What Decor To Put Above Kitchen Cabinets

The space above kitchen cabinets often remains underutilized, presenting a prime opportunity to enhance the room's aesthetics and personality. It can transform a bland expanse into a captivating focal point, reflecting your individual style and adding depth to the kitchen's overall design. This area provides a canvas for creative expression, allowing you to introduce color, texture, and personality.

The options for decorating this space are diverse, ranging from subtle accents to bold statements. Choosing the right decor depends on several factors, including the kitchen's style, size, and personal preferences. This space can be utilized for practical purposes, such as displaying cherished heirlooms or storing frequently used items, or purely for decorative purposes, showcasing artistic elements and adding visual interest.

Open Shelving for Functionality and Style

Open shelving offers a functional and stylish approach to decorating the space above kitchen cabinets. It provides additional storage for frequently used items, allowing for easy access and display. Open shelving can be incorporated in various forms, from sleek metal racks to rustic wooden shelves, depending on the kitchen's aesthetic. The shelves can showcase decorative items like cookbooks, vases, or collections, seamlessly blending functionality with design. This approach optimizes the space and creates a visually appealing focal point, merging storage and display.

Consider the following factors when deciding on open shelving:

Material: Opt for materials that complement the existing cabinetry and kitchen style, such as wood, metal, or glass.
Size and Shape: The shelves should be proportionate to the cabinets and the space above them, ensuring a cohesive look.
Placement: The shelves should be strategically placed to maximize storage and enhance the overall design.
Items to Display: Select items that reflect your personal style and create visual interest.

Wall Art for Personal Expression

Wall art can inject personality and character into the kitchen, transforming the space above cabinets into a gallery of personal expression. From abstract paintings to framed prints, the options are endless, allowing for a customized and engaging display. The art should complement the existing kitchen decor, creating a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic.

Consider incorporating the following elements when choosing wall art:

Style: Select art that reflects your personal taste and complements the kitchen's existing style.
Size and Shape: The artwork should be proportionate to the space and the cabinets below. Consider large-scale pieces for a dramatic effect or smaller, clustered arrangements for a curated look.
Color Palette: The artwork should complement the existing kitchen color palette, either by echoing the existing colors or introducing complementary shades.
Theme: The art can be themed around a specific subject, such as nature, food, or travel, adding a personal touch to the space.

Lighting to Enhance Visual Interest

Lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing the space above cabinets, drawing attention to the decorative elements and creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Incorporating lighting can transform a flat expanse into a dynamic display, showcasing the decor with greater clarity and depth. The lighting chosen should complement the existing kitchen lighting and enhance the overall aesthetic.

Consider these factors when incorporating lighting above cabinets:

Type of Lighting: Pendant lights, sconces, or even strategically placed spotlights can create a dramatic effect.
Color Temperature: Warm white or soft white bulbs create a welcoming ambiance, while cool white bulbs offer a more functional illumination.
Placement: The lighting should be placed strategically to highlight the decor and create a balanced visual effect.
Dimmer Switches: Incorporating dimmer switches allows for adjusting the lighting intensity, creating different moods and ambiance.

Additional Considerations

Beyond the primary decor elements, several other considerations can enhance the space above kitchen cabinets. For example, incorporating plants can add a touch of greenery and freshness, while mirrors can create a sense of spaciousness and reflect light. Decorative accents like trays, bowls, or sculptures can add visual interest and complement the overall aesthetic.

Ultimately, the key to decorating the space above kitchen cabinets is to personalize it, reflecting your style and creating a space that you love to look at and spend time in. By thoughtfully selecting the right decor, you can transform this often-overlooked area into a captivating focal point that elevates the entire kitchen's design.