How to Decorate Top of Kitchen Cabinets

Decorating the top of kitchen cabinets can transform the overall aesthetic of your kitchen, adding a touch of personal style and flair. Often overlooked, this space provides an opportunity to showcase decorative items, enhance the room’s visual appeal, and even incorporate functional elements like additional storage. Whether you prefer a minimalist, modern look or a more cozy, rustic vibe, there are countless ways to style the top of your cabinets.

In this guide on how to decorate top of kitchen cabinets, we’ll explore a variety of creative ideas and practical tips to help you make the most of this often-ignored area in your kitchen, ensuring it complements the overall design while reflecting your unique taste.

What is the Top of Kitchen Cabinets?

Before we dive into the different ways to decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets, it’s important to understand what this space actually is. The top of kitchen cabinets refers to the area between the ceiling and upper cabinets. It’s often a small gap that can vary in size depending on your kitchen design, but it provides an opportunity for personalization and creativity.

Now that you have a better understanding of what we’re working with let’s explore some ideas for decorating this underutilized area in your kitchen.

Why Decorate the Top of Kitchen Cabinets?

You may be wondering, why should I bother decorating the top of my kitchen cabinets? The answer is simple – it can greatly enhance the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Not only does it add a personal touch, but it also draws the eye upwards, creating a sense of height and spaciousness in the room. Plus, with some clever styling, you can even make this space serve a functional purpose, like hiding unsightly items or adding extra storage.

It’s also worth noting that decorating the top of kitchen cabinets is a budget-friendly way to update your kitchen. Instead of investing in expensive renovations or new furniture, you can simply use items you already have or find affordable decor pieces to add some character and charm to this area.

7 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Decorate Top of Kitchen Cabinets

Step 1: Clear the Space

Before you can start decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets, it’s essential to clear the space completely. Remove any existing items, dust, or debris to give yourself a clean slate to work with. This step not only makes the area more visually appealing but also allows you to assess the space better and plan how you want to style it.

Take this opportunity to consider what you want to keep, donate, or discard from the top of your cabinets. Cleaning the surface thoroughly will ensure that your newly decorated space looks fresh and inviting.

Step 2: Determine Your Style

Once you’ve cleared the space, the next step is to determine the style you want to achieve. Consider the overall design of your kitchen and how the top of the cabinets can complement it. Are you going for a modern, sleek look or a warm, rustic ambiance? You might prefer a more eclectic approach, incorporating a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces.

Take inspiration from your existing decor, color palette, and patterns within the kitchen. Think about the materials you want to use and how they will interact with the rest of the room. This is your chance to express your personal style, so jot down ideas or create a mood board to help visualize your options. By having a clear idea of your desired aesthetic, you’ll be more equipped to select decor that enhances your kitchen’s charm and character.

Step 3: Choose a Focal Point

One of the key elements in decorating the top of kitchen cabinets is to create a focal point. This can be achieved through various methods, such as using a large piece of artwork or arranging smaller items in a visually appealing way. The focal point should draw the eye and serve as the anchor for your overall design.

When choosing a focal point, consider factors like size, shape, and color – you want it to stand out without overpowering the rest of your decor. It’s also worth noting that you don’t have to stick to one focal point; you can create multiple points of interest by incorporating different elements.

Step 4: Add Some Height

Since the top of kitchen cabinets is often a small space, adding height can help create visual interest and balance. Tall items like vases, plants or candle holders can add some dimension and draw the eye upwards. Consider mixing different heights for a dynamic look – just be mindful not to clutter the space.

The height of these items can also play a role in creating a cohesive design. For example, if you have high ceilings, use taller decor pieces to fill the space and create a sense of harmony.

Step 5: Incorporate Texture

Texture is an essential aspect of interior design as it adds depth and dimension to a space. This is especially important when decorating the top of kitchen cabinets since it’s often a plain, flat surface. Think about incorporating different textures like ceramics, wood, metal or fabric into your decor. Mixing textures can add visual interest and make the space feel more inviting and cozy.

When selecting materials for your decor pieces, consider their weight as well – heavy items should be placed at the bottom, while lighter items can be used to fill in small gaps.

Step 6: Consider Functionality

As mentioned earlier, the top of kitchen cabinets can serve a functional purpose as well. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can use this space for storage or to hide unsightly items like appliances or wires. You can also incorporate functional decor pieces like baskets, jars or trays to keep things organized and visually appealing.

When using this space for storage, remember to keep it tidy and decluttered – no one wants to see a mess every time they look up!

Step 7: Add Personal Touches

Last but not least, don’t forget to add personal touches that reflect your style and personality. This can be achieved through items like family photos, sentimental trinkets or DIY projects. Not only will this make your kitchen feel more unique and personalized, but it’ll also bring a sense of warmth and comfort to the room.

Following these simple guidelines can help you transform the top of your kitchen cabinets into a visually appealing and functional space. Remember to have fun and be creative – after all, it’s your personal touch that will make this area truly special. So go ahead and start decorating!  After completing these steps on how to decorate top of kitchen cabinets.

Ideas for Decorating the Top of Kitchen Cabinets

Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s move on to the how. Here are some creative ideas for sprucing up the top of your kitchen cabinets:

Display Artwork:

Hang artwork above your cabinets, either leaning against the wall or using adhesive hooks. This adds visual interest and can tie in with the color scheme and style of your kitchen.

Utilize Baskets and Trays:

Use baskets or trays to create a cohesive look while also organizing items like cookbooks, dishes, or plants. These functional decor pieces come in various sizes, shapes and materials, making it easy to find one that fits your style.

Incorporate Greenery:

Plants add life and freshness to any space. Consider placing potted plants on top of your cabinets – just make sure they are suitable for the amount of light and humidity in your kitchen. Alternatively, you can use fake greenery if you don’t want the hassle of maintaining real plants.

Use Cookware as Decor:

If you have beautiful cookware or serving dishes that rarely get used, why not display them on top of your cabinets? This adds a touch of elegance and shows off your personal style while also freeing up space in your kitchen drawers.

Add Lighting:

If you have high ceilings and dark corners above your cabinets, consider adding some accent lighting to brighten the space. You can use battery-operated LED lights or install wired fixtures for a more permanent solution.

Display Collections:

If you collect items like vintage signs, antique dishes or figurines, showcase them on top of your cabinets. This allows you to enjoy these pieces without taking up valuable counter space.

Incorporate Seasonal Decor:

Changing up seasonal decor is an easy way to freshen up the look of your kitchen. Consider using wreaths, garlands or seasonal figurines to add a touch of holiday cheer throughout the year.

Remember, the key is to have fun and be creative when decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets. Use these ideas as inspiration, but don’t be afraid to make it your own! With a little imagination and some well-thought-out design choices, you can transform this often-overlooked space into a stylish and functional area in your kitchen.  So go ahead and let your personality shine through in every detail of your home – including on top of those kitchen cabinets!

Conclusion

Transforming the often-neglected space atop your kitchen cabinets into a stylish and functional area can significantly enhance your kitchen’s overall aesthetic. By following the steps outlined on how to decorate top of kitchen cabinets—including selecting focal points, adding height and texture, considering functionality, and incorporating personal touches—you can create a visually appealing environment that reflects your unique style.

Remember that this decorative area doesn’t have to be static; feel free to change it seasonally or whenever you’re inspired. With creativity and a thoughtful approach, you can make the top of your kitchen cabinets a delightful feature that brings character and warmth to your home. Happy decorating!