useful when you want to group smaller items together. Select trays that complement the overall style of your kitchen: silver trays for a formal kitchen, wooden trays for a rustic kitchen, colorful trays for a bohemian kitchen.
Lighting
Adding lighting above your cabinets is a great way to highlight your decor and create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting to illuminate the countertop and make the kitchen feel brighter. You can also add spotlights or accent lights to highlight specific items on display. String lights can create a whimsical and festive atmosphere. Think about LED strip lighting for a modern glow or vintage-style bulbs for a more rustic feel.
Architectural Elements
Consider adding architectural elements above your cabinets to create a more dramatic and visually appealing space. This could include corbels, decorative molding, or even a faux beam. These elements can add depth, texture, and architectural interest to your kitchen. Choose elements that complement the overall style of your kitchen and the existing cabinetry. A simple crown molding can instantly elevate the look of your cabinets, while corbels can add a touch of traditional charm.
DIY Above Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas
If you’re feeling creative, there are plenty of DIY above-kitchen-cabinet decor ideas you can try. Here are a few to get you started:
- Painted Mason Jars: Paint mason jars in different colors and patterns and use them to display flowers, herbs, or other small items.
- Reclaimed Wood Signs: Create your own signs using reclaimed wood and stencils. You can paint them with farmhouse-inspired sayings or quotes.
- String Art: Create a string art piece using nails and string. You can create a simple geometric design or a more complex image.
- Woven Wall Hangings: Learn how to weave and create your own wall hangings using yarn, string, or other materials.
- DIY Succulent Planters: Create your own succulent planters using repurposed containers, such as teacups, cans, or bowls.
Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
To ensure your above-cabinet decor is a success, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Cluttering the Space: Avoid overcrowding the space with too many items. A cluttered space can look messy and overwhelming.
- Ignoring Dust: Don’t neglect to dust the area regularly. Dust can quickly accumulate and make your decor look unappealing.
- Choosing Items That Are Too Small: Choose items that are appropriately sized for the space. Items that are too small can get lost and look insignificant.
- Neglecting Lighting: Don’t forget to add lighting to highlight your decor. Lighting can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
- Ignoring the Overall Kitchen Style: Make sure your above-cabinet decor complements the overall style of your kitchen. Avoid choosing items that clash with the existing decor.
Transform Your Kitchen Today
Decorating above your kitchen cabinets is a simple yet effective way to transform your kitchen and add personality to your space. With a little creativity and planning, you can turn that often-neglected area into a focal point that enhances the overall look and feel of your kitchen. So, gather your inspiration, explore different styles, and get ready to elevate your kitchen to new heights!
Remember, the best above-cabinet decor is the decor that reflects your personal style and makes you happy. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things until you find a look that you love.
Happy decorating!
