22 Creative Ways To Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets You’ll Love
Ever looked up at that awkward empty space above your kitchen cabinets and thought, What am I supposed to do with this? You’re not alone! That little gap is just sitting there, waiting to be turned into something stylish, fun, or even useful.
Whether you’re into farmhouse charm, bold statement pieces, or just need some extra storage, there are tons of ways to bring it to life.
So grab a cup of coffee, scroll through these 22 ideas, and get ready to give your kitchen a mini glow-up!
22 Unique Ways To Decorate Area Above Kitchen Cabinets
1. Vintage Charm Meets Modern Farmhouse
That often-overlooked space above your kitchen cabinets is a blank canvas, awaiting your personal touch. This design combines a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern farmhouse aesthetics through carefully curated decor.
Notice the wicker baskets, adding texture and a touch of rustic appeal, juxtaposed against the clean lines of the white cabinetry. The varying heights and shapes of the displayed items—from delicate white dishes to warm-toned vases—create visual interest and prevent the space from feeling cluttered.
A few sprigs of greenery add a refreshing pop of colour, echoing the natural elements in the cutting boards and further enhancing the inviting, lived-in feel of this beautifully styled kitchen.
Source: Caitlin Marie Design
2. Grey Expectations
This kitchen proves that modern design can be both beautiful and practical. The sleek cabinetry and open shelving create a clean and contemporary look.
The focus is on simplicity and functionality, with each item carefully chosen and thoughtfully placed. It’s a space that feels both stylish and livable.
The use of texture, like the ribbed detailing on the cabinet doors adds visual interest without being overwhelming. The neutral colour palette creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
3. Effortless Kitchen Elevation
Decorating above your cabinets doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few well-placed pieces can make a big impact. This kitchen demonstrates how the strategic placement of larger items, like the oversized cutting boards, creates a focal point without feeling cluttered.
The symmetrical arrangement adds balance and visual harmony, drawing the eye upward and emphasizing the height of the space. The vibrant blue hydrangeas and the warm tones of the copper canisters, add interest without overwhelming the neutral palette.
Even simple additions, like displaying a few favourite dishes or framed artwork, can contribute to a more personalized and inviting atmosphere. With a few simple changes, your kitchen can go from plain to Pinterest-worthy in no time!
Source: Elle Decor
4. A Touch of Bold
This kitchen embraces clean lines and a neutral palette, while still incorporating bold design elements that make a statement. The deep navy accent wall creates a striking focal point, contrasting beautifully with the crisp white cabinetry and open shelving.
The pops of yellow in the sunflowers and lemons bring a touch of vibrancy, echoing the warm tones of the wood-cutting boards.
If you’re designing a bright and airy space, check out our 2025 Designers Guide to White Kitchens – 20 Designs for inspiration on creating a timeless look.
Source: HGTV
5. Open Shelving Magic
Look up! Have you ever wondered how to make that space above your cabinets more stylish and functional? This kitchen utilises open shelving to create a focal point, drawing the eye upward and adding a touch of modern elegance.
The carefully curated items on display – from sleek white dishes to vibrant pops of colour – contribute to a clean and organized aesthetic.
Notice how the open shelving doesn’t just provide storage; it also adds visual interest and personality. Imagine the possibilities: displaying your favourite cookbooks, showcasing a collection of pottery, or even creating a mini herb garden.
Source: Caitlin Marie Design
6. Sunshine & Cobalt: A Kitchen Story
The space above your cabinets isn’t just for show—it can be a clever storage solution too! This kitchen maximizes every inch, utilizing the often-neglected area for both display and practical storage. The woven baskets add texture and conceal clutter, while the strategically placed decorative items contribute to a visually appealing composition.
The varying heights and depths of the displayed items create visual interest and prevent the space from feeling flat. Looking for more unique ways to style your kitchen? Explore our 20 Eclectic Kitchen Decor For A Bold Statement.
Consider incorporating a mix of open and closed storage solutions to keep frequently used items accessible while maintaining a clean and organized aesthetic. With the right approach, you can combine beauty and functionality for a truly efficient kitchen.
Source: Elle Decor
7. Vintage Farmhouse Charm
This year’s biggest kitchen trend? Stylish yet practical above-cabinet decor that maximizes space and personality. This kitchen effortlessly blends vintage charm with modern farmhouse aesthetics, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The carefully curated collection of plates adds a touch of personality, while the strategically placed greenery brings a refreshing, natural element to the space.
