Decorating above kitchen cabinets is in style all the way! Just keep in mind that secret stashes should be as visible as their name implies… hidden and not seen. This is more achievable for those with higher ceilings and kitchen cabinets that match that height.
Decorating the top of kitchen cabinets is an easy way to add some flair to your kitchen while filling in the empty gap between the top of your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling, an often neglected area that can look a little awkward or simply lacking when left bare.
You don't always need an elaborate or highly decorative design above kitchen cabinets. Simple can be more provocative and present a great way to display a collection, especially a family heirloom. Keeping the theme related to the function of the kitchen is a natural decorating choice.
What is a Kitchen Soffit? Kitchen soffits are bulky box-shaped walls that connect the cabinets and the ceiling. Due to this, they are located at the top of the cabinets, extending from upper cabinetry towards the ceiling, and hide industrial elements such as plumbing, ductwork, vents, wiring, and pipes.
Overlay (sometimes called “reveal”) refers to the amount of cabinet face frame that is covered by the doors and drawer headers. In the end, the overlay decision is one of personal tastes and budgets. Most Showplace door styles are offered in two overlays: partial or full overlay.
Set the bottom of the plates behind the rail, then rest the backsides of the plates against the back of the cabinet. Arrange the rest of your china collection in front of the plates. Once your largest plates are set up in the back of the cabinet, place the smaller pieces towards the front of the shelf.
I'd stick to sculptural types of pieces rather than a painting or picture as they will blend in to make one overall statement rather than stealing the show. Decorative boxes, crates and vintage suitcases are all great things to stack on top of a cabinet adding height and interest.
All-White Kitchens
For the past decade, we've been seeing white walls, white tile, and Carrera marble. People are tired of these muted palettes, and designers are bringing in color— which we love.” Most designers also agree that white-on-white kitchens will look dated in 2023. So what color will be the new white?
White remains the most popular kitchen cabinet color for this year, although clinical pure whites are being replaced with warmer and more natural tones. White is timeless and will create an airy and refreshing ambiance that will never date.
And while gray might be falling out of favor, white is still holding on strong—it's still the number one kitchen color with 35% of people choosing it from 2022 to 2023. Beige nabbed the third top spot with 18%, followed by blue with 6% and green with 5%.
This is one of the main reasons designers and homeowners seem to be ditching the wall cabinets. There's been this ever-growing kitchen trend of trying to make our kitchens look less... kitcheny. And cutting out half of the cabinetry you would find in a 'traditional' kitchen is an easy way to do that.
"Two-toned cabinets are gaining popularity as homeowners seek to add a touch of personality to their kitchens," Bravo says. "Black and white cabinets are a classic combination that can create a stunning look, while other popular choices include blue and white, grey and white, and even green and white."
Standard countertop overhang is 1 ½ inches.
Keep in mind that this is 1 ½ inches over the front edge of the base cabinet. While some countertops may have different overhang measurements, this is the number that is seen as standard for homes.
Find Your Most Accessible Zone. Store the items that you use every day, like plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, and silverware, within arm's reach. For most people, that means the lowest shelves in upper cabinets and the highest drawers in base cabinets.
To get the right balance of style and substance be sure to mix both practical and decorative items. When considering what to put on open shelves in a kitchen, for example, mix up useful items such as serving bowls, mugs and recipe books with decorative items such as planters, artwork and a sculpted vase.
You will want to put the everyday dishes and utensils to the right of the dishwasher or above the dishwasher. If you don't have a dishwasher, use the sink instead. The reason you do this is because it makes unloading the dishwasher or sink easy and practical.
A full overlay cabinet door style means that there is very little cabinet face frame showing around each door and drawer front, creating a living space with a modern style and seamless appearance.
Full overlay cabinetry takes less skill to build, so it is also less expensive. This is a plus for anyone wanting to create a streamlined look for less! More Storage – Because the doors and drawers sit on the outside of the cabinet frame, they leave more room on the inside to store items.
Leaving soffits on top of your cabinets
Soffits are completely out of style and so almost all sensible kitchen renovations will require removing the soffits, sometimes called “bulkheads” by homeowners.
It's better to keep things more accessible,” Ashley says. Always work with your designer to determine what height will look best in your space. “Leave a foot or more between the top of the cabinet and the ceiling. This looks intentional and gives your kitchen the polished, elevated look you're seeking.”