The space above your kitchen cabinets is often overlooked, but it’s a prime opportunity to add personality and style to your kitchen. This area can be transformed into a stunning focal point, reflecting your unique taste and adding a touch of elegance to your culinary haven. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or a maximalist explosion of color and pattern, there’s a design idea waiting to be explored. Let’s dive into 20 inspiring ideas to decorate above your kitchen cabinets and unleash the potential of this often-forgotten space.
Open Shelving for Display and Functionality
Open shelving offers a stylish and functional solution, allowing you to display your favorite dishes, cookbooks, or decorative items. Opt for sleek metal shelves for a modern industrial look, or embrace rustic charm with reclaimed wood shelves. To avoid clutter, curate your display with intention, grouping items by color, theme, or function. In the US, open shelving is increasingly popular for its ability to create a welcoming and less formal kitchen environment. In Europe, open shelving is often combined with a minimalist aesthetic, showcasing clean lines and a sense of airiness.
Floating Plants for a Verdant Touch
Bring the outdoors in with a touch of greenery. Floating plants suspended from the ceiling or hung from the cabinet tops add a refreshing and vibrant touch. Opt for low-maintenance succulents or trailing plants like pothos or spider plants. In both the US and EU, incorporating houseplants is a trend that reflects a growing desire for a connection with nature. Choose pots that complement the style of your kitchen, whether it’s sleek ceramic, rustic terracotta, or modern metal.
Artful Wall Decor for Visual Interest
Transform the space above your cabinets into an art gallery by showcasing your favorite artwork, photographs, or prints. A large statement piece can anchor the space, while smaller artworks can be arranged in a gallery wall for a curated look. Consider incorporating mirrors to reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness, a popular trend in both the US and EU. Remember to choose artwork that complements the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
Statement Lighting for Dramatic Flair
A statement lighting fixture can dramatically enhance the ambiance of your kitchen. A dramatic chandelier, a cluster of pendant lights, or even a series of strategically placed sconces can add a touch of elegance and draw attention to the space above your cabinets. Popular choices in the US include farmhouse-style pendant lights and sleek modern chandeliers. In Europe, geometric pendant lights and industrial-style fixtures are popular for their unique and contemporary appeal.
Textured Wallpaper for Visual Depth
Add visual depth and personality to your kitchen with textured wallpaper. Consider patterns like damask, floral, or geometric for a classic look, or opt for bold graphic patterns for a more contemporary feel. Wallpapering above the cabinets is a popular trend in both the US and EU, especially in kitchens with a vintage or bohemian aesthetic. Be sure to choose a wallpaper that is easy to clean and complements the rest of your kitchen decor.
Rustic Beams for Architectural Detail
Embrace a cozy cabin vibe with rustic beams. Faux wood beams can be installed above your cabinets to create a rustic and inviting atmosphere. Choose beams that match the style of your kitchen, whether it’s reclaimed wood, distressed white, or a more modern interpretation of the rustic aesthetic. In both the US and EU, rustic design elements are gaining popularity, bringing a sense of warmth and character to kitchens.
Bold Backsplash for a Focal Point
Extend your kitchen backsplash above the cabinets to create a striking visual focal point. Use a contrasting tile, bold pattern, or eye-catching material like metallic tile or natural stone. In the US, subway tile backsplashes continue to be popular, while in Europe, herringbone patterns and statement tiles are making their mark. The key is to choose a backsplash that complements your kitchen style and adds a touch of visual interest.
Metallic Accents for a Luxe Feel
Elevate your kitchen with metallic accents. Consider gold, silver, or copper finishes for cabinet hardware, light fixtures, or decorative items. In the US, brass accents are experiencing a resurgence, while in Europe, matte black finishes are becoming increasingly popular. Metallic accents add a touch of sophistication and reflect light, creating a sense of grandeur in the space above your cabinets.
Vintage Finds for Eclectic Charm
Embrace the charm of vintage finds. Display antique dishes, vintage signage, or repurposed items above your cabinets to add a touch of eclectic personality. In both the US and EU, vintage decor is gaining popularity, offering a unique and sustainable alternative to mass-produced items. The key is to select pieces that complement your kitchen style and tell a story.
Mirrored Surfaces for a Sense of Space
Create a sense of spaciousness and reflect light with mirrored surfaces. Use mirrored panels, mirrored tiles, or even vintage mirrors to visually expand the space above your cabinets. Mirrored surfaces are popular in both the US and EU, particularly in smaller kitchens where they can help to make the space feel larger and brighter. Be sure to choose mirrors that complement the style of your kitchen and enhance its overall aesthetic.
Statement Crown Molding for Architectural Detail
Add architectural detail and elegance with statement crown molding. Choose a bold profile and paint it in a contrasting color or finish to create a focal point above your cabinets. In both the US and EU, crown molding is a classic design element that can enhance the overall elegance and sophistication of a room. It can also be used to highlight the transition between the cabinets and the ceiling, creating a sense of continuity and visual interest.
Floating Shelves for Display and Storage
Add a touch of modern style with floating shelves. These shelves offer a sleek and minimalist alternative to traditional cabinets, allowing you to display your favorite items while also providing additional storage. In the US, floating shelves are often used in contemporary and modern kitchens, while in Europe, they are embraced for their clean lines and ability to create a minimalist aesthetic. Choose shelves in a material that complements your kitchen style, whether it’s wood, metal, or glass.
Storage Baskets for Organization
Keep things organized and visually appealing with storage baskets. Place baskets above your cabinets to store items like extra linens, cookbooks, or seasonal decorations. Choose baskets in natural materials like wicker or woven seagrass for a rustic feel, or opt for sleek metal baskets for a more modern aesthetic. In both the US and EU, storage baskets are a popular solution for organizing and adding visual interest to kitchen spaces.
Painted Accents for a Pop of Color
Add a pop of color and personality with painted accents. Paint the space above your cabinets in a bold color, create a geometric pattern, or even use painter’s tape to create stripes or other designs. In the US, bold color choices are becoming increasingly popular, while in Europe, muted tones and subtle patterns are often preferred. The key is to choose a color that complements the overall aesthetic of your kitchen and adds a touch of visual interest.
Fabric Panels for Texture and Interest
Add texture and visual interest with fabric panels. Hang decorative panels made from linen, velvet, or other fabrics above your cabinets to create a focal point and add a touch of softness. In the US, fabric panels are often used in kitchens with a farmhouse or bohemian aesthetic, while in Europe, they are popular in kitchens with a more minimalist or Scandinavian style. Choose fabric panels in colors and patterns that complement the rest of your kitchen decor.
Wall-Mounted Herb Garden for Fresh Flavors
Bring the garden indoors with a wall-mounted herb garden. This is a practical and stylish way to add a touch of greenery and fresh flavors to your kitchen. In both the US and EU, herb gardens are becoming increasingly popular as people embrace a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle. Choose a wall-mounted herb garden that complements the style of your kitchen and provides ample space for your favorite herbs.