Notice how the open shelving on either side of the window provides both display space and practical storage. The neutral colour palette creates a timeless appeal, while the pops of colour in the plates and greenery add visual interest.
Source: Everyday Lovely
8. Seamless Integration
This kitchen demonstrates the power of seamless integration in modern design. The appliances are seamlessly incorporated into the cabinetry, creating a clean and uncluttered look.
This approach maximizes space and functionality, making the kitchen feel both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The open shelving provides display space without sacrificing the clean lines of the design.
9. Urban Industrial Heart
The space above kitchen cabinets often presents a design challenge, but it’s also a unique opportunity to infuse personality into a modern setting.
This loft-style kitchen embraces that challenge, showcasing a curated collection that reflects a distinct artistic sensibility. The carefully arranged artwork and personal treasures soften the industrial edge of the space, creating a sense of warmth and individuality.
The interplay of textures and materials—from the sleek cabinetry to the rich wood floors and the comfortable textiles—adds depth and complexity.
Small touches of vibrant colour and organic elements provide a counterpoint to the neutral palette, creating a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
Source: Little Piece of Me
10. A Pantry Aglow
Once a forgotten spot, the space above your cabinets is now a showcase of warmth, style, and personality. This kitchen transforms simple glass jars into a captivating display, proving that even everyday essentials can become art.
The warm glow of the string lights casts a magical ambience, highlighting the variety of textures and colours within the jars.
Notice how the carefully chosen contents—from pasta to grains to dried goods—add a touch of rustic charm and practicality. The arrangement is both visually appealing and functional, demonstrating how smart storage solutions can also enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic. Every item placed above your cabinets tells a story—what will yours say?
Source: The DIY Desire
11. Pottery & Pantry: A Kitchen Still Life
Sunlight streams into this kitchen, illuminating a collection of vintage pottery and everyday essentials, creating a tableau that feels both rustic and timeless.
Imagine the comforting aroma of brewing coffee mingling with the subtle scent of dried herbs, all while the soft textures of natural fibres and smooth ceramics invite a gentle touch.
The varying shades of blue in the bottles and jars add a calming pop of colour against the clean white backdrop.
The open shelving allows for a glimpse into the heart of this kitchen, showcasing not just dishes and cookware, but also a bit of the homeowner’s personality.
Source: My Modern Cave
12. Industrial Farmhouse Fusion
Warm wooden tones meet sleek metal accents in this kitchen, creating a space that feels both rustic and refined.
Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the clean scent of citrus, all while the soft glow of pendant lights illuminates the carefully curated details above the cabinets. The pops of blue in the cabinetry add a refreshing touch, contrasting beautifully with the natural wood elements.
The open shelving showcases a collection of both practical and decorative items, adding personality and a touch of lived-in charm. From vibrant oranges in a bowl to the lush greenery of a vase, each element contributes to a symphony of textures and colours.
A well-styled space above your cabinets isn’t just decoration—it’s an atmosphere, a feeling, a cosy embrace.
Source: HGTV
13. Sun-Drenched Simplicity
Earthen hues and vintage finds come together in this kitchen, creating a space that feels both rustic and timeless. Imagine the comforting aroma of brewing coffee mingling with the subtle scent of dried herbs, all while the soft textures of natural fibres and smooth ceramics invite a gentle touch.
The varying shades of blue in the bottles and jars add a calming pop of colour against the clean white backdrop.
The open shelving allows for a glimpse into the heart of this kitchen, showcasing not just dishes and cookware, but also a bit of the homeowner’s personality.
From the neatly stacked wooden cutting boards to the collection of antique bottles, each item contributes to a sense of warmth and lived-in charm. A well-styled space isn’t just decoration—it’s an atmosphere, a feeling, a cosy embrace.
Source: Alison Donivan
14. A Kitchen Reflecting You
This kitchen achieves that balance beautifully, showcasing personality through carefully chosen displays while still offering practical storage solutions.
The open shelving becomes a canvas for self-expression, highlighting favourite dishes, cherished artwork, and vibrant pops of colour that bring the space to life.
It’s not just about aesthetics, though. Notice how the layout and design enhance the kitchen’s usability, making it a joy to cook and gather in.
From the ample counter space to the well-organized shelves, every detail contributes to a comfortable and efficient environment. This is a kitchen that’s both beautiful and practical, a true reflection of the people who call it home.
Source: Patience Rutherford
15. A Collected Kitchen Story
This kitchen whispers tales of cosy gatherings and culinary adventures, showcasing a curated collection that feels both personal and inviting.
