How To Decorate Top Of Kitchen Cabinets Farmhouse Style

Decorating the tops of kitchen cabinets offers an opportunity to enhance the farmhouse aesthetic in a kitchen. This space, often overlooked, can contribute significantly to the overall warmth and inviting atmosphere characteristic of farmhouse style. Whether the goal is a subtle touch or a bold statement, careful consideration of the elements and principles of farmhouse design will guide the decorative process.

Embrace Natural Elements

Farmhouse style is deeply rooted in nature. Incorporating natural materials like wood, wicker, and greenery onto the tops of cabinets can amplify this connection. Wooden crates, vintage baskets, or woven trays can provide texture and visual interest. Potted plants or dried floral arrangements introduce a touch of life and color, creating a welcoming ambiance.

Utilize Vintage and Antique Finds

The farmhouse aesthetic often features vintage and antique items, adding a sense of history and charm to the space. Old enamelware, vintage crockery, or antique advertising signs placed strategically atop the cabinets can serve as conversation pieces and focal points. These items can be sourced from antique stores, flea markets, or even family heirlooms.

Create Visual Balance and Harmony

While adding decorative elements, it’s crucial to maintain visual balance. Avoid overcrowding the space. Distribute items evenly across the cabinets, considering their size and visual weight. Grouping similar items together can create cohesive vignettes. Varying heights adds dimension and prevents a monotonous look. Consider the overall color palette and ensure the items on top of the cabinets complement the existing kitchen decor.

Layer Textures and Materials

Layering different textures and materials creates depth and visual interest. Combining wood with metal, glass, or ceramic pieces adds complexity to the display. A stack of old books topped with a vintage metal pitcher or a woven basket filled with dried flowers exemplifies this principle. The interplay of textures adds a richness and authenticity to the farmhouse look.

Consider Practicality and Functionality

While aesthetics are important, practicality should also be a factor when decorating the tops of kitchen cabinets. If the items are difficult to clean or access, they may become more of a burden than a decorative asset. Choose items that are relatively easy to dust or wipe down. If storing items on top of the cabinets, ensure they are lightweight and not prone to breakage.

Incorporate Seasonal Decor

The tops of kitchen cabinets provide an ideal location for seasonal decorations. Pumpkins and gourds in the fall, evergreen boughs and pinecones in the winter, or spring blooms and Easter eggs can add a festive touch while staying true to the farmhouse theme. Rotating seasonal decor keeps the space fresh and inviting throughout the year.

Play with Lighting

Lighting can significantly enhance the decorative elements on top of the cabinets. Small string lights woven amongst the displayed items can create a warm and inviting glow, particularly in the evening. Uplighting placed on top of the cabinets can cast a soft light on the ceiling, adding dimension and drama to the space. Carefully positioned spotlights can highlight specific decorative pieces, drawing attention to their unique features.

Maintain a Clean and Uncluttered Look

A hallmark of farmhouse style is its emphasis on cleanliness and order. While decorating the tops of cabinets, avoid creating a cluttered or disorganized appearance. Regularly dust and clean the displayed items and the cabinet tops themselves. Be mindful of the number of items displayed, opting for a curated look rather than an overcrowded one. A clean and uncluttered presentation enhances the overall farmhouse aesthetic.

Pay Attention to Scale and Proportion

The size of the decorative items should be proportionate to the size of the cabinets and the kitchen itself. Oversized items can overwhelm the space, while items that are too small may get lost. Consider the height of the cabinets and choose items that create a visually pleasing balance. Stepping back and viewing the arrangement from different angles can help assess the scale and proportion of the displayed items.