Contemporary Kitchen Cabinet Decor
When it comes to kitchen design, the space above your cabinets often gets overlooked. But with a touch of creativity and a modern mindset, it can become a stylish focal point. In contemporary kitchens, clean lines, subtle textures, and strategic accents rule the scene. This article is your complete guide on how to decorate above kitchen cabinets in a contemporary style, giving your space that fresh, updated vibe without cluttering the aesthetic.
How to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets Contemporary
Decorating the area above kitchen cabinets in a contemporary way is all about maintaining simplicity, adding subtle sophistication, and ensuring harmony with the rest of your kitchen. You want the area to feel intentional—not like an afterthought. Whether you lean toward minimalism or enjoy bold artistic accents, this unused space can become a visual highlight that enhances the entire room.
Here are some great tips to get started:
- Stick to neutral or complementary color palettes
- Keep decorations functional or visually lightweight.
- Use repetition and symmetry to create a flow
- Embrace lighting to elevate the ambiance.
Understanding Contemporary Interior Design
What Makes It Contemporary?
Contemporary design is characterized by minimalism, sleek surfaces, and a preference for open, airy spaces. It embraces neutral color schemes, smooth textures, and modern materials like glass, metal, and natural wood. Unlike traditional styles, it evolves constantly, drawing inspiration from current cultural and artistic influences.
Why It Works in Kitchens
A contemporary kitchen design maximizes efficiency, making it a perfect blend of style and function. The open layout, sleek finishes, and hidden storage solutions help create a clutter-free cooking and gathering space. Its calming color palettes and minimalist design make the kitchen feel modern, welcoming, and easy to maintain.
Key Characteristics of Modern Kitchen Aesthetics
Neutral Color Palettes
Contemporary kitchens often feature subdued tones like whites, grays, blacks, and soft earthy shades. These neutral hues provide a timeless, sophisticated backdrop while allowing accents like decor, lighting, and appliances to stand out. This palette enhances the feeling of space and helps maintain a calm, uncluttered environment.
Smooth, Sleek Surfaces
Glossy countertops, matte cabinetry, and polished metal fixtures are key elements of a modern kitchen. These surfaces reflect light and create a clean, streamlined appearance, contributing to the overall minimalist aesthetic. Smooth finishes also make cleaning and maintenance more efficient, adding to the practical appeal.
Hidden Storage and Minimal Details
Contemporary kitchen designs prioritize hidden storage options, such as concealed cabinets, pull-out drawers, and integrated appliances. By reducing visual clutter and keeping essentials tucked away, the kitchen feels more open, airy, and organized. Minimal details, like handleless cabinets or understated hardware, further enhance the sleek and seamless look.
Assessing the Space Above Your Kitchen Cabinets
Measure the Gap
Determine how much room is available between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling. This will help you understand whether the space is tall enough for larger decor items or if it’s better suited to smaller, subtle touches. Accurate measurements prevent wasted time and money by ensuring any decorations you buy will fit perfectly.
Note the Visibility
Consider whether the top of your cabinets is visible from other parts of your home, such as an adjoining living room or dining area. If it is, opt for decor pieces that look attractive from all angles, like decorative bowls, plants, or vases. This keeps your space visually appealing no matter where you’re standing.
Measuring and Preparing for Safe Decoration
Use a Step Ladder Safely
Before decorating, make sure you have a sturdy step ladder that allows you to comfortably and safely reach above your cabinets. Avoid leaning too far or standing on unstable surfaces, as this can cause accidents. Always follow ladder safety guidelines to ensure a smooth decorating process.
Prevent Items from Slipping
Place non-slip pads, grippers, or adhesive strips under your decor to keep everything securely in place. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to vibrations, such as near a busy street, or if your cabinets are frequently opened. Proper stabilization will prevent items from shifting and falling.
Avoid Overheating
Keep any decorative pieces away from heat sources, such as stovetops, ovens, or overhead vents. Avoid using flammable materials like paper or dry flowers in these areas, as they can pose a fire hazard. Prioritize safety by choosing heat-resistant decor, particularly if your kitchen gets warm during cooking.
Blending Style and Function in Cabinet Top Decor
Decor That Works for You
Consider using the space above your cabinets for practical yet attractive storage solutions. Display neatly organized jars filled with dry goods, color-coordinated bowls, or stylish spice racks that add both charm and functionality. This not only enhances your kitchen’s look but also maximizes storage.
Stick to One Material Theme
Choose a consistent material or color theme to create a cohesive and polished look. Whether you prefer rustic wooden baskets, sleek matte black containers, or modern brushed metal accents, staying consistent prevents the decor from feeling cluttered. A unified theme will tie your kitchen’s overall design together beautifully.
Choosing a Cohesive Color Scheme
Use the 60-30-10 Rule.
This classic design principle helps distribute colors in a balanced way. Use 60% of a dominant color for large areas like walls and cabinets, 30% of a secondary color for features like countertops and backsplashes, and 10% for accents like decor or lighting fixtures. Following this rule keeps your kitchen visually dynamic without being overwhelming.