The gleaming copper pots hang with pride, catch the light and add a touch of warmth, contrasting beautifully with the crisp white cabinetry. Above, a charming array of teapots adds a touch of whimsy, hinting at afternoon tea and shared moments.
The vintage scale adds a touch of nostalgia, while the pops of colour in the artwork and curtains bring a touch of vibrancy.
Source: Your Motor Geek
16. Twilight Kitchen, Softly Lit
A hush falls over the kitchen as twilight descends, casting a gentle glow upon the simple treasures adorning the cabinets. Tiny lights twinkle like captured stars, weaving delicate magic through the greenery.
It’s a scene that whispers of quiet evenings and the comforting rhythm of home. The warm wood tones deepen in the fading light, embracing the rustic charm of the cutting board and the promise of a meal shared.
A sense of peace settles over the space, a reminder to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of everyday moments. This kitchen, bathed in the soft light of twilight, becomes a sanctuary, a place to reconnect with oneself and the heart of home.
Source: Hello Hayley
17. Maximize Kitchen Impact
Did you know that decorating above your cabinets can make your kitchen feel taller, brighter, and more inviting? This space cleverly utilizes a mix of textures and heights to draw the eye upward, creating an illusion of spaciousness.
The strategically placed lighting also plays a crucial role, highlighting the displayed items and adding a warm, ambient glow. Notice how the pops of colour, like the vibrant green backsplash and the yellow stools, add personality and prevent the space from feeling sterile.
A few carefully chosen decorative pieces, such as artwork or vases, can further enhance the visual appeal.1 These simple tricks will help you maximize style and space effortlessly!
Source: HGTV
18. Treasured Tales
What was once an empty void above the kitchen cabinets has been transformed into a gallery of treasured tales. It’s a testament to the power of personal collections to breathe life into a space, turning the mundane into something magical.
Each item, carefully selected and thoughtfully placed, adds a unique voice to the chorus of stories being told. The space above the cabinets becomes a stage for these cherished objects, a place where memories are preserved and passions are celebrated.
It’s a reminder that our homes are more than just shelters; they are reflections of our lives, filled with the stories that make us who we are.
Source: Your Motor Geek
19. Kitchen Flair
This kitchen cleverly utilizes the often-neglected space for both stylish display and practical storage. The open shelf showcases a collection of lush plants, bringing a touch of nature indoors, while the handy hooks below keep mugs and utensils within easy reach.
Not only does this approach maximize space, but it also adds visual interest and personality to the kitchen.
A few simple touches, like coordinating your décor with your colour scheme or using uniform containers for storage, can make a big impact.
Source: The Inside Decor
20. Bohemian Rhapsody
A symphony of colours, textures, and global influences fills this kitchen, creating a space that feels both eclectic and deeply personal.
Imagine the warmth of the sun streaming through the window, illuminating the vibrant hues of the hand-painted tiles and the rich patina of the vintage finds.
Each object tells a story, from the serene Buddha sculpture to the intricately patterned textiles, contributing to a sense of bohemian charm and worldly sophistication.
Source: Domino
21. Urban Minimalist
A minimalist approach to decorating above your cabinets keeps the space sleek and stylish. This kitchen embraces clean lines, a restrained colour palette, and a clutter-free aesthetic, creating a sense of calm and order.
The absence of traditional “décor” above the cabinets emphasizes the streamlined design, highlighting the sleek cabinetry and modern pendant lights.
The few carefully chosen items, like the potted orchid and the neatly arranged cutting boards, add a touch of warmth without disrupting the minimalist vibe.
22. Personalized Kitchen Display
Your kitchen is the heart of your home—make sure every inch of it reflects your style and needs. This space beautifully showcases a personal collection of plates and spoons, turning everyday items into a captivating gallery wall.
The arrangement adds a unique touch, demonstrating how even a small collection can make a big impact when thoughtfully displayed.
The carefully chosen colour palette complements the existing cabinetry and countertops, creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.
The glass-fronted cabinets also offer a glimpse of more treasures, adding depth and intrigue to the space. With these creative solutions, your kitchen will feel even more inviting, stylish, and uniquely yours.
Source: Elle Decor
Putting it Together!
See? That space above your cabinets doesn’t have to stay boring and empty! Whether you add some cute plants, fun artwork, or stylish baskets, you can easily turn it into a part of your kitchen that actually looks good.
So go ahead—pick an idea (or mix a few!) and give your kitchen a little extra love.
