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What to Do with the Space Above the Kitchen Cabinets: Creative Solutions for Every Style

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What to Do with the Space Above the Kitchen Cabinets
What to Do with the Space Above the Kitchen Cabinets

The area above kitchen cabinets often becomes a forgotten space that collects dust and appears unfinished. Many homeowners wonder what to do with the space above the kitchen cabinets to create a cohesive, stylish look. This comprehensive guide explores practical and beautiful solutions that transform this awkward area into a design asset.

Understanding Your Cabinet Configuration

Before deciding what to do with the space above the kitchen cabinets, evaluate your existing setup. The gap between your cabinets and ceiling typically ranges from 6 to 24 inches, with standard configurations leaving 12-15 inches of space.

Soffit areas (enclosed spaces above cabinets) require different approaches than open gaps. Understanding your kitchen’s architecture helps determine the most suitable solutions for your specific situation.

Decorative Display Solutions

Stylized Collections and Artwork

Creating curated displays answers the question of what to do with the space above the kitchen cabinets while adding personality to your kitchen. Group items in odd numbers (3, 5, or 7) for visually pleasing arrangements.

Vintage pottery collections add warmth and character, while modern ceramic pieces complement contemporary kitchen designs. Vary heights and textures to create visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Display Guidelines:

  • Use items that complement your kitchen’s color scheme
  • Incorporate different textures (smooth ceramics, woven baskets, metallic accents)
  • Leave some empty space to avoid cluttered appearances
  • Consider the view from different angles throughout your kitchen

Seasonal Decorating Opportunities

Transform the space above cabinets into a seasonal showcase. Holiday decorations, seasonal greenery, or themed collections can be rotated throughout the year to keep your kitchen feeling fresh and current.

According to interior design experts at bigwritehook, seasonal decorating above cabinets should remain subtle to avoid overwhelming daily kitchen activities while still adding festive touches.

Practical Storage Extensions

Additional Cabinet Installation

For those seeking maximum storage, installing additional cabinets that extend to the ceiling eliminates the gap entirely. This solution provides substantial storage space for rarely used items while creating clean, continuous lines.

Glass-front upper cabinets maintain visual lightness while displaying beautiful dishware or glassware. Solid cabinet doors offer concealed storage for less attractive but necessary items.

Storage Cabinet Considerations:

Cabinet TypeBest ForVisual Impact
Matching existingSeamless lookMost cohesive
Glass frontDisplay itemsLight and airy
Open shelvingEasy accessModern appeal
Contrasting colorBold statementDramatic effect

Open Shelving Systems

Floating shelves provide accessible storage while maintaining an open feel. Use these shelves for frequently accessed items like extra dishes, cookbooks, or small appliances that you use regularly.

Custom shelving can be designed to perfectly fit your space and needs. Consider LED strip lighting underneath shelves to illuminate displays and add ambient lighting to your kitchen.

Plant-Based Solutions

Indoor Herb Gardens

Creating an herb garden addresses what to do with the space above the kitchen cabinets while providing fresh ingredients for cooking. Trailing plants like pothos or ivy can soften cabinet edges and add natural beauty.

Best Kitchen Plants for Above Cabinets:

  • Herbs: basil, thyme, rosemary, mint
  • Low-light plants: pothos, snake plants, ZZ plants
  • Trailing varieties: string of pearls, philodendrons
  • Faux plants: maintenance-free options for difficult lighting

Vertical Garden Systems

Modular planting systems can transform the cabinet-to-ceiling space into a living wall. These systems often include built-in irrigation, making plant care manageable even in hard-to-reach areas.

Consider the weight capacity of your cabinets before installing heavy planting systems. Consult with professionals if you’re unsure about structural requirements.

Lighting and Illumination

Decorative Lighting Installation

String lights, LED strips, or small pendant fixtures can transform the space above cabinets into a warm, welcoming focal point. This lighting adds ambiance while highlighting any decorative elements you’ve chosen to display.

Lighting Options:

  • Warm LED strips for continuous illumination
  • Battery-operated string lights for easy installation
  • Small spotlights to highlight specific decorative pieces
  • Color-changing LEDs for versatility

Accent Lighting for Displays

Professional lighting design from specialists like those at gmru.co.uk can elevate your cabinet-top displays. Properly positioned accent lights create depth and draw attention to your carefully curated collections.

Track lighting or adjustable spotlights allow you to modify illumination as you change displays or rearrange items seasonally.

Architectural Integration

Crown Molding and Trim Work

Installing crown molding creates a finished appearance while eliminating the gap entirely. This traditional approach works particularly well in classic kitchen designs where architectural details enhance the overall aesthetic.

Custom millwork can incorporate lighting, storage, or display areas within decorative trim elements. This solution requires professional installation but creates stunning, integrated results.

