Thank you decoenthusiaste. I definitely was not going to put faux plants or baskets. Major dust collector. I was thinking of maybe a DIY decorative wood project. I can't take down the pot hanger yet. That would require a painter to fix holes and repaint ceiling Plus my daughter needs the kitchen storage. Not a lot of storage which is another one of our future projects.

I would probably do something fun up there. Maybe just paint the words "Feed Me!"

Mayabe paint that section of the wall (i.e., the quadrilateral) white so it appears more like an extension of the ceiling and draws less attention to itself.

-- amateur

Do you want to make the space decorative or functional?

Here's a decorative idea, build some shelves to fill the space.

RMA · More Info

This one is a little more functional. Can't drink too much wine cause it's hard to reach but you could store something else up there I guess

A Ranch Re-dressing Hanover NH · More Info

Or this modified somehow to go higher i.e. the shelves not the wood on the wall. That makes me dizzy.

Holly ADU - Kitchen · More Info

You could add some cabinets up there that would help with storage of items you don't use often

Contemporary Kitchen · More Info

Paint an accent wall

Passive House Retreat · More Info

Hang some carefully selected art in a carefully placed way https://houseandhomenashville.com/609/arranging-art-on-vaulted-walls/

And yes, the potholder looks too large from the perspective in the photo. Might be okay if youire in the space but looks disproportionate in the photo.

IMO, just setting stuff on top of the cabinets with that much space above them will look disproportionate. Make it look like you're using the wall space, not just filling a little of it.

Wow. Thanks Tozmo1 for all the suggestions. I actually saw the first photo you posted when i was searching google! And, due to the height, I don't think it can be too functional.

Unless you have way more storage than you need I would put a row of cabinets across the whole area for things you only use seasonally or maybe thing you buy in bulk that you may not use for a month or more at a time..sort of a backstock area…another option to add to the hanging pot dilemma….could be to add another cabinet under the island…..

add a new larger top…have a nicer size work top….with an overhang on the outside for extra seating …..

and shelves underneath in the new cabinet space …that are arranged for all the pans to have their own shelves beneath the new cabinet …

lastly …find the perfect ladder and store it in a handy place to access the higher cabinets when needed …these changes will double the efficiency and kitchen space without taking much more floorspace
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@btydrvn If i add cabinets above for "costco" or seasonal items, what do yo do about the difference in old vs new cabinet color? I'm sure these are stock cabinets back in the day....

The island is very very small and really can't make larger due to kitchen size. Not enough space between dishwasher wall and the opposite wall. Kitchen is a challenge. Although, when the budget comes, she could add a wider island top to extend for seating.

Even if you order the same item…most likely there will be a color difference over time…the best way to find a close match is to bring a door when you shop…if it is close it may work..

They don't have to be exact, just blend. Maybe something with glass doors will be the best. Here's a very rough mockup

Maybe paint existing cabinets to match a new row added on top?
If you could get rid of the pot rack and store pots in a lower cabinet, what would be displaced? And where could you store those items? If you could add pantry storage nearby to allow that shift, I’d strongly consider it. That pot rack really crowds the small space.

I know you are seeking advice about the area above the cabinets, but seeing the comments about the pot rack taking up so much visual space, I suggest you remove the countertop from the island, extend the island toward the eating area with open shelves, paint the island one color, then replace the countertop with inexpensive butcher block from ikea or Home Depot, etc. Your cookware could be stored on the shelves and easily accessible.

Don’t waste your money building something that will get torn out with a remodel. The wall color looks off in the photo, and could be lighter, as well. I agree with duli, the island could use some updating.

I have been thinking all along that sliding door will be much easier to manage …..as standing on a ladder for access would make pulling open the doors a little risky on a ladder..also knowing what you plan to put in the uppers …as it will be pretty inconvenient to access ..have you exhausted all nearby options that could be used for storage of things you use less often..

Just a few pieces of artwork might do it.

Chapel Hill Residence · More Info

Get a great black and white peel and stick wallpaper — large scale design. If you like it, you might want to bring it over to the window wall. I say black and white because the cabinets and walls are enough of the beige color and it would take your eye past the pots and make the appliances look purposeful.

I have kitchen cabinets which go to the ceiling. There are four shelves in all my cabs. I use these spaces for holiday items, large platters, extra glasses and all kinds of infrequently used items.

Although these high shelves need a step stool, these cabs are valuable spaces.

@btydrvnThe storage is fine for now but not ideal should the family grow. If/when that happens, I'm sure a bigger house will be in the future. This is a starter home. Just trying to give the kitchen a facelift without the huge budget.

Paint the walls to contrast better with the cabinets. I like the idea of a fun color for the island, and you could then look for bins in a similar color to make a clean and cheerful type of storage until you renovate...

Paint. Can even paint faux
tile/brick design. Paint is affordable and so is tape!

I agree the use of bins to store seasonal stuff is the best temporary solution.

Big baskets are a nice decorative type of storage for that area…from your last comment anything more …would be costly and maybe throw the cabinet proportions off …