How to Decorate Top of Kitchen Cabinets

Are you looking for ways to spice up the tops of your kitchen cabinets? Here are some creative ideas for decorating this often-overlooked space.

How to decorate top of kitchen cabinets can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary by adding a personal touch and elevating the overall aesthetic. Often overlooked, this space offers a unique opportunity to showcase your style with an array of decorative pieces like plants, artwork, or curated collections.

Whether you prefer a minimalist or a more eclectic look, understanding how to utilize this space effectively can significantly enhance your kitchen’s design. As with any décor project, the key is to balance function with beauty while ensuring the decorations complement the existing elements of the kitchen.

What Will You Need?

Before diving into the creative ideas, here are some essential items you will need to get started:

• A Ladder or Step Stool: This will allow you to reach and decorate the top of your kitchen cabinets safely.
• Measuring Tape: Ensure your decorations fit appropriately on top of the cabinets.
• Dusting Supplies: It is necessary to clean this area before decorating.
• Decorative Pieces: These can include plants, vases, artwork, baskets, or any other items that align with your design style.
• Lighting: Consider adding under-cabinet lighting to illuminate the top of your cabinets and make it a focal point in the kitchen.

Once you have gathered all the necessary items, it’s time to start decorating.

10 Easy Steps on How to Decorate Top of Kitchen Cabinets

Step 1. Clear and Clean the Area:

Begin by removing any existing items from the top of the kitchen cabinets. This will give you a blank canvas to work with and make it easier to ensure every surface is thoroughly cleaned. Carefully dust and wipe down the entire area, paying particular attention to the corners and any hard-to-reach spots where grime or grease may have accumulated over time. A clean base is crucial for the longevity and appeal of your decorative efforts.

It also helps to vacuum the surrounding areas to catch any dust particles that may have fallen during the cleaning process. Once the area is spotless, you can start envisioning how your decorative items will be arranged, utilizing the freshly prepared surface. Taking time in this initial step sets a solid foundation for the impactful transformation of your kitchen’s high spaces.

Step 2. Measure the Space:

Use a measuring tape to determine the space’s length, width, and height on top of the kitchen cabinets. Accurate measurements ensure your chosen decorative pieces fit perfectly without overcrowding the area. Note any uneven surfaces or obstacles that might affect placement, such as vent hoods or light fixtures. With precise measurements, you can plan ahead and select décor that enhances the space, allowing for a harmonious flow with the rest of the kitchen’s design. This step ensures that each piece complements the area, creating a visually appealing and cohesive look.

Step 3. Choose a Theme:

Selecting a cohesive theme will guide your decoration choices and create a unified look. Consider the overall design and color scheme of your kitchen to ensure harmony. Themes can range from farmhouse charm with rustic elements like woven baskets and vintage cookware to modern elegance with sleek vases and minimalist art pieces. The key is choosing items that complement or creatively contrast with your existing kitchen décor, adding depth and personality to the space. Consistency in style and color will help prevent the area from appearing cluttered, allowing your decorative pieces to stand out effectively.

Step 4. Layer with Varying Heights:

Arrange your decorative items in layers of varying heights to add depth and visual interest. Start by placing taller items, such as vases or candlesticks, towards the back to create a backdrop. Then, gradually position shorter pieces, like small plants or books, in front. This layering technique draws the eye upward, creating a dynamic, textured look. Use risers or small boxes to lift certain items if needed, ensuring a balanced and harmonious arrangement. The play of heights not only maximizes the use of space but also highlights specific decorations, making the display more appealing and engaging.

Step 5. Incorporate Greenery:

Adding greenery is a beautiful way to bring a touch of nature into your kitchen décor. Consider incorporating various types of plants, such as trailing ivy, tiny succulents, or potted herbs, to add life and freshness to the top of your cabinets. If maintaining live plants is not feasible, you can opt for high-quality artificial plants that require no upkeep yet still provide the same aesthetic benefits. Place plants in decorative pots that align with your theme to reinforce the overall style. This infusion of greenery enhances the color palette and adds an organic element that softens the space and creates a soothing atmosphere.

