What Decor To Put Above Kitchen Cabinets

What Decor to Put Above Kitchen Cabinets

The space above kitchen cabinets presents a unique opportunity to add personality and visual interest to your kitchen. While some may leave this area empty, it's a perfect canvas for showcasing your style, adding functionality, or simply breaking up the monotony of a long wall. Whether your kitchen is modern or traditional, there are countless options to enhance this often-overlooked space.

1. Open Shelving: Embrace Functionality and Style

Open shelving above cabinets provides a practical and visually appealing solution. It offers easy access to infrequently used items, decorative accents, and even cookbooks. The open design adds a sense of lightness and airiness, making the kitchen feel more spacious. When choosing open shelving, consider material, color, and style to ensure a seamless integration with the overall kitchen design.

For a contemporary aesthetic, opt for sleek metal shelves with minimalist brackets. For a rustic charm, consider wood shelves with exposed beams or reclaimed materials. When it comes to color, white or neutral tones can complement various kitchen styles, while bolder hues can inject personality and create a focal point.

2. Wall Art: Inject Personality and Visual Interest

Wall art can be a fantastic way to personalize your kitchen and add a touch of visual excitement. From framed prints and canvases to tapestries and decorative plates, the possibilities are endless. Choose artwork that reflects your taste and complements the existing decor. Consider using a gallery wall with a mix of prints or framed photos to create a dynamic display.

When selecting artwork, consider the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. For a modern kitchen, opt for abstract prints or geometric designs. For a farmhouse kitchen, consider vintage posters or rustic landscapes. For a more traditional kitchen, paintings or etchings might be a better fit.

3. Mirrors: Amplify Light and Space

Mirrors can be a powerful tool for enhancing space and light. By reflecting natural light, mirrors create a sense of openness and brightness, especially in kitchens with limited windows. A large rectangular mirror placed above cabinets can visually expand the space, making the room feel more expansive.

For a modern kitchen, consider a sleek, frameless mirror. For a traditional kitchen, a vintage or ornate mirror can add a touch of elegance. When choosing a mirror, consider the size and shape to ensure it coordinates with the existing decor. A mirror with decorative elements can also serve as a focal point, adding visual interest to the space.

4. Plants: Breathe Life and Nature into the Kitchen

Adding plants to your kitchen provides a touch of nature and freshens the air. Hanging baskets with trailing vines, potted herbs, or even small succulents can add a touch of greenery and bring life to the space. Choose plants that thrive in the light conditions of your kitchen and require low maintenance.

Plants can be used to create a focal point or add a touch of color. For a contemporary kitchen, opt for minimalist planters and geometric shapes. For a more traditional kitchen, terracotta pots or vintage containers can add charm.

5. Lighting: Enhance Functionality and Create Ambiance

Lighting plays an essential role in the overall ambiance and functionality of the kitchen. While overhead lighting generally serves practical purposes, adding decorative lighting above cabinets can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pendant lights, sconces, or even string lights can add a touch of charm and style.

Consider the style of your kitchen when selecting lighting. For a modern kitchen, opt for sleek pendant lights or linear sconces. For a farmhouse kitchen, consider rustic pendant lights or Edison bulb string lights. For a traditional kitchen, chandeliers or ornate sconces can add elegance.