The space above your kitchen cabinets is often underutilised. If you’re looking for ways to maximise this area, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re aiming to add storage, style, or a personal touch, the possibilities are endless. Here are 9 creative ideas to use the space above your kitchen cabinets, giving your kitchen a fresh, functional makeover.
Why Use the Space Above Your Kitchen Cabinets?
The space above your kitchen cabinets offers valuable, unused real estate. Often, we overlook this area when designing our kitchens. With a little creativity and thoughtful planning, you can turn it into a feature that enhances your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic. This area can store items, display decorative pieces, or even create a visually striking design.
Before you begin, however, it’s important to consider accessibility and the type of items that will be stored or displayed.
1. Display Curated Collections
One of the simplest ways to use the space above your kitchen cabinets is by displaying curated collections. These could be anything from pottery, vintage glass jars, or unique ceramic vases. According to expert interior designer Caren Rideau, a well-curated display above your cabinets adds a personal touch to your kitchen, making it feel homier.
“By mixing different heights and textures, you create a more visually dynamic and intriguing look,” says Rideau. She recommends balancing the display with your kitchen’s overall colour scheme to ensure the items don’t overwhelm the space.
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This idea not only adds visual interest but also helps bring personality into a space that can otherwise feel sterile. When choosing what to display, pick items that are both meaningful and visually appealing.
2. Use the Space for Extra Storage
Storage is a perennial issue in kitchens, and the area above your cabinets is perfect for additional storage. This is especially true for items that you don’t need on a daily basis. You could store seasonal dishes, kitchenware you rarely use, or even decorative bowls and trays.
However, when storing items in this area, remember that they should be lightweight and infrequently accessed. Items like old cookbooks, extra tableware, or decorative containers fit well here. You can also use baskets or stylish storage bins for a more organised approach.
It’s crucial to use items that won’t get in the way of your kitchen’s overall flow. As kitchen expert Steven Cooper notes, “Maximising your kitchen’s storage potential can lead to a more organised, efficient space.”
3. Add Subtle Lighting
The space above your kitchen cabinets can sometimes appear dark or neglected. Adding subtle lighting can dramatically change the ambience. LED strip lights or puck lights are an excellent choice for this area.
“Lighting can transform an otherwise overlooked space into a focal point,” explains Cooper. “Consider using warm lighting for a soft, inviting glow that enhances the overall mood of the kitchen.”
When choosing lighting, make sure to select options that fit your kitchen’s style. Whether you prefer minimalist, contemporary, or rustic, there’s a lighting solution for every taste. And don’t forget dimmable lights – these allow you to adjust the lighting depending on the time of day or the mood you want to create.
4. Integrate Greenery
Another clever idea for the space above your kitchen cabinets is incorporating plants. Not only do they bring life to the kitchen, but they also add colour and texture. Popular choices include low-maintenance plants like succulents, ivy, and spider plants, which thrive in the higher, warmer spots of the kitchen.
For those who don’t have a green thumb, artificial plants can also be a great option. According to gardening expert Jason Smith, “High-quality faux plants can look just as realistic as real ones if you choose pieces with attention to detail.”
Plants can bring a touch of nature indoors, which is perfect for brightening up the often-forgotten space above your cabinets.
5. Create a Seasonal Display
The space above your cabinets is also ideal for seasonal décor. You can change the display based on the time of year, offering a fun and festive way to keep your kitchen looking fresh. In the winter, for example, you can add small Christmas trees, twinkling lights, or holiday-themed items. In spring, fresh flowers or pastel-coloured accessories can provide a seasonal update.
This is a simple yet effective way to keep the kitchen feeling dynamic and updated without major renovations.
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Seasonal Décor Ideas for the Space:
- Spring: Use fresh flowers, colourful vases, and light-coloured decorations.
- Summer: Opt for citrus displays, woven baskets, or tropical plants.
- Autumn: Add fall leaves, small pumpkins, and warm-toned items.
- Winter: Display holiday-themed décor such as tiny trees, lights, or garlands.
6. Extend Your Backsplash
Another design-driven way to use the space above your cabinets is by extending your backsplash. This option works especially well if you want to add more texture and continuity to the kitchen. You could use tiles, shiplap, or even wallpaper to visually extend your backsplash upwards.
Design expert Caren Rideau suggests, “Using the space above cabinets as an extension of the backsplash ties everything together and creates a cohesive, integrated look.”
This design choice doesn’t just add aesthetic appeal; it also makes the space above your cabinets look more intentional.
7. Incorporate Open Shelving
Open shelving has been a growing trend in kitchens, and it’s an excellent option for the space above your cabinets. Instead of stacking items out of sight, you can use open shelves to display decorative or functional kitchenware. Floating shelves work particularly well and can be styled with anything from glass jars and bowls to cookbooks and artwork.
“Open shelving above your cabinets is a great way to showcase beautiful items while making them easily accessible,” says home designer Julia Jackson.
While open shelving does require regular upkeep to prevent dust buildup, it adds a modern, open feel to your kitchen and can be tailored to suit your personal style.
8. Install Glass Cabinets or Windows
If you have a larger kitchen, consider installing glass cabinets or windows in the space above your cabinets. This idea helps make the area feel more open and allows you to display fragile or decorative items in a more protected manner. You could place glass jars, antique crockery, or decorative glass pieces that can be admired without being handled.
“Glass cabinets are a great way to add elegance to your kitchen, allowing items to be displayed while keeping them safe,” notes interior designer Tanya Woods.
9. Use for Wall Art or Mirrors
Finally, if you prefer a minimalist approach, the space above your kitchen cabinets can be a great place to hang artwork or mirrors. A large mirror can help reflect light and create the illusion of a bigger, brighter kitchen, while wall art allows you to showcase your personality and interests.
Keep in mind the overall aesthetic of your kitchen when selecting artwork. Choose pieces that complement the colours and design elements of the room to create a cohesive space.
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Make use of your Upper Kitchen
The space above your kitchen cabinets is often overlooked, but can be a valuable area for both functionality and design. Whether you’re using it for extra storage, seasonal décor, or creative displays, there are many ways to make this space work for you.
As kitchen expert Steven Cooper says, “Maximising every inch of your kitchen, including the often-overlooked space above the cabinets, can transform the way the room looks and functions.”
By using these 9 creative ideas, you can make your kitchen a more organised, stylish, and enjoyable space. Whether you’re decorating, storing, or adding some greenery, the possibilities are endless.