The space above kitchen cabinets goes by a few different names depending on whether it is filled or left open.
A soffit is most commonly referred to as the underside, undersurface, or eave of a roof overhang. It is the horizontal paneling that covers the gap between the edge of the roof and the house wall, frequently interacting with fascia boards. In interior applications, it is often called a bulkhead or chase.
Builders sometimes leave this space intentionally for cost savings. Installing cabinets all the way to the ceiling requires more materials, custom sizing, and additional labor. That empty space might save money upfront, but it leaves homeowners dealing with the visual and practical challenges.
Should I remove kitchen bulkhead during a remodel? If the bulkhead is empty or lightly framed, removing it often improves ceiling height and cabinet design. If it contains ducts or plumbing, costs may outweigh the benefit.
Industrial-style bulkheads
Bulkheads are far from out of style; in fact, they continue to evolve with current design trends.
But it's still something to consider. Also remember that, in standard vans, bulkheads are there for a reason. Removing them won't affect the structure of your van, as most bulkheads are simply bolted into place. However, it's still the sort of change that you should tell your insurer about.
Kitchen design in 2026 is defined by "warm minimalism," characterized by inviting earthy palettes, textural details like fluted wood, and seamless integrated appliances. Designers are moving away from clinical all-white looks in favor of more comfortable, personality-driven spaces.
What makes it look cheap: A lack of continuity disrupts the home's visual and physical flow, subtly cheapening the overall experience. Mismatched flooring, abrupt ceiling changes, or lighting that feels disconnected from nearby spaces can make the kitchen feel compartmentalized instead of cohesive.
The space above kitchen cabinets is frequently a magnet for greasy dust and can quickly look cluttered. Depending on your budget, you can either enclose the space permanently, use it for functional, hidden storage, or style it with curated, large-scale decor.
In residential and commercial construction, bulkhead and soffit are often used interchangeably to describe a lowered, boxed-in section of a ceiling. The functional difference simply comes down to their specific placement and purpose.
A soffit is the flat, finished surface located on the underside of your roof's overhang (the eaves). It sits horizontally between the edge of your exterior wall and the gutter, effectively acting as an "outdoor ceiling".
Once the wood underneath the paint is exposed to the elements, it becomes compromised and will begin to rot over time. This is why it's important to cover or cap fascia boards, and use vinyl material for soffit. Rotted wood doesn't hold nails.
The space above kitchen cabinets goes by a few different names depending on whether it is filled or left open.
A kitchen is typically considered outdated when it suffers from a combination of failing appliances, poor lighting, worn-out surfaces, and an isolating, disjointed layout. Trends evolve, and what was once fashionable can make the entire heart of the home feel less functional and visually unappealing.
The 60-30-10 rule is an interior design principle used to create color harmony and visual balance. It dictates that a space should consist of:
The kitchen triangle rule focuses on positioning the three primary work areas—the sink, refrigerator and stove—to form a triangle. This arrangement aims to streamline workflow and increase efficiency, allowing for smooth movement between tasks.
Small Kitchen Layout Mistakes to Avoid in Your Remodel
Kitchen cabinet colors that feel dated include stark, clinical all-white, cool minimalist grays, and red-toned woods like cherry or honey-oak. Flat, one-dimensional brown-on-brown color schemes and overly bright primary colors have also fallen out of style.
Warmer Neutrals
“I'm seeing clients move away from bright white kitchens and white oak cabinetry in favor of warmer, more nuanced palettes,” says interior designer Valerie Helgeson. “Requests for creamy whites and deeper brown stains are showing up more often which still deliver a classic feel, but with more depth.”
You should typically spend 5% to 15% of your home's value on a kitchen remodel. For a $400,000 home, that puts your budget between $20,000 and $60,000. Going above this range risks over-improving for your neighborhood, as you likely won't recoup the costs if you sell.
The most popular kitchen cabinet colors are warm neutrals (creamy whites, beige, taupe, mushroom) and earthy greens (olive, sage, and forest). Stark, sterile whites and cool grays are fading, replaced by organic, "warm minimalism".
Bulkheads (seawalls) typically last between 15 to 50+ years. Lifespan depends primarily on the construction material.
Yes, depending on the location and jurisdiction, permits may be required for bulkhead construction to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and protection of natural habitats.
On average, high-quality and well-installed van wraps can last 5 to 7 years, depending on several factors: Vinyl Quality: Premium vinyl will usually have a longer lifespan due to its enhanced durability and resistance to fading.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.