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Tired of searching for “kitchen decor ideas above cabinets”? Decorate like a true maximalist with these genius decorating tricks!
If you adore that ‘lived-in’ look in your home, then styling the area atop your kitchen cabinets is probably gonna be right up your street.
(Not sure you do love this busy interior style? Ask yourself – do you prefer minimalist or maximalist aesthetic? This post should help you decide.)
So, here are the most swoon-worthy kitchen decor ideas above cabinets to make the most of the empty space!
Benefits of Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
1. It Can Alter the Feel of Any Kitchen
Do you have a particularly small and boxed-in kitchen? It seems strange, but adding visual intrigue to the top of your cabinets can actually make the space feel bigger.
Likewise, filling sizable empty spaces in kitchens with towering ceilings can give it a cosier, more homey feel.
2. More Storage Space
Struggling to cram everything into tiny cupboards? Despite misconception, there are zero rules regarding how or where you store your kitchen must-haves. That’s why we’re here to show you the best kitchen decor ideas above cabinets – to help you embrace the space you don’t know you have!
Wanna reorganise your pantry to maximise space and minimise stress? Here’s how to nail your pantry organisation!
3. Less Countertop Clutter
As one of the most functional rooms in the home, there’s zero room for clutter in the kitchen. Every inch of your countertop is precious – especially if you have a small space to work with.
So, storing lesser-used items atop your cabinets is a savvy way to get clutter-free.
Our #1 Tip for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Ultimately, you’re the interior designer and creative director of your kitchen, but if we have a little nugget of info to share, it would be rude not to, right?
When decorating above kitchen cabinets, it’s always a good idea to mix and match various ideas – pick 2-3 that you love and coordinate each decor piece. Whether they’re the same colour, pattern, or otherwise, this adds visual intrigue, interesting textures, and dimension to the space!
Insanely Good Kitchen Decor Ideas Above Cabinets
1. Divert the Eyes with Potted Plants
Indoor plants are a real double-edged sword because they eventually double, triple, and quadruple in size. So, at some point, you either need to invest in multiple small pots or an absolutely *huge* one.
It might seem like a lot of hassle, but lots of visually intriguing smaller pots are our go-to. Then, you’ve got an entire display of nature ready to spring to life above your cabinets!
TOP TIP: You can achieve the same look with faux plants and save yourself a lot of faff!
2. Get Strategic with Trailing Plants
We hear ya – styling trailing plants above your cabinets seems like an impossible feat, especially when you’re *constantly* going in and out of your cupboards.
So, that’s where you need to get super savvy. Position your longest trailers at the end of your cabinets, ensuring they fall freely without being an obstruction. And any others can take pride of place above cupboards you use less frequently (i.e., not on the daily).
3. Lean Framed Artwork or Photographs
A gallery wall will never not look undeniably classy and beautifully put-together, whilst also leaning into that laid-back vibe.
But kitchens rarely have the wall space to create the gallery wall of dreams. So, one of the best and most visually intriguing kitchen decor ideas above cabinets is to get creative with leaning frames, adoring them with striking artwork or cherished photos.
4. Showcase Vertical Plates
Consider this one of the most fitting kitchen decor ideas above cabinets if traditional styling is your kinda thing.
People have been using decorative wall plates to upscale their interiors for thousands and thousands of years – think ancient Egypt. So, this isn’t a new design concept, but it probably is in your kitchen.
5. Embrace Abstract Ornaments
You know the ornaments we’re talking about, right? The ones that you absolutely adore and would never throw out but have zero clue where to put them in your home.
Thanks to the height of typical kitchen cabinets, you can create a real visual statement without demanding alllll the attention. So, *if* it looks a little ugly or thrown together, it’s not as noticeable.
6. Get Practical with Storage Baskets
Now THIS is pure genius. If you’ve got a small kitchen, or would simply prefer your cabinets to be less cluttered, investing in pretty storage baskets will be a life-changing move.
Our only piece of advice is to store things you reach for less often, so you’re not constantly struggling to put your hands on what you need.
7. Create Cosy Lighting
You’ve heard of strip LEDs and spotlights in the kitchen, but how about adding a lamp when decorating above kitchen cabinets?
We know this concept will definitely be a little like marmite – you either love it or you hate it. But especially if you have towering ceilings, a statement lamp would give the space bundles of personality whilst introducing a soft and sultry light.
8. Extend the Backsplash
Despite what you might think, extending your backsplash tiles above your cabinets can make the walls appear elongated, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling.
But not only this, it gives your kitchen a high-end, luxury finish as every detail ties together just perfectly.
9. Open a (Cookbook) Library
Whether you’re a culinary novice or a self-proclaimed pro, you’ve probably got at least one bookshelf too many of your fave cookbooks.
So, why not start a little library atop your cabinets? This way, you’ll save space in your cupboards and on top of your counters – plus it looks so cute!
10. Introduce Warmth with Candles
Okay, so the chances are that you’ll rarely (if ever!) actually light the candles on top of your kitchen cabinets. Unless it’s for an Instagram photo, right?
But still, there’s something about a candle – lit or unlit – that makes any space feel warm, homey, and inviting. Especially during the winter months, this is a lovely way to make the most functional room in your home as cosy as possible.
11. Brighten Up the Space with a Mirror
Consider this more of a tactical design choice than a practical design choice. Obviously, you won’t be using the mirror to check your outfit or zhuzh up your hair.
Instead, a mirror above your kitchen cabinets can actually make a room appear much larger than it is, whilst simultaneously introducing light where there’s usually a lack of.
12. Zone In On Decorative Vases
Erm… vases *without* plants or flowers inside? It’s a big Y-E-S from us!
The prettiest, most articulately made, and visually intriguing vases deserve all the attention they can get, which means letting them shine exactly as they are. Whether sporting an intricate hand-drawn design or mesmerising surface textures, they’ll certainly add depth, dimension, and that wow-factor to your empty space.
13. Add a Cosmic Clock
If you’re the kind of decorator that leans towards more practical styling pieces, adding a sizable clock above your cabinets is a fab idea.
This is also a brilliant choice if you’re not as experienced in your styling abilities, because the clock really is THE statement. So, you don’t need to worry about whether each decor piece works together – let the timepiece shine on its own.
14. Put Your (Aesthetic) Gadgets on Display
Well, if nothing else, the space above your kitchen cabinets is perfect for storing your kitchen gadgets – especially those you reach for less frequently.
At the price you paid, they deserve to have their moment, right?
Speaking of, kitchen gadgets make excellent first home gifts to help new homeowners settle in with all the (luxury) essentials – check out our complete guide!
15. Rinse and Repeat
When it comes to interior design, there is so much power in repeating objects, patterns, and textures. Don’t think you *always* need to add height and dimension with varying objects. Sometimes keeping it simple works wonders, especially if you want your cabinets to be the focal point.
For example, you could line up vases or your stoneware collection. Experiment to see what works best in the space!
This post was all about the best kitchen decor ideas above cabinets!