Keep it Simple
When it comes to kitchen decor, simplicity often makes the strongest impact. Avoid introducing too many new colors and stick with a palette that compliments your primary design. This will make the space feel cohesive and keep the decor from looking cluttered or chaotic.
Minimalist Decor Ideas for a Sleek Look
Less is More
A minimalist kitchen thrives on restraint, so avoid overcrowding your space with unnecessary items. Sometimes, a single bold decor piece or a space can create a powerful visual effect. This allows each element to shine and keeps the overall look uncluttered.
Leave Breathing Room
Creating negative space is essential in minimalist design, as it gives the eye a place to rest. Leaving gaps between decorative items or around countertops prevents the space from feeling crowded. This sense of openness enhances the sleek, modern aesthetic you’re aiming for.
Greenery and Indoor Plants Above Cabinets
Use Real or Faux Plants
Whether you choose live plants or realistic faux options, greenery can enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen. Real plants purify the air, while faux plants require zero upkeep, making them a convenient alternative. Either option can add texture, color, and charm to the space above your cabinets.
Group in Threes
For the most visually pleasing arrangement, group plants or decorative items in odd numbers. A trio of plants, for example, creates a natural sense of balance and symmetry. This small design trick can make your decor feel more intentional and stylish.
Using Artwork and Framed Prints
Pick the Right Size
Selecting appropriately sized artwork prevents the space from feeling cramped or chaotic. Medium-sized frames fill the area above the cabinets nicely without overwhelming the room. This keeps the focus on both the artwork and the kitchen’s overall design.
Stick to Line Art or Abstracts
Simple, modern artwork like line drawings or abstract prints enhances a sleek kitchen aesthetic. These styles add subtle interest without distracting from the clean lines of your cabinets and countertops. By keeping the artwork minimal, you can maintain a cohesive and uncluttered look.
Displaying Chic Kitchenware and Sculptural Pieces
Feature Unique Cookware
Transform your kitchen into a statement space by placing eye-catching cookware, such as brightly colored Dutch ovens or hammered copper pots, above your cabinets. These items create a focal point while making your kitchen feel warm and inviting. By displaying cookware with unique designs, you’ll enhance visual interest while keeping often-used pieces within easy reach.
Use Geometric or Textured Pieces
Incorporate geometric or textured decor, such as angular sculptures, woven baskets, or abstract ceramics, to add a high-end, contemporary feel. These pieces bring depth and contrast to your space, breaking up flat surfaces with eye-catching forms. Whether you choose modern metallics or earthy clay textures, this technique adds dimension without overwhelming your design.
Integrating LED Strip Lights for Ambience
Choose Warm or Neutral Whites
When selecting LED strip lighting, opt for warm or neutral white tones to create an inviting, homey atmosphere rather than a harsh or sterile vibe. Warm hues complement most cabinetry and enhance the natural warmth of wood and metallic finishes. These tones also evoke a welcoming glow, ideal for cozy evenings or casual gatherings.
Opt for Motion or Dimmable Settings
For added convenience and versatility, consider LED lights with motion detection or dimmable settings to suit your needs throughout the day. Dimmable lights let you adjust brightness levels for different tasks, from bright cooking prep to soft evening lighting. Motion settings also enhance energy efficiency by ensuring lights turn on only when needed.
Floating Shelves and Open Storage Options
Add Vertical Interest
Enhance the height of your kitchen by strategically placing vertical storage elements, such as tall floating shelves or stacked open shelving. This creates a sense of depth and dimension, making the space feel larger and more dynamic. Displaying decor at varied heights adds to the layered, curated look of your kitchen.
Keep It Light
Avoid bulky shelving by opting for lightweight materials like glass or thin wooden planks to maintain an open, uncluttered feel. These materials allow light to flow through the space, making it feel bright and spacious. By choosing light, airy shelving, you keep your kitchen design sleek and modern while maximizing visual flow.
Final Thoughts on Contemporary Cabinet Top Styling
When you’re figuring out how to decorate above kitchen cabinets contemporary style, the key is intentional simplicity. Use color, texture, light, and form in ways that complement the overall flow of your kitchen. Whether you’re into minimalist vibes or you love functional beauty, the space above your cabinets offers a real opportunity to elevate your kitchen.
Still unsure where to begin? Start with one or two items—like a sleek vase and warm lighting—and build from there. Sometimes the best designs are the simplest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to put above kitchen cabinets for a modern look?
Simple, intentional pieces like abstract art, minimal plants, or sleek containers work best.
How do I choose the right decor for the above cabinets?
Match the material, color, and size to your existing kitchen design. Keep it minimal and cohesive.
Should I light up the space above the kitchen cabinets?
Yes! LED strip lighting can enhance depth and create a cozy ambiance.
Is it okay to leave the space above the cabinets empty?
Absolutely. If your kitchen has a clean, minimal style, space can look more sophisticated.
Can I use storage items as decor?
Yes. Functional baskets or stylish containers can serve both purposes beautifully.
What should I avoid when decorating above cabinets?
Avoid clutter, overly bright colors, and items that are hard to clean or prone to falling.
