15 Creative Ways to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets

Decorating above kitchen cabinets can add a unique touch to your home, turning a functional space into a charming focal point. This area often gets overlooked, but with a little creativity, it can become a showcase of your personality and style. By enhancing this space, you can create a more inviting atmosphere that makes your kitchen feel warm and welcoming.

1. Add Greenery with Potted Plants

Potted plants are a fantastic way to liven up the area above your kitchen cabinets. Whether you choose small succulents or larger trailing plants, they bring a touch of nature indoors. Imagine vibrant green leaves cascading down, softening the hard lines of cabinetry and adding life to your kitchen decor. Incorporating greenery not only improves the aesthetic but also boosts your mood. Plants can purify the air and create a refreshing environment. For a practical tip, select low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or pothos, which thrive even in low light.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Choose pots that complement your kitchen’s color scheme.
• Group plants in odd numbers for a more balanced look.

2. Create a Rustic Display with Wooden Crates

Using wooden crates above your cabinets can evoke a cozy, rustic feel. Stack them or arrange them in a staggered layout to display cookbooks, decorative jars, or even seasonal decor. Imagine a warm, inviting kitchen with textured wood and charming accents that draw the eye upward. This idea enhances your kitchen by adding depth and character. It creates a personal touch that tells your story. For a simple tip, paint the crates in colors that match your kitchen’s palette to keep everything cohesive.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Consider using vintage crates for added charm.
• Fill crates with items that reflect your personal interests.

3. Showcase Your Collection of Cookbooks

If you love to cook, why not show off your favorite cookbooks? Arrange them neatly above your cabinets, either stacked or standing. This not only adds color and texture but also makes your kitchen feel inviting and functional. Imagine pulling down a beautifully illustrated cookbook for inspiration while preparing a meal. Displaying cookbooks can inspire creativity and show off your personality. To keep it easy, select books with beautiful spines and a variety of colors to create visual interest. You could even rotate them seasonally for a fresh look.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Use decorative bookends to keep stacks in place.
• Choose books with vibrant covers for added color.

4. Incorporate Vintage Kitchenware

Vintage kitchenware can add a charming, nostalgic feel to your space. Consider displaying antique jars, unique teapots, or rustic bowls. These items can serve as conversation starters and bring a sense of history into your kitchen. Picture a collection of colorful glass jars reflecting light and creating a warm ambiance. This idea boosts the character of your kitchen and showcases items that are meaningful to you. A great tip is to mix and match different materials—like glass, ceramic, and wood—to create a dynamic display that captures the eye.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Look for mismatched items to create an eclectic feel.
• Incorporate a few plants for added freshness.

5. Hang Decorative Baskets

Decorative baskets can add texture and interest above your cabinets. You can choose various shapes and sizes, creating a layered look. Imagine a mix of woven and metal baskets, adding depth and warmth to your kitchen decor. This approach enhances the visual appeal of the space and can also serve as storage for lightweight items. To keep it easy, select baskets that match your kitchen’s color scheme and vary their placement for a relaxed, effortless look.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Choose baskets with different textures for more interest.
• Consider using baskets in natural tones for a calming effect.

6. Create a Gallery of Framed Art or Photos

A gallery of framed art or family photos can bring a personal touch to your kitchen. Arrange a collection of frames in different sizes and shapes, featuring artwork that resonates with you or cherished memories. Imagine a colorful display that brings joy every time you enter the kitchen. This idea transforms a blank space into a storybook of your life, making your kitchen feel more inviting. For a practical tip, use frames in similar finishes for a cohesive look, while mixing the contents for an exciting visual experience.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Consider using black and white photos for a classic look.
• Mix art styles for an eclectic gallery feel.

7. Install Open Shelving

Open shelving above your cabinets can create an airy, spacious feel while allowing you to display beautiful dishware or decorative items. Imagine a row of colorful plates or unique mugs beautifully arranged, inviting guests to admire your collection. This idea opens up the space and encourages you to showcase items you love. For an easy tip, keep the shelves organized by color or theme to maintain a clean, harmonious look.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Use the shelves to display seasonal decor for variety.
• Mix functional items with decorative pieces for balance.

