The Most Eye-Catching Ways to Style Your Kitchen Cabinets

A dark kitchen with light-colored shelves

Conquering the Crown: How to Decorate Above Your Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro

The tops of kitchen cabinets: often a forgotten frontier, a dusty wasteland collecting rogue Cheerios and abandoned dreams of Pinterest-worthy displays. But fear not, intrepid home decorator! Today, we reclaim this neglected territory and transform it into a crown jewel of your culinary kingdom.

Why Decorate Above Your Cabinets?

Before we dive into the "how," let's explore the "why." Decorating above your cabinets unlocks a treasure trove of benefits:

    • Maximize Space: It utilizes that often-ignored vertical real estate, adding visual interest and making your kitchen feel taller.
    • Boost Personality: Infuse your kitchen with your unique style, creating a curated vignette that reflects your passions.
    • Break Up Monotony: Offset expanses of plain cabinets with texture, color, and form, preventing your kitchen from feeling boxy.
    • Add Functionality: Utilize the space for storage, display practical items, or even incorporate hidden lighting.

The Golden Rules of Cabinet Top Decor:

Conquering this lofty space requires strategy. Here are your guiding principles:

1. Scale and Proportion: Consider the size and height of your cabinets and the overall scale of your kitchen. Oversized objects will overpower the space, while tiny trinkets will get lost. Aim for a balanced mix of heights and sizes.

2. Cohesion is Key: Choose items that tie into your existing kitchen decor. This could be through color palettes, materials, textures, or even themes. For a modern kitchen, sleek metallics and geometric shapes might sing. A rustic kitchen might crave natural textures and vintage finds.

3. Embrace the Edit: Avoid clutter! Opt for a few well-chosen pieces rather than a chaotic jumble. Remember, negative space is your friend, allowing your chosen objects to breathe and shine.

Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Home Organization

4. Functionality First: While aesthetics are important, don't forget practicality. Utilize the space for items you use regularly, like cookbooks, pretty storage canisters, or decorative serving platters.

5. Safety Matters: Remember, these are high shelves. Opt for lightweight objects or secure heavier pieces with earthquake putty or L-brackets.

Now, Let's Get Creative! Decorating Ideas for Every Style:

With the foundation laid, let's explore some inspiring ideas to transform your cabinet tops:

        A beautifully decorated kitchen with shelves above the cabinets showcasing plants, cookbooks, and decorative objects

1. The Nature Lover: Breathe life into your kitchen with greenery. Use faux or real plants in varying heights and textures. Trailing vines cascading down shelves, succulents in geometric planters, or a miniature herb garden add freshness and vibrancy.

Also ReadThe Ultimate Guide to Arranging Plants in Your Living Room

2. The Modern Minimalist: Keep it clean and sophisticated with sleek lines and pops of color. Sculptural vases in metallic hues, abstract ceramic pieces, or a stack of coffee table books in bold covers create a curated, contemporary look.

3. The Vintage Enthusiast: Unleash your inner collector! Display treasured finds like antique teacups, quirky ceramics, or vintage cookbooks. Mix and match patterns and textures for a charming, eclectic vibe.

4. The Boho Spirit: Embrace warmth and texture with woven baskets, macrame wall hangings, or colorful textiles draped over shelves. Add pops of greenery with trailing plants or air plants in glass terrariums.

5. The Foodie Extraordinaire: Celebrate your culinary passion! Display decorative bowls filled with colorful fruits, stack cookbooks for easy access, or showcase vintage whisks and spoons mounted on a charming pegboard.

Bonus Tip: Light it Up!

Incorporate hidden LED strips under cabinets to showcase your display, adding depth and drama to your decor. String lights or fairy lights can also create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Remember, decorating above your cabinets is an adventure! Experiment, have fun, and let your personality shine. With these tips and a sprinkle of creativity, you'll transform that forgotten frontier into a stunning extension of your kitchen's style and soul.

Also ReadThe Easiest Way to Decorate Kitchen Counters

And don't forget to share your own cabinet top masterpieces! Tag me on social media and let's inspire each other to conquer the crown!

Happy decorating!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

  • A vibrant tableau capturing the essence of maximalist home decor in the USA

    The Best Maximalism Home Decor Trends of the Year

    Embrace colors, patterns & personal treasures! This guide unlocks maximalist home decor, helping you create a unique & conversation-starting space that reflects you. Click to explore!

    The Best Maximalism Home Decor Trends of the Year

    Embrace colors, patterns & personal treasures! This guide unlocks maximalist home decor, helping you create a unique & conversation-starting space that reflects you. Click to explore!

  • A modern kitchen with bold jewel-toned cabinets, warm wood countertops, and statement lighting

    Revolutionary Kitchen Design Techniques for 2024

    Ditch the bland & embrace the beautiful! Discover top US kitchen design trends: Warm hues & natural materials create a cozy, inviting feel. Smart tech & hidden storage for ultimate...

    Revolutionary Kitchen Design Techniques for 2024

    Ditch the bland & embrace the beautiful! Discover top US kitchen design trends: Warm hues & natural materials create a cozy, inviting feel. Smart tech & hidden storage for ultimate...

  • A captivating interior shot of a Los Angeles bungalow

    10 Stunning Home Decor Ideas for LA Bungalows

    Sunshine, style, and soul await! Transform your Los Angeles bungalow with our expert tips. ✨ Unlock light & airy spaces, mix & match styles, and create an outdoor oasis. Embrace...

    10 Stunning Home Decor Ideas for LA Bungalows

    Sunshine, style, and soul await! Transform your Los Angeles bungalow with our expert tips. ✨ Unlock light & airy spaces, mix & match styles, and create an outdoor oasis. Embrace...

1 of 3
  • A sun-drenched living room featuring a mix of natural elements and sustainable materials

    10 Ways to Transform Your Home with Sustainable...

    Love the planet & your home? Discover budget-friendly upcycling hacks, natural materials, plant power, & more inspiring ideas for a sustainable haven. Shop local, embrace pre-loved finds, and decorate with...

    10 Ways to Transform Your Home with Sustainable...

    Love the planet & your home? Discover budget-friendly upcycling hacks, natural materials, plant power, & more inspiring ideas for a sustainable haven. Shop local, embrace pre-loved finds, and decorate with...

  • A sun-drenched living room, bursting with vibrant energy and bohemian charm

    Create the Most Stunning Boho Chic Space Ever!

    Yearning for a space brimming with personality and comfort? Explore boho chic interior design! This guide unveils key elements, budget-friendly tips, and room-specific inspiration to help you craft your dream...

    Create the Most Stunning Boho Chic Space Ever!

    Yearning for a space brimming with personality and comfort? Explore boho chic interior design! This guide unveils key elements, budget-friendly tips, and room-specific inspiration to help you craft your dream...

  • A beautifully decorated and cozy small drawing room

    Discover the Best Small Drawing Room Decor Ideas

    Feeling cramped in your miniature living space? Don't fret! Unfurl the magic within with our expert tips and tricks. Maximize space, embrace light, and personalize your decor to create a...

    Discover the Best Small Drawing Room Decor Ideas

    Feeling cramped in your miniature living space? Don't fret! Unfurl the magic within with our expert tips and tricks. Maximize space, embrace light, and personalize your decor to create a...

1 of 3