Step 6. Add Personal Touches:

Personalize the space by incorporating items that reflect your personality and interests. This could include framed photos, travel souvenirs, or hand-painted ceramics. Personal touches make the décor unique and add a sense of familiarity and warmth to the kitchen. Consider displaying a collection of items that tell a story or evoke memories, keeping in mind the chosen theme to maintain visual consistency. These personal elements can serve as conversation starters and bring added charm to your kitchen’s upper spaces, making them more than just decorative but also meaningful.

Step 7. Illuminate with Lighting:

Strategically placed lighting can enhance the visibility and impact of your décor. Consider using LED strip lights or battery-operated puck lights to illuminate your display. The added lighting highlights your decorative items and creates a warm and inviting ambiance in the kitchen. Aim the lights to cast soft glows on the decor to subtly emphasize textures and colors. Proper lighting can transform the top of your cabinets into a feature area that draws attention, especially during the evening when ambient light is more pronounced. Ensuring this element aligns with your theme can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal, making the space more curated and intentional.

Step 8. Rotate Decorations Seasonally:

To keep the top of your kitchen cabinets fresh and engaging, consider rotating your decorative items with the changing seasons. By switching out elements, such as colors, plants, or themed items, you can reflect the current season and bring a sense of renewal to your kitchen space. For instance, you might use pastel colors and floral decor in the spring, nautical elements in summer, warm hues and harvest motifs in the fall, and festive ornaments during winter. Seasonal rotations keep your kitchen lively and adaptable and allow you to experiment with new trends and styles, ensuring the area remains a dynamic and evolving feature of your home.

Step 9. Maintain and Refresh:

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your decorative spaces remain attractive and in good condition. Periodically dust and clean the items on top of your kitchen cabinets to prevent buildup and maintain their appearance. Additionally, take the opportunity to assess whether the current arrangement still resonates with you or needs a refresh. This step allows you to swap out decorations that no longer fit your style or have become outdated. Consistent maintenance not only preserves the aesthetic quality but also allows you to continually innovate and refine your kitchen’s look, ensuring it is always a source of pride and enjoyment.

Step 10. Reflect on Feedback:

After implementing the decoration changes, invite feedback from family and friends. Sometimes, an external perspective can provide valuable insights into the overall feel of the space. Listen actively to suggestions or compliments, as they can guide future adjustments or reinforcements in your decoration strategy. Gathering feedback ensures that your kitchen reflects your style and resonates with others, creating a welcoming and harmonious environment. Additionally, continuously learning from these reflections allows you to hone your interior decorating skills, becoming more adept at curating visually appealing spaces.

By following these ten steps, you can transform the often overlooked space above your kitchen cabinets into a showcase for your creativity and style.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Clutter: Avoid overcrowding the space with too many items. A cluttered look can make the kitchen feel chaotic and remove its aesthetic appeal.
2. Fragile Items: Avoid placing fragile or valuable items on top of cabinets. Their height makes them more prone to accidental knocking over, especially during cleaning.
3. Excessive Themes: While themes can add character, using too many themed decorations can overwhelm the area. Stick to subtle accents to maintain balance.
4. Neglecting Cleaning: Pay attention to routine cleaning even if the area is out of direct sight; dust and grease can accumulate, diminishing the appearance over time.
5. Ignoring Proportions: Avoid using items that are too small or too large for the space, which can look out of place and disrupt the visual harmony of the area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to decorate top of kitchen cabinets requires a delicate balance of aesthetics and practicality.

It’s important to choose decor that complements your kitchen’s overall design and color scheme. Opt for larger, cohesive pieces that enhance visual interest without overwhelming the space. Incorporate textures and materials that reflect your style while staying mindful of proportions. Regular maintenance is critical to keeping the area fresh and welcoming.

By avoiding common pitfalls and strategically selecting your decor, you can transform the top of your kitchen cabinets into a stylish, cohesive extension of your kitchen’s design.