Revive Your Kitchen with Gorgeous and Functional Decor Above Cabinets

Kitchens are often one of the most lived-in rooms of a home, meaning their style and organization matter. Yet many kitchens have an overlooked space that offers ample opportunity to add visual interest and valuable storage - the area above the cabinets! With a bit of creativity and effort, this previously underutilized real estate can be transformed into a functional and stylish focal point.

By incorporating open shelving, racks, closed storage and wall décor over your existing cabinets, you can completely change the look and feel of your kitchen. The right above cabinet additions allow you to stow away kitchenware, showcase decorative items or plants, and complement your existing decor. Read on to discover inspiring and achievable ways to decorate that out-of-reach cabinet top zone.

Why Decorate Above Your Cabinets?

There are many great reasons to start decorating and organizing the space above your kitchen cabinets.

First, it adds lovely visual appeal. By drawing the eyes upwards, decor over your cabinets makes the entire room look more finished and put-together. The space above cabinets is often empty or the same cabinet doors are repeated, which can create a boring, blank look. Filling it with your unique style injects interest.

Benefits of Utilizing This Overlooked Space

In addition to aesthetic appeal, decorating over cabinets provides valuable functionality.

• It can make your kitchen more organized by providing a home for items that are currently cluttering counters or cabinets.
• You’re able to display cherished dishware, platters, mugs and other items that otherwise sit hidden away in cupboards.
• By moving these items up top, you free up storage space in lower cabinets and drawers.
• Above cabinet décor allows you to really showcase your personal style.

Kitchens tend to have a lot going on visually between cabinetry, appliances and various decor elements like backsplashes. By drawing attention skyward, above cabinet decor keeps the eyes moving throughout the room so no one area looks too busy.

Planning Your Above Cabinet Decor

To make the most of your above cabinet real estate, spend a little time planning so your finished decor is both stunning and functional.

Take Measurements

First up, accurately measure the area you want to decorate above your cabinets. Note the width and depth of each section. This allows you to purchase or make decor pieces that properly fit the space. It’s also important to measure how far your cabinets are from the ceiling. The height will determine what you can safely display based on your ability to reach the area.

Assess Your Kitchen Style and Needs

Next, look at the existing style of your kitchen. Is it modern and sleek or traditionally cozy? The decor you add above the cabinets should complement the rest of the room. Make note of color schemes, materials and textures already present that you want to incorporate. Then look critically at your current kitchen storage situation. Are pots and pans awkwardly stacked without a home? Is counter space at a premium? Identify which items could most benefit from being stored or displayed from above.

Also consider whether you want open, visible storage, fully concealed storage or a mix. Open shelves or racks allow you to access and display items easily. Enclosed storage like upper cabinets or baskets hide clutter while adding surface area. Many kitchens use a combo of both open and concealed storage.

Choose Pieces Complementing Your Kitchen

Once you identify your style and storage needs, start picking the specific above cabinet décor pieces that will bring your vision to life. Look for items in finishes that complement your kitchen - metals, woods and color palettes that tie in. Feel free to mix and match a few different elements for an eclectic effect. Lastly, don’t be afraid to add a touch of greenery with hanging planters or succulents to give your kitchen a fresh, lively look.

Best Above Cabinet Decorating Ideas

From a practical pot rack to stylish floating shelves, you have many options when it comes to decorating above kitchen cabinets. Consider these top ideas to maximize your space with decor that is as gorgeous as it is functional.

Open Shelving

Simple floating shelves instantly provide surface area for both storage and display. Try a few at staggered heights for interest. Plate racks are ideal for showing off your prettiest dishware while keeping it accessible. For herb storage and display, mounted spice racks can be both useful and attractive.

Mini shelving units with a lip are great for displaying cookbooks or small decor items. When styling open shelves, place the most visually pleasing items at eye level. Stack items like plates at slight angles for depth and arrange items thoughtfully using color, texture and shape to create appealing vignettes.

Hanging Storage Solutions

Hanging racks are a smart choice for above cabinet storage since they maximize space while keeping items visible and within reach. Swing arm pot racks allow you to hang cooking pots and pans vertically to save cabinet or drawer space. Decorative hanging utensil racks provide easy access to cooking/serving items you use regularly.

