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12 Creative Ideas for Decorating Above the Cabinets
Some kitchens have it and some don't. When a kitchen does have it, it can be a tricky spot to decorate. I'm talking about that funny little open area way up high above the cabinets—that space where the cabinets end and the ceiling begins. How do you like to decorate that area? Occasionally, it's left open but where's the fun in that? If you've been searching for some ideas for decorating above the cabinets, here's a bit of inspiration to get you going.
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by Just a Girl
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| Cucina is Italian for "the kitchen." What a fun and whimsical idea for decorating above the cabinets. |
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by Savvy Seasons
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| In addition to fun wording like "Bistro" and "Cafe," you can incorporate other collectibles along with some greenery. Consider letting the greenery trail down in one corner to draw the eye upward to the beautiful vignettes. |
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If your kitchen is already designed around a theme, like this beautiful Tuscan-style kitchen, why not carry the look right on up to your over-cabinet decor? The accent pieces chosen to go above these cabinets beautifully completes this design.
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When similar objects such as these fabulous baskets are grouped, they have a much bigger impact than if a lot of very dissimilar objects are used. It reminds me of the rules of landscaping that say using a lot of one particular flower creates a much greater impact than than you'd get if you used just a few of many different flowers. It really is fascinating how much landscaping and decorating have in common.
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Roosters have always been a popular kitchen motif and they are a hit for the area above cabinets. Just for fun, how many chickens/roosters can you count in this picture? (Cue Jeopardy music.)
Done counting? I found seven. I didn't count the beautiful platter above the cabinet...I think that may be a swan.
The space above the cabinets also provides a much needed place to store baskets.
Done counting? I found seven. I didn't count the beautiful platter above the cabinet...I think that may be a swan.
The space above the cabinets also provides a much needed place to store baskets.
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Have a colorful plate collection you would like to display, but lack a great area to show it off? Putting it above the cabinets gets it up where it's safe and can be appreciated each time you walk into the kitchen. This works best with larger plates.
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| The narrow display area above these cabinets was actually created by the addition of beautiful molding. It's perfect to display a gorgeous transferware collection.
If your cabinets are squared off and plain at the top, adding molding is an inexpensive way to dress them up and make them look more substantial. |
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| Here's a great idea: Show off your collection of vintage treasures. |
If the ceiling above your cabinets soars, you'll need to use larger items for display to keep them from getting lost in that area. Just a few large pieces are all you need to fill the emptiness of the space.
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| Here is a wonderful example of using items that are nice and large, ensuring they will be seen from below. |
by Tervola Designs
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If your ceilings are really high or vaulted, extend the display area even higher with the addition of another shelf. Varying heights of the objects displayed makes the area come alive with interest.
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| Even though this display area isn't above cabinets, it's a wonderful example of how an ironstone or creamware collection would look displayed there. I love the addition of the turkeys. They could be chickens, but since Thanksgiving is only a week away, let's call 'em turkeys for today.
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Do you have an open space above the cabinets in your kitchen? What creative ways have you found to use it as a display area?
Ideabook updated on Nov. 24, 2010.
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Susan
I need some ideas for my plate rail too... I'm not a plate collector and so far, and little knick-knacks that fit on a plate rail are creepy animals or predictable tall/skinny vases.