1. Display serving pieces. This is a classic move, and for good reason: The space above your cabinets is just right for little-used items like cake stands, big serving boards, and a few decorative items.
If you have space between your cabinets and the ceiling, you can decorate the top of the kitchen cabinets with vases, baskets, books, and more! I love our all white kitchen in our new home! It has a very clean look, but sometimes it can also feel a little bit empty.
Add plywood to the 2×2 frame above the cabinets
Measure the distance between the ceiling and kitchen cabinets. Then, cut a piece of 1/4″ plywood to this size less a 1/4″ so you can easily move it into the space. We actually had our plywood cut at the home improvement store.
If you don't need the space above your cabinets for storage, add a decorative element to your kitchen by displaying wall art. This tip works for both open shelving and closed cabinets: Mount hanging pieces directly to the wall, or style framed leaning artwork across the top to create a focal point.
There is a valid reason for the gap between the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling; this is the height that most people can reach by standing on the floor or by using a ladder.
Kitchen soffits are usually installed above your cabinets, closing the gaps between the cabinets and ceiling. While kitchen soffits were very popular in older homes, the style has fallen out of favor for many homeowners and interior designers. The lower ceilings create a cramped atmosphere that can feel restrictive.
A thin bead of caulk can seal or fill that small gap between cabinets and floors in less than 30 minutes. I love a quick win, guys! This DIY works on gaps 1/4″ and smaller. If your gap is larger than a 1/4″, you should use trim first, like quarter round.
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.
The space above kitchen cabinets can be accentuated with a stenciling effect. This is an ideal choice for cabinets that are flush to the wall without space to display objects. Stencil patterns should fit your kitchen style and blend into the overall décor. Use one color or several to repeat your kitchen's color scheme.
Crown moldings are installed on walls and bottom of walls, and when they're used on kitchen cabinets, it's just another supposed way of taking them from boring to extraordinary. But nowadays, you can easily find cabinets without crown moldings that look absolutely beautiful.
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.
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.
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.
A Starter or Riser Molding is mounted to the cabinet top in order to simulate an extension of the cabinet box, allowing the Crown Molding to be installed higher.
Cornice: (sometimes called kitchen crown moulding) is the decorative trim that is fitted on top of wall cabinets and full-height cabinets. It comes in different styles, shapes, and sizes, depending on the design of the kitchen. Usually, a more modern square look, or a more ornate traditional look.
Design Preference
Some people very much like the look of a full block of continuous wall cabinets without space above them. For others, the preference is more functional: continuous cabinets offer more storage space, and they eliminate the dead space that collects dust.
If your ceilings are any higher than ten feet it is probably not a good idea to have the your kitchen cabinets meet the ceiling. From a usability standpoint, kitchen cabinets that are higher than this would be difficult to reach and would not meet the needs of most home-owners.
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.”
Good news! Yes, you can extend your kitchen cabinets up to the ceiling and no, you don't have to remove your existing cabinets!