8. Display a Vintage Ladder

A vintage ladder can serve as a unique display piece above your cabinets. Lean it against the wall and hang lightweight items like decorative towels or small potted plants. Imagine a rustic ladder adding vertical interest and charm to your kitchen decor. This idea brings a fun, unexpected element to your space while maximizing vertical space. For a practical tip, paint the ladder in a color that complements your kitchen’s palette for a seamless look.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Use the ladder to display seasonal items.
• Keep the decor minimal for a clean appearance.

9. Use Decorative Bowls and Jars

Decorative bowls and jars can add a touch of elegance and color to your kitchen. Consider using unique glass jars filled with dried flowers or wooden bowls displaying seasonal fruits. Picture this vibrant display catching the light and adding warmth to your kitchen atmosphere. This idea enhances the space by adding layers of texture and color. For an easy tip, choose items that can be changed seasonally for a fresh look throughout the year.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Mix materials, such as glass and wood, for variety.
• Group items in odd numbers for a more appealing arrangement.

10. Hang Decorative Plates

Hanging decorative plates above your cabinets can create a stunning visual display. Choose plates with interesting patterns or colors that reflect your kitchen’s style. Imagine a colorful array of plates, adding a touch of artistry to the space. This approach enhances your kitchen’s character and creates a curated look. An easy tip is to use plate hangers that match your kitchen’s color palette to maintain a cohesive style.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Mix and match different plate sizes and shapes for interest.
• Consider using a single color for a more unified look.

11. Incorporate Seasonal Decor

Switching out decor for the seasons can keep your kitchen feeling fresh and inviting. Consider using items like pumpkins in the fall or flowers in the spring to bring a seasonal touch. Imagine a cozy kitchen filled with autumn hues or bright blooms during summer. This idea not only keeps the decor dynamic but also adds a personal touch that reflects your style. A simple tip is to set reminders to change decor at the start of each season for a refreshing update.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Use natural elements, like pinecones or leaves, for a seasonal touch.
• Keep a few permanent items that can work year-round.

12. Use a Combination of Textures

Combining different textures can add depth and interest to the space above your cabinets. Consider incorporating woven baskets, wooden crates, and ceramic pots for a layered look. Picture this mix creating a cozy, inviting feel that draws the eye upward. This idea enhances the visual appeal of your kitchen, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For an easy tip, start with a few key pieces and gradually add more to create the perfect balance.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Mix smooth, shiny items with rough, textured ones for contrast.
• Keep the color palette consistent to avoid a chaotic look.

13. Install a Small Bar Cart

A small bar cart above your cabinets can be a stylish way to store and display your favorite drinks or glassware. Imagine a beautifully arranged cart filled with colorful bottles, adding a fun touch to your kitchen decor. This idea not only serves a practical purpose but also adds a lively vibe to your space. For a practical tip, choose a cart that complements your kitchen’s style, whether it’s modern, rustic, or vintage.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Use colorful bottles to create a vibrant display.
• Keep the cart organized with matching glassware.

14. Display Vintage Signs or Artwork

Vintage signs or artwork can infuse personality into your kitchen. Hang a few pieces that resonate with your style, whether they are quirky food-related signs or beautiful prints. Picture these charming items adding character and a sense of history to your space. This idea enhances your kitchen’s character and creates a more inviting atmosphere. For an easy tip, choose signs that reflect your personality or interests to make the space uniquely yours.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Mix different styles of artwork for an eclectic look.
• Consider using frames that match your kitchen’s colors.

15. Use Fairy Lights for a Magical Touch

Fairy lights can create a warm, magical atmosphere above your cabinets. String them along the top edge or inside decorative jars for a soft glow. Imagine a cozy kitchen illuminated by twinkling lights, inviting warmth and charm. This idea enhances the mood of your kitchen, making it a perfect spot for gatherings. For an easy tip, choose battery-operated lights for convenience and flexibility in placement.

Helpful Styling Tips

• Use warm white lights for a cozy ambiance.
• Consider using lights with a timer for ease.

Conclusion

Decorating above kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to express your style and enhance the warmth of your home. With these 15 creative ideas, you can transform this often-overlooked space into a charming focal point. Whether you choose to incorporate greenery, display vintage items, or use fairy lights, each idea adds a unique touch. So why not try at least one of these suggestions today and breathe new life into your kitchen?