Your kitchen shelves and cabinets offer valuable storage space, but they also present a prime opportunity to infuse style and personality into your culinary space. Drawing inspiration from creative ideas, let’s explore how to decorate above your kitchen cabinets and on your kitchen shelves to enhance the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
– All photos are from projects by Beth Haley Design (BHD).
Create Visual Interest with Greenery
Take a cue from nature and bring greenery into your kitchen by placing potted plants or fresh herbs above your cabinets or on your shelves. Consider trailing plants like pothos or ivy for a cascading effect, or opt for small potted herbs like basil and rosemary to add fragrance and freshness to your kitchen.
Bring a feeling of freshness and vitality into your kitchen with potted plants.
Display Decorative Items
Transform your kitchen cabinets into a curated display area by showcasing decorative items that reflect your personal style. Arrange ceramic vases, sculptures, or decorative plates to add visual interest and dimension. Mix and match different shapes, sizes, and textures to create a dynamic and cohesive display.
Showcase jars, vases, and dishware that reflect your taste and personality.
Incorporate Artwork
Enhance your kitchen’s design by utilizing the space above your cabinets for artwork. Choose pieces that complement your decor while adding personality and visual interest. Botanical prints, vintage posters, or abstract paintings can create a striking focal point and bring cohesion to the overall aesthetic. This simple yet impactful detail transforms an often-overlooked area into a stylish extension of your home’s design.
We adore the framed floral prints in this pale blue kitchen.
Introduce Lighting
Illuminate the space above your kitchen cabinets with soft, ambient lighting to highlight decorative elements and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Install LED strip lights or puck lights to gently showcase your display items and add depth to the room. For added flexibility, consider using dimmer switches to adjust brightness and set the perfect mood for any occasion. This simple upgrade enhances both functionality and style, giving your kitchen a polished, designer touch.
These lights add style and function to a home’s outdoor kitchen.
Add Architectural Details
Enhance your kitchen’s design by incorporating decorative molding or trim for a refined, cohesive look. Crown molding or a decorative cornice can add elegance and create a seamless transition between cabinets and ceiling. For a touch of texture and charm, consider beadboard, shiplap, or other materials to introduce depth and character. These architectural details elevate the overall aesthetic, making your kitchen feel more polished and visually engaging.
The gold details add a feel of elegance and sophistication.
Mix Textures and Materials
Elevate the space above your kitchen cabinets by experimenting with a variety of textures and materials. Mixing elements like wood, metal, glass, and ceramic adds depth and visual intrigue, creating a dynamic, layered look. Incorporate texture-rich pieces such as woven baskets, hammered metal accents, or glazed pottery to bring warmth and character to your decor. This thoughtful combination of materials enhances your kitchen’s aesthetic, making it feel curated and inviting.
This grand, Tudor-inspired home features a visually-pleasing chef’s kitchen.
The space above your kitchen cabinets offers a unique opportunity to blend style, personality, and functionality. With a thoughtful approach, you can transform this often-overlooked area into a curated display that enhances your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Whether you showcase decorative pieces, hang artwork, incorporate stylish storage solutions, introduce soft lighting, add architectural details, or mix textures and materials, let your creativity take center stage. By infusing personal touches, you’ll create a kitchen that reflects your unique taste and lifestyle while maintaining a polished, cohesive look.
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Whether you’ve been in your house for a while or just purchased a home in need of renovation, you likely have ideas swirling in your head of what “could be” — a drab bathroom made bright and bold or a dated kitchen renewed with fresh designs and updated appliances. Reach out to Beth Haley Design to help bring your vision to life. Please contact us here!
