Boost Your Kitchen's Chic Factor with Lush Greenery Above Cabinets
Imagine stepping into a kitchen where vibrant greenery cascades down from above, infusing the space with life. Your eyes follow trailing vines and lush leaves that transform plain cabinets into an indoor oasis. Warm lighting reflects off glossy foliage, creating a soothing ambiance. The air feels fresher, carrying notes of herbs and earthiness. You take a deep breath, immediately feeling the stresses of everyday life melt away.
This dream can become reality by incorporating plants above your kitchen cabinets! Not only will it boost your chic factor, but also purify the air, provide easy access to herbs, and create a relaxing space. Read on to discover the best plants to use and creative ways to display greenery overhead.
Choosing the Right Plants for Above Cabinets
When selecting plants, consider factors like sunlight and moisture needs. Cabinets don’t provide the brightest light, so focus on low-light varieties that also suit your decor style. Here are top options:
Low-Light Lovers
For shady cabinets, go for hardy houseplants like:
- Snake plants - Architectural shape and air purifying abilities
- Pothos - Cascading vines with heart-shaped leaves
- Chinese evergreens - Dramatic variegated foliage
- Peace lilies - Elegant blooms and low maintenance
- Cast iron plants - Tough with wide, arching leaves
- ZZ plants - Tolerant and great for beginners
- Philodendrons - Vining, lush, and many leaf shapes
Sun-Loving Varieties
If cabinets get decent natural light, also consider:
- Succulents - Unique textures and drought-tolerant
- Spider plants - Fun trailing shoots with chlorophyll
- Crotons - Bold colors and patterns
- Nerve plants - Crinkled leaves with red or yellow veins
- Jade plants - Sculptural and lucky
- Aloe vera - Healing properties and clean lines
Herbs & Edibles
For cooks, include culinary herbs like:
- Mint - Invigorating scent and mojito potential
- Oregano - Pizza and pasta enhancer
- Thyme - Savory flavor for meats and stews
- Rosemary - Piney and perfect for roast veggies
- Basil - Fresh kick for caprese salads and pesto
- Lemongrass - Zesty citrus notes for Asian dishes
Innovative Ways to Showcase Greenery
Now for the fun part - picking functional and stylish ways to display your botanicals overhead. Go beyond basic pots on cabinets with these creative options:
Shelving
Introduce greenery via shelves in materials like:
- Floating glass ledges - Lightweight and transparent
- Sturdy wooden ledges - Warm and natural
- Sleek metal rails - Industrial vibe
Hanging Displays
Let plants drape down with:
- Macrame hangers - Boho texture
- Single hooks - Flexible and versatile
- Suspended rods - Modern and minimalist
Unexpected Ideas
Also think outside the box with:
- Ladder shelf - Rustic statement piece
- Hanging terrariums - Low maintenance greens
- Wall mounted planters - Incorporate succulents or herbs
- Rail planters - Build your own track system
Design Styles for Kitchen Greenery
Choosing plants and displays that complement your overall kitchen decor ensures a cohesive look. Here are some styles that pair beautifully with overhead greenery:
Modern
Keep it clean and contemporary with:
- Mixed metals like bronze and stainless steel
- Solid white cabinets and counters
- Linear rails and floating shelves
Bohemian
Embrace earthy elements with:
- Woven macrame hanging baskets
- Drying herbs and botanicals
- Natural wood cabinets and open shelving
Farmhouse
Incorporate rustic charm with:
- Galvanized metal buckets and bins
- Butcher block countertops
- Wire storage for onions and garlic
Composing Your Green Display
Achieving an artful arrangement of plants above cabinets requires attention to shape, scale, and composition. Keep these tips in mind:
- Vary trailing vine lengths for organic asymmetry
- Group plants of the same species together
- Alternate different leaf shapes and textures
- Incorporate overhead grow lights or pendant lamps
- Allow greenery to spread outward horizontally
Play with plant heights and forms until you find a layout you love. Step back occasionally to check proportions and negative space. The final look should feel both visually appealing and purposefully designed.
Caring for Your Plants
While most varieties suited to cabinets are low maintenance, providing adequate care will keep your greenery thriving. Be sure to:
- Water appropriately for each plant’s preferences
- Gently prune and train vines
- Use grow lights to supplement natural sunlight
- Fertilize in spring and summer months
- Monitor for pests like spider mites
Also place drip trays on cabinets to protect your surfaces from moisture. Caring for your plants keeps them healthy and enhances your design.
Reaping the Benefits
Infusing your kitchen with plants above cabinets is more than just visually appealing. It also:
- Purifies indoor air by removing toxins
- Adds vibrancy, color and life to the space
- Creates a relaxing sanctuary from daily stresses
- Brings the joy and mood boost of nature indoors
- Provides fresh herbs right in your cooking zone
Even small doses of greenery nourish our minds and spirits in wonderful ways. An overhead plant display takes these benefits to the next level!
With the right mix of plants, displays, and care, cultivating a “green” kitchen is totally achievable. This simple upgrade adds a blast of vitality and charm. It brings warmth to cool modern spaces or softens bold industrial ones. Regardless of your design taste, plants breathe new life and positivity into kitchens.
Living with indoor greenery also connects us more closely with nature. It satisfies our innate craving for the outdoors. Each day feels more inviting when you cook and dine under the watchful leaves of plant friends. Even just watering and pruning them offers calm mindfulness.
So introduce more green into your space - and watch your kitchen transform before your eyes. We hope these ideas for luscious greenery above cabinets inspire you to tap into nature’s beautiful benefits.