Help. What to do with this space above cabinets

last year

We have no idea what to do with this space above the kitchen cabinets. It's awkward and we don't want to fill it with big unnecessary baskets from Marshalls. Anyone have any ideas?

Featured Answer

Sammie J

last year

I would leave it empty. Add colored decor on your contertops and perhaps a colored/patterned/textured roman blind on the window. Right now, all you see is white and gray which is why that area seems empty. You want to bring the eyes into the room, not up towards the ceiling.

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Comments (21)

PRO
MDLN
last year
Build cabinets up to the ceiling.
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arcy_gw
last year
Yep this is why cabinets should go to the ceiling or why I have decided my soffits aren't so bad. Gotta say my young people i.e. daughters/ daughters in-law all with new homes have returned to the days of decor a top them. I prefer when they are topped with personal items that give you incite into the homeowner vs Wayfair 'home decor' type trappings but that's my bias.
privateprivateprivate
last year
Leave them be. It’s nice that they’re straight across on top, let that straight line calm the space. BTW, I like you’re kinda cool angled ceiling in one area.

If I were to do anything with this kitchen, it would be to get a fridge that doesn’t jut out so much. Ouch! If that just isn’t possible, I’d have the cabinet above it moved out from the wall, and if possible, side panels installed, so the front plane of the fridge at least looks intentional.
HU-187528210
last year
While I do think having cabinets going up to the ceiling would be nice,
I think adding new, more decorative hardware to the cabinets will be enough.
It should distract the eye...
PRO
Norwood Architects
last year
Might suggest adding short cabinets to the existing uppers. Would also suggest they be glass fronted. They can be used for display and can be equipped with puck lights. Might also suggest if it is within your budget that you consider replacing your cabinet doors (upper and lower). They style is dated and looks very builder grade. Good luck!
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
IMO there is not enough space to add cabinets there and if you rtry they will look silly since they will not be able to hold anything. Just leave it and I agee add interest to draw the eye away from that .I see other issues in thta space that would be a bigger concern. Is this a new build or just new to you?
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
last year
Nothing at all. As someone else said, don’t draw the eye up.
ci_lantro
last year
last modified: last year
Ignore it.

Adding cabinets on top isn't really an option here because there are two different ceiling heights. The angled one in the wet area and the full height ceiling where the ovens are.

Even if possible, the areas being small, cabinets to the ceiling would be overpowering.
Maureen
last year
last modified: last year
Nothing on top, but you could add larger molding on cupboards as well around ceiling.

To draw the eye downwards and to add more style/interest, suggest a hanging pendant over sink (which will also distract from ceiling vent) and complementary hardware.

A more up to date blind to finish things off and your kitchen will be transformed at little cost.
tfitz1006
last year
Nothing up there. The only things I would do is at some point address the refrig issue. I'd also consider a roman shade at the kitchen window to add some color and texture.
M Riz
last year
last modified: last year
I really like your kitchen. Its calming and clean (not too much going on), its also not open concept or particularly large. For that reason I wouldnt put extra stuff up there. Sometimes things are beautiful just the way they are.
missb_remodeling
last year
last modified: last year
The only thing I would put on top of those cabinets is paper towels. I would line the top with paper towels so that they catch all the dust that will accumulate.
decoenthusiaste
last year
Decorate where the people live; below window and door frames. If it continues to bother you, I suggest painting it to match the cabinets; the contrast is what draws attention now. In addition, it is much darker up there. You might consider installing some LED lighting to brighten. I think crown molding would help give a finished look, but if it isn't elsewhere in the home don't do it.
AnnKH
last year
last modified: last year
Especially since there is no range hood, the tops of those cabinets are going to accumulate grease as well as dust. A layer of something (newspapers, waxed paper, etc) will make it easy to clean.

Over cabinet lighting might be nice.
Stacey
last year
I would add wide crown molding to finish it off.
PRO
Arch. Edger O. Ayier
last year
Just close it off
K Sub
Original Author
last year
Great suggestions. Thanks for the discussion everyone
K Sub
Original Author
last year
Anyone have ideas on how to make the cabinets and hardware more modern?
decoenthusiaste
last year
Try pulls instead of knobs. Brushed nickel might be nice.
RedRyder
last year
A more decorative window treatment and new knobs for the doors will update the room quickly. When you replace knobs with new pulls, the measurements have to be exact. It also looks like the knobs are really close to the edges of the doors. Many designers hate knobs, but I like them on the upper cabinets. Do some internet looking and think about how the kitchen might look with different knobs - in brushed nickel, black, or oil rubbed bronze.