Put something there that you don't use often, like a cake stand, flower vase, spare white cups etc...do it more random, varying the sizes and heights, and numbers of things...but keep the color consistent.
Upper kitchen cabinets are most often used for storing dishes, glasses and dinnerware, but they can also be used to store spices, mixing bowls and small appliances, or even as a small pantry.
I would not put any decorative items on top of the cabinets. I suggest waxed paper rather than paper towels as a ``liner'' on the top of the cabinets. If there is greasy steam, the paper towels absorb it and might stick to the top of the cabinets, and waxed paper will not.
As a general rule, if you have under 2' of space above kitchen cabinetry, very tall armoires or built-ins, don't decorate the space. All too often, doing so dates you to the 1990's and the area does nothing but catch dust.
Experts agree that the primary thing making your cabinets look dated is their color — but those same experts are divided on what, exactly, that color is. Erica Lugbill of Chicago-based interior design firm Lugbill Designs says all-white cabinets are a dead giveaway that your kitchen is stuck in the stone ages.
In situations where the cabinets don't quite meet the ceiling, many builders will cover that space with a soffit. Others will leave it open, with empty space above the cabinets. Whether you'd prefer a soffit or an open space is a totally personal choice!
MY KITCHEN CABINETS
We didn't want our cabinets to go clear up to 9', so our custom cabinet maker added a soffit that matched the cabinets. It all is one continuous piece from the cabinets up to the crown molding. This is your most sophisticated option if you do not want your cabinets to go to the ceiling.
Crown Moulding. Goes on top of the cabinet. May or may not connect cabinet with the ceiling.
After your cabinet tops are clean, put wax paper on top of them. The wax attracts the dust and grime like a magnet. All you have to do is replace the wax paper a couple times a year and you're good to go.
Paint the wall something bright for an exciting pop of color. If your kitchen is more neutral, paint the wall a shade lighter or darker than the color you have on the rest of the walls to draw the eye.
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.
And if you're wondering, “How do I decide where to put things in my kitchen?,” here's a good rule of thumb for using cabinet space effectively: Upper cabinets: food, spices, glassware, dishes. Lower cabinets: larger serving pieces, small kitchen appliances, pots, pans, mixing bowls, baking sheets, cutting boards.
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.
As a general rule, keep frequently-used glassware in a cabinet or on a shelf that is located next to the sink or dishwasher. "I've cooked in a lot of people's kitchens, and searching for a glass when I wanted some water always puzzled me," she says. "It also makes putting away dishes so much easier!"
In conclusion, while kitchen cabinets do not necessarily need crown molding, it is a popular design feature that can add significant value and visual appeal to your kitchen.
The pelmet is a smaller trim that goes around the bottom of the cabinet. They are also useful in hiding worktop lighting, and adding depth and length to the cabinet, working perfectly within a handmade kitchen.
Greenery above kitchen cabinets will never be outdated! Placing plants high above the cabinets creates a calming effect.
Conclusion: Are Soffits Outdated? The answer to whether soffits are outdated is not straightforward. It depends on your kitchen's size, ceiling height, and your personal preferences. In many modern kitchens, eliminating the soffit can create a more open and contemporary feel.
In the past, upper cabinets were generally either 32” or 36” tall, and so leaving a gap between them and the ceiling was standard. Today, many people prefer cabinets that reach the ceiling. It can give a cleaner, more streamlined look, and it increases a cabinet's storage capacity.
A kitchen soffit is a closed-in area above the cabinets. Soffits were a popular design included in homes in the mid-to-late 1900s. Today, however, homeowners don't appreciate the boxed-in feeling soffits give a kitchen, especially those extending past the cabinets' face.