For tea or coffee drinkers, hanging mug racks keep favorite mugs on display neatly in one spot. Smaller racks just for wine glasses can elevate rarely used glassware. Multi-use metal racks with slitted sides or wire shelves are versatile for holding kitchen tools, cutting boards or trays.

Closed Storage Options

To conceal rather than display, closed storage is an excellent above cabinet option. Mini upper cabinets can mimic lower cabinetry. Square or rectangular baskets - hung on hooks or set on top of cabinets - hide items while looking chic. Thin shelving units with doors keep contents neatly tucked away.

For a unique touch, you can have shallow drawers installed above standard cabinets to increase hidden storage. Small glass-front cabinets are another way to add concealed storage while not totally obscuring the contents inside.

Wall Décor

Make a blank wall area stand out by mounting art, mirrors or decorative accents above your cabinets. Floating shelves can display decor items versus kitchenware. Paintings, prints or photographs are classic options for infusing more personality into your cooking space.

Add rustic flair with a reclaimed wood sign stenciled with a charming phrase. Accent the wall with ceramic tiles, marble, or textured wallpaper. Sconces or pendant lights increase task lighting while creating visual appeal.

Decorative Touches

A few carefully chosen decorative touches interspersed with your functional storage and shelves provide the finishing touch. Suspended planters with fresh herbs or flowers add life. Artfully arranged cookbooks make for inviting vignettes. Glass vases, bowls or jars add height and color.

Display your unique collections like vintage pottery or colorful enamel cookware. Or fill shelves with antique kitchen tools and canisters for a nostalgic feel. The options are endless for personalizing with fun flourishes.

Design Styles for Above Cabinet Decor

To help you decorate above your cabinets with confidence, here are three popular kitchen design styles translated to this often overlooked space.

Rustic Farmhouse

The rustic farmhouse approach brings natural textures and vintage simplicity overhead. Rough-hewn wood shelves made from reclaimed barn beams add rugged style. Galvanized metal pots and utensil racks provide industrial contrast. Woven baskets offer casual closed storage for clutter. A reclaimed license plate or distressed wood sign stenciled with “Coffee & Tea” caps off the homey vibe.

Sophisticated Contemporary

For a polished modern feel, sleek floating shelves and crisp hardware create an uncluttered look. Stainless racks and chrome baskets keep the space clean and bright. Geometric printed canvas art balances the shelves. The finishing touch is a tray of succulents or air plants in colorful glazed planters for an unexpected organic element.

Eclectic Vintage

Make a statement by shaking up traditional kitchen style expectations. Mismatched vintage plates and cups line up along wire racks and handmade shelves. Colored glass bottles of cooking oil become unexpected art objects. A chippy painted or distressed tin sign adds shabby chic flair.

Jars of fresh flowers, garden vegetables or foraged finds adorn open shelves for a homegrown presentation. The overall effect expresses your unique personality with a blend of old and new.

Tips for Installing Your Above Cabinet Decor

To safely and easily install your fabulous above cabinet décor, follow a few helpful guidelines.

• Use appropriate hardware like heavy duty hooks, braces and anchors that securely mount shelves and racks into studs.
• Follow all safety recommendations for weight limits and anti-tip brackets to prevent accidental falling.
• Secure heavier items on bottom shelves and towards the back of cabinets.
• Lightweight décor like wall art, plates and baskets allow for more flexibility.

Maintaining Your Above Cabinet Décor

Your new cabinet top vignettes will continue providing joyful style if you do a bit of regular care.

• Edit and swap out some of the displayed items seasonally to keep your look fresh.
• Dust shelves and décor regularly when you clean your kitchen.
• Periodically check that heavier items are still securely placed.
• Rearrange dishware, glassware and collectibles to showcase different favorites.

By taking time to creatively decorate that unused space above your kitchen cabinets, you can completely transform the look, storage and style of your cooking space. Apply the inspiration and tips from floating shelves to custom cabinets to create a kitchen that is beautiful, organized and uniquely you.

This often overlooked cabinet top zone offers the ideal blank canvas to layer in the colors, textures and designs you love. The end result will uplift your time spent creating meals and memories in your new favorite room.