What can I do with cabinets in a kitchen with vaulted ceilings?

mike1996

13 years ago

I have been looking and looking for pictures of kitchens with vaulted ceilings, but have not had any success. Due to the massive wall created by the vaulted ceiling, the cabinets just seem to be hanging out there on their own. What can I do to dress them up and maybe even add some storage as well.

Featured Answer

Lane House

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

We actually plan to create this exact situation. We currently have a dropped down ceiling but plan on opening up the vaulted ceiling over the kitchen. Then we plan to install the new cabinets in a staggered configuration to follow or at least fill in the visual line the vaulted ceiling creates. I've attached photos of cabinets installed at different heights to give you an idea of what I mean.

Contemporary Kitchen by Tyrone Kitchen & Bath Designers Teri Turan

Teri Turan · More Info

Traditional Kitchen by Johns Island Architects & Designers Christopher A Rose AIA, ASID

Dramatic vaulted ceiling in Kitchen · More Info

I've also included a photo of how someone filled in the space.

Contemporary Kitchen by Norwich Architects & Designers Smith & Vansant Architects PC

A Ranch Re-dressing Hanover NH · More Info

Good luck and I hope you share what you decide to do.

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Comments (17)

decoenthusiaste
13 years ago
Add a row of lighted display style cabinets above them and paint the vent to match the wall. THey still won't reach the ceiling but will increase the height and add interest.
Kitchen · More Info
Chenai Maguwah
13 years ago
Adding Storage could create "clutter" and not advisable but you are right to want to take advantage of the space. My parents have a large spacious kitchen in their Victorian home. Although it did not have a vaulted ceiling there was space between the ceiling and cabinet enough for my mom to place large African vases called "hari" on top of the cabinets. They are round shaped with colorful geometric shapes painted on; similar to Native American pottery. She put about 4. They are said to increase fertility especially when put in the kitchen. If they broke it was considered bad luck which is why she figured that placing them at the top of the cabinets would be far out of reach of kids running around.

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mike1996
Original Author
13 years ago
What do think about extending the cabinets across the top of the fridge and/or adding a corner cabinet on the left side (where the picture hangs)?
PRO
User
13 years ago
While it won't solve any storage issues, a large crown molding would go a long way to dress the cabinets up and give them more height! Going over the top of the fridge with another cabinet with crown mold would add a little storage.
mike1996
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you everyone. I really like the pics, Lakeway.
PRO
Shoa Gallery
13 years ago
If there's nothing on the other side, maybe you can install windows to bring in natural light (the vent tells me that might not be the case).
kacunnin
13 years ago
I think adding crown molding to the cabinets PLUS adding a horizontal molding -- rather like a high chair rail -- all around the room would help. The horizontal molding would sort of define a more "normal" ceiling height for the kitchen, and while keeping the beautiful vault, it would almost define it as a separate space.
Laura
13 years ago
I can't seem to access pictures of my kitchen that had this exact problem, but here is my inspiration.
http://theletteredcottage.net/kitchen/
It was super easy, and turned out great! I was painting anyway, so I didn't have to worry about matching anything.
Bridget
12 years ago
Having the cabinets and the walls the same or very close in color, appears to make the space above the cabinets stand out less.
PRO
Pierre Jean-Baptiste Interiors
12 years ago
Make the center cabinet taller. The one above the microwave.
PRO
Shoa Gallery
12 years ago
This discussion is from last June.
decoenthusiaste
12 years ago
DEAD THREAD - June 20, 2013
perrelet
12 years ago
Take them down and opt for open shelving. If space allows you could always add a furniture piece such as a hutch or other cabinet to store items out of sight if the open concept doesn't appeal to you.
dmgat4
12 years ago
Stagger the heights , add trim molding to tops, and additional cabinets on top with glass for display. Varying the tops keeps the eyes moving, makes it more appealing, less Cookie cutter
Bridget
12 years ago
Why do these old discussion pop up?
daarnold05
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
In case anyone comes across the discussion years later like I have, I'm adding a comment. I think a paint color that isn't so contrasting would help this situation tremendously. I don't normally like things on top of cabinets but in this case, it seems it would be better to break the current decorating code then leave it blank. And paint the vent the same color as the wall in the very least.