Soffit Construction

Building soffits (enclosed areas above cabinets) provides opportunities for integrated lighting, ventilation, or storage solutions. Decorative soffits can incorporate architectural details that complement your home’s style.

Consider stepped soffits that create varying levels for visual interest, or curved soffits that soften angular kitchen lines.

Creative Theme-Based Approaches

Kitchen Theme Extensions

Extend your kitchen’s design theme into the space above cabinets. Farmhouse kitchens might feature vintage mason jars and wooden crates, while modern kitchens could showcase sleek geometric sculptures or minimalist pottery.

Theme-Specific Ideas:

  • Coastal: shells, driftwood, nautical accessories
  • Industrial: metal containers, vintage signs, Edison bulb lighting
  • Traditional: china collections, copper pots, classic cookbooks
  • Contemporary: abstract art, metallic accents, geometric shapes

Color Coordination Strategies

Use the space above cabinets to reinforce your kitchen’s color palette. Monochromatic displays create sophisticated, cohesive looks, while contrasting colors can add dramatic focal points.

Consider painting the wall above cabinets in accent colors that complement your overall design scheme. This simple change can make decorative elements pop while tying the space together visually.

Maintenance and Accessibility

Easy-Clean Solutions

When planning what to do with the space above the kitchen cabinets, consider maintenance requirements. Kitchen environments generate grease and steam that can affect items stored above cabinets.

Washable decorative items or sealed containers make cleaning easier. Avoid items with intricate details that trap grease and become difficult to clean over time.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Choose materials that resist kitchen moisture and grease
  • Plan for quarterly deep cleaning of displayed items
  • Use step stools or ladders safely when accessing high areas
  • Consider professional cleaning for elaborate installations

Accessibility Considerations

Design your above-cabinet space with accessibility in mind. Items you need to reach regularly should be easily accessible, while purely decorative elements can be placed in less reachable areas.

Lightweight decorations are easier to move and clean, while stationary installations work well for permanent decorative elements that require minimal maintenance.

Budget-Friendly DIY Solutions

Repurposed and Upcycled Materials

Creative repurposing offers affordable answers to what to do with the space above the kitchen cabinets. Vintage crates become rustic storage, while old books can be stacked for height and visual interest.

DIY Project Ideas:

  • Paint empty wine bottles for colorful displays
  • Create faux greenery arrangements using artificial plants
  • Design geometric wall sculptures using cardboard and paint
  • Repurpose vintage kitchen tools as decorative elements

Thrift Store Treasures

Second-hand stores offer unique decorative pieces at fraction of retail costs. Look for vintage pottery, interesting containers, or architectural salvage that can be incorporated into your above-cabinet design.

Mismatched items can be unified through paint, while similar shapes in different materials create interesting textural contrasts.

Professional Design Integration

Working with Interior Designers

Professional designers can help you determine what to do with the space above the kitchen cabinets that best suits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. They consider factors like ceiling height, lighting conditions, and overall kitchen proportions.

Design consultations can provide valuable insights even if you plan to implement solutions yourself. Professionals can suggest approaches you might not have considered while helping you avoid common mistakes.

Contractor Considerations

Some solutions require professional installation, particularly those involving electrical work, structural modifications, or custom cabinetry. Obtain proper permits for electrical installations and ensure all work meets local building codes.

Licensed electricians should handle any lighting installations, while experienced carpenters can build custom storage or decorative elements that integrate seamlessly with existing cabinetry.

Long-Term Planning

Flexible Design Approaches

Choose solutions that can evolve with your changing needs and preferences. Modular systems allow for easy reconfiguration, while neutral base elements can be updated with seasonal or trending accessories.

Consider how your solution might age over time. Timeless approaches like additional cabinetry or architectural elements tend to remain appealing longer than trend-based decorative solutions.

Home Value Considerations

Some approaches to utilizing above-cabinet space can enhance your home’s value, while others are purely aesthetic. Additional storage solutions typically appeal to potential buyers, while highly personalized decorative displays might need to be modified for resale.

Consult with real estate professionals if you’re planning extensive modifications and home resale is a consideration within the next few years.

Conclusion

Determining what to do with the space above the kitchen cabinets depends on your storage needs, aesthetic preferences, maintenance capabilities, and budget constraints. Whether you choose practical storage extensions, decorative displays, living plant installations, or architectural integration, the key is selecting solutions that complement your lifestyle and enhance your kitchen’s overall appeal.

Remember that this space significantly impacts your kitchen’s visual completion and functional efficiency. Take time to consider your daily routines, cleaning preferences, and long-term satisfaction with your chosen approach.

By implementing these strategies thoughtfully, you’ll transform the often-overlooked space above your kitchen cabinets into a beautiful, functional asset that enhances your entire kitchen’s design and usability.

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