Maximizing Vertical Space: How To Decorate Empty Space Above Kitchen Cabinets
The space above kitchen cabinets is often overlooked, but it presents a valuable opportunity to enhance functionality and aesthetics in your kitchen. By strategically utilizing this vertical space, you can create a more organized and visually appealing environment.
Assessing Available Space, How to decorate empty space above kitchen cabinets
Before embarking on any decorating solutions, it’s essential to assess the available space above your kitchen cabinets. Consider the following factors:
- Height: Measure the distance between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling. This will determine the types of storage solutions that are feasible.
- Width: Measure the width of your cabinets to ensure that your chosen decorating solutions fit seamlessly.
- Depth: Determine the depth of the space to accommodate items of varying sizes.
Functional and Decorative Solutions
Once you’ve assessed the available space, you can explore various functional and decorative solutions to maximize vertical space.
- Open Shelving: Open shelving provides easy access to frequently used items and creates a visually appealing display. Consider using shelves of different depths and materials to add visual interest and cater to different storage needs.
- Closed Cabinets: Closed cabinets offer a more discreet storage solution for items you want to keep hidden. They can be customized to match your existing cabinetry or serve as a statement piece.
- Combination of Open and Closed Storage: Combining open and closed storage allows for a balanced approach, offering both accessibility and visual appeal. This can be achieved by incorporating open shelves above closed cabinets or vice versa.
Decorative Elements and Style
The space above kitchen cabinets offers a unique canvas to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal. Choosing the right decorative elements is crucial to complementing the existing style and creating a cohesive look.
Incorporating Lighting Fixtures
Lighting fixtures play a vital role in highlighting decorative elements and creating ambiance.
- Pendant lights: These provide a focal point and add a touch of elegance. Choose pendant lights that match the kitchen’s style, such as modern, farmhouse, or industrial. For example, a sleek, chrome pendant light would complement a modern kitchen, while a rustic, wrought iron pendant light would suit a farmhouse-style kitchen.
- Recessed lighting: Recessed lights offer a subtle and even illumination, ideal for showcasing artwork or highlighting specific areas. They can be used in conjunction with other lighting fixtures for a layered lighting effect.
- Under-cabinet lighting: This type of lighting illuminates the countertop and work areas, but it can also be used to highlight decorative elements above the cabinets. A row of LED strip lights installed under the cabinets can create a warm and inviting glow on the wall above.
Incorporating Artwork
Artwork can inject personality and style into your kitchen.
- Abstract art: Abstract art pieces can add a touch of sophistication and modernity to a kitchen. Choose colors and patterns that complement the kitchen’s existing color scheme. For example, a large abstract painting with muted tones of gray and blue would complement a modern kitchen with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
- Photographs: Photographs can create a personal touch and showcase memories. Consider framing family photos, travel photos, or nature photographs that evoke a sense of tranquility. Group photos of varying sizes and frames to create a visually interesting display.
- Wall sculptures: Wall sculptures can add texture and dimension to the space. Choose sculptures that reflect the kitchen’s style, such as a modern metal sculpture or a rustic wooden sculpture. For example, a sleek metal sculpture would complement a contemporary kitchen, while a rustic wooden sculpture would suit a farmhouse-style kitchen.
Incorporating Plants
Plants can bring life and freshness to the kitchen.
- Hanging plants: Hanging plants, such as spider plants, pothos, or ferns, add a touch of greenery and create a sense of tranquility. Choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions, as the space above cabinets may not receive direct sunlight. For example, spider plants are known for their air-purifying properties and can tolerate low light conditions.
- Shelf plants: Shelf plants, such as succulents or cacti, can add a touch of color and texture to the space. Choose plants that are drought-tolerant and require minimal care. For example, succulents are known for their ability to retain water and can thrive in low-light conditions.
- Artificial plants: Artificial plants offer a low-maintenance option for adding greenery to the space. Choose plants that look realistic and complement the kitchen’s style. For example, a silk fern plant would add a touch of elegance to a contemporary kitchen, while a silk succulent plant would suit a farmhouse-style kitchen.
Incorporating Other Decorative Accents
Other decorative accents can enhance the kitchen’s aesthetic appeal.
- Mirrors: Mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Choose a mirror that complements the kitchen’s style, such as a vintage mirror or a modern mirror. For example, a vintage-style mirror with an ornate frame would complement a traditional kitchen, while a sleek, minimalist mirror would suit a modern kitchen.
- Open shelving: Open shelving can be used to display decorative items, such as cookbooks, serving dishes, or vases. Choose shelves that complement the kitchen’s style, such as rustic wood shelves or sleek metal shelves. For example, rustic wood shelves would complement a farmhouse-style kitchen, while sleek metal shelves would suit a modern kitchen.
- Decorative trays: Decorative trays can be used to organize and display items on the shelves or countertop. Choose trays that complement the kitchen’s style, such as a vintage tray or a modern tray. For example, a vintage tray with a distressed finish would complement a farmhouse-style kitchen, while a sleek, minimalist tray would suit a modern kitchen.
How to decorate empty space above kitchen cabinets – The empty space above your kitchen cabinets beckons for a touch of elegance, a final flourish to complete your culinary sanctuary. Perhaps a row of sleek, open shelves to display your favorite china, or a graceful canopy of pendant lights to cast a warm glow.
But before you embark on your decorating journey, consider the subtle symphony of your kitchen cabinets themselves. The smooth, silent glide of kitchen cabinets soft close drawers adds a touch of refined luxury that complements any decorating style, creating a space where every detail whispers of refined taste.
Don’t let the space above your kitchen cabinets languish in neglect! Transform it into a stunning display of your culinary prowess or a haven for cherished keepsakes. But before you start decorating, consider a dramatic makeover for your cabinets themselves.
If you’re in Overland Park, Kansas, check out kitchen cabinet refinishing overland park ks for a revitalized look that will complement your decorative aspirations. Once your cabinets are gleaming, you’ll be ready to unleash your creativity and adorn that empty space with flair!
