Next-Level Top of Cabinet Kitchen Decorating Ideas
Upgrading your kitchen’s style doesn’t have to involve a complete renovation. One often overlooked area brimming with decorative potential is the space above your cabinets. Decorating those bare cabinet tops can elevate your kitchen’s ambiance and inject serious personality. Tackle this project with the right “ideas to decorate top of kitchen cabinets,” and you’ll achieve a stunning transformation that maximizes every inch of space.
Top of Cabinet Decorating Basics
Before diving into decorative displays, let’s cover a few basics about top of cabinet decor. This design element refers to the area above upper cabinets where open wall space exists. Utilizing this vacant real estate adds visual interest while maximizing your kitchen’s available square footage – a win-win for cramped cooking quarters.
The benefits of decorating above cabinets are two-fold. First, it draws the eye upward, creating a grander sense of space and height, which makes even small kitchens feel more open and airy. Second, it allows you to display meaningful or visually appealing items within this often-neglected zone that would otherwise sit in storage. When approaching this project, consider factors like cabinet height (taller is better for larger accents), depth, and your kitchen’s current color palette to ensure a cohesive, streamlined look.
Stylish Ideas to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets
Ready to jump into decorating? These ideas prove that cabinet tops are a design playground waiting to happen:
- Display decorative plates or a collection of dishware for a curated, gallery-inspired touch. Incorporate accent plates in colors or patterns that tie into your kitchen’s palette.
- Warm up the kitchen with woven baskets arranged above cabinets for an earthy, rustic vibe. Stack or lean vintage picnic baskets against the wall for extra dimension.
- Bring the outdoors in by incorporating potted plants or lush artificial greenery. A mix of hanging and potted botanicals amps up the fresh, natural vibe.
- Create a focal point with an eye-catching gallery wall of framed artwork, family photos or botanical prints. Include different frame styles, colors and orientations for an eclectic yet refined look.
- For book lovers, arrange a curated collection of cookbooks or literature that complements your decor. Stack hardbacks horizontally and vertically for visual interest.
Simple and Functional Top Cabinet Decor
Decorative accents aren’t the only way to maximize cabinet tops. These straightforward ideas allow you to blend form and function seamlessly:
- Utilize wooden trays or platters to corral oft-used seasonings, oils, or snacks within easy reach. Leave space between items for a curated look.
- Display decorative ceramic pitchers, vases or urns filled with faux botanicals, trailing ivy or even wooden spoons for an earthy, kitchen-y touch.
- Keep regularly used dry goods like rice or pasta visible yet contained in clear glass jars or canisters which create a tidy, uniform look.
- For small appliance storage, tuck away items like toasters, bread boxes or rapid cold beverage chillers to declutter countertops. Just ensure proper ventilation.
- Lean into the kitchen theme by arranging decorative dishes, antique bowls or even little jars of culinary accents like cinnamon sticks.
Bold and Eye-Catching Cabinet Top Decorations
If subtle cabinet top accents aren’t your style, go big and bold with these daring decorating concepts that ensure your kitchen steals the spotlight:
- Hang pendant lighting directly above cabinets for a statement-making glow. Use an oversized, ornate pendant light as a sculptural centerpiece.
- Make it personal with oversized letters or monograms that spell out your family name, a clever “Eat” sign or customized kitchen greeting.
- Curate an eclectic themed collection like colorful antique bottles or milk glass compotes arranged in stylized vignettes along cabinets.
- Amplify depth and space with strategically placed antiqued mirrors or metallic trays that visually expand the space.
- Channel an romantic, glam vibe with a striking arrangement of glass candle holders, brass lanterns or beaded garland draped overhead.
Decorative Storage Ideas Above Cabinets
Don’t let that prime real estate above your cabinets go to waste! Put cabinet tops to work with these decorative yet functional storage solutions that look as great as they operate:
- Install open shelving running the length of cabinets to house cookbook collections or treasured display pieces. Use matching bookends or stylish accents on each end.
- Stow away lesser-used items in decorative boxes, vintage trunks or attractive storage ottomans which add intriguing texture.
- For wine storage with a twist, incorporate wall-mounted racks or wine cubbies above cabinetry. Install under-cabinet lighting to make it a glowing showpiece.
- Rethink your pantry layout with apothecary jars used to store dry goods like flour, pasta or spices in style on top of cabinets.
- Conceal household clutter with woven rattan or wire baskets and color-coordinated bins holding essentials like batteries or lightbulbs.
With these professional designer tricks, your cabinet tops will look expertly styled while maintaining function:
- For visual balance, stick to groupings of items in odd numbers like threes or fives. An odd number of pieces creates a cohesive yet dynamic look.
- Vary the heights, shapes and textures of displayed items for eye-catching contrast and depth. Mix vases, potted plants and horizontally-stacked books for example.
- Pull in pops of your kitchen’s signature hues or design theme through ceramics, greenery or art to create a cohesive flow.
- Swap out seasonal accents like foliage, pumpkins, holiday pottery or dishware for a refreshed look that aligns with each time of year.
- Lastly, make sure the overall scale of decor suits your cabinets’ dimensions and doesn’t appear oversized and cluttered or underwhelming, which defeats the purpose.
With a little creativity and these diverse “ideas to decorate top of kitchen cabinets,” you’ll unlock a world of decorative potential. Don’t let that wide-open space above cabinets go overlooked any longer. It’s prime real estate bursting with possibilities to elevate your kitchen design from bland to grand. Whether you crave eye-catching accent displays or streamlined storage solutions, top of cabinet decor is an accessible way to instantly amplify your kitchen’s wow factor. It’s time to maximize every inch of space and make a tasteful statement you’ll admire for years to come.
