19 Creative Decor Ideas Above Kitchen Cabinets for Cooking Lovers

The empty space above kitchen cabinets is one of the most underutilized areas in home design—but it holds incredible potential. Whether your kitchen leans modern, rustic, or somewhere in between, that overlooked gap can be transformed into a stylish, functional, and personalized feature.

With thoughtful decorating, it becomes more than just dead space—it adds height, character, and warmth to your kitchen. From lush greenery to vintage collectibles and creative storage solutions, this guide offers 19 inspiring ideas to help you make the most of every inch.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your kitchen or complete a full decor overhaul, these expert-approved tips will help you style with confidence and purpose.

1. Add Greenery and Indoor Plants

Adding plants above your kitchen cabinets introduces more than just color—it brings life, freshness, and a biophilic touch that enhances wellness in the home. Whether you choose real or faux greenery, trailing vines or compact pots, this design move softens harsh lines and makes the space feel more inviting. It’s a trusted styling method in both professional staging and everyday kitchens.

2. Decor With Simple Baskets

Simple baskets offer a functional and visually appealing way to fill the often-forgotten space above your cabinets. Interior designers frequently recommend this trick for achieving a cozy, curated feel, especially in farmhouse, boho, or coastal kitchens. Baskets are ideal for storing rarely used items while maintaining a neat and natural aesthetic.

3. Stylish Baskets for Storage

Natural woven baskets in varying sizes not only help manage clutter but also introduce texture and warmth. This layered approach reflects a decorator’s mindset—where storage meets style. Wicker, rattan, or seagrass baskets break up visual monotony and make your kitchen feel collected and intentional.

4. Display Vintage or Antique Collectibles

Using the space above cabinets to display vintage collectibles tells a story and brings soul to your kitchen. This approach is favored by design professionals to add character without taking up counter space. Whether it’s copper pots, antique tins, or heirloom pieces, it infuses history and warmth into a modern or traditional setting.

5. Showcase Artwork or Framed Prints

Placing framed art above your cabinets adds an unexpected artistic element. It’s an advanced styling tip used by decorators to shift the eye upward, expand visual space, and make the kitchen feel more integrated with the rest of the home. Choosing prints with culinary or abstract themes strengthens cohesion and personal flair.

6. Display Your Favorite Stuff

Using personal items—travel keepsakes, family heirlooms, or fun decor—above your cabinets can reflect your individuality and make the space uniquely yours. Design pros often encourage this approach to avoid a cookie-cutter look and help the home feel truly lived in.

7. Install LED Strip Lighting

LED strip lighting isn’t just decorative—it’s a designer-approved lighting layer that adds depth, ambiance, and functionality. Warm-toned lights above cabinets offer a gentle glow that enhances your décor and makes the kitchen feel welcoming, especially in the evenings.

8. Decorative Plates or Dishware

Displaying decorative plates gives your kitchen a charming, curated look. Stylists often use dishware with patterns or bold colors to introduce personality without overwhelming the space. Plate stands or wall mounts can make your collection feel intentional and elevated.

9. Create a Mini Indoor Herb Garden

A mini herb garden above your cabinets blends function and beauty. It supports home cooking by keeping fresh herbs accessible while contributing greenery that livens up your space. Even if natural sunlight is limited, faux herbs or grow lights can replicate the same effect.

10. Line with Rustic Wooden Crates

Rustic wooden crates are a go-to styling trick in farmhouse and industrial kitchens. They provide practical storage while introducing aged wood tones and natural charm. Designers use this approach to add authenticity and dimension without cluttering surfaces.

11. Display Elegant Vases or Jars

Large jars or elegant vases filled with pantry staples, dried goods, or decorative items are a clever way to marry beauty and purpose. Stylists often lean on this tactic for creating color continuity and texture in a kitchen, especially in neutral or minimalist settings.

12. Curate Seasonal Decor Displays

Switching décor with the seasons keeps your kitchen feeling fresh and festive all year. This is a well-known technique among lifestyle bloggers and Pinterest creators to reflect the time of year and create shareable, styled spaces that evolve without major effort.

13. Incorporate Sculptural Pieces

Sculptural décor elements like modern ceramics or abstract objects offer visual impact without clutter. These pieces introduce sophistication and are often used by interior designers in minimalist or contemporary kitchens to enhance the architectural feel of the space.

14. Use a Chalkboard or Signage

Adding a chalkboard or decorative sign gives your kitchen a touch of personality and adaptability. From quotes to menus or weekly reminders, it’s a practical way to express your style while keeping things fun and functional. Experts recommend this for family kitchens and open-concept layouts

15. Incorporate Natural Elements Like Branches or Twigs

Bringing in organic elements like twigs, driftwood, or faux branches is a designer-endorsed way to soften the kitchen’s edges and introduce a calming, earthy mood. These materials help blur the line between outdoors and in, which is a cornerstone of contemporary design.

16. Hang Woven Wall Hangings or Tapestries

Lightweight woven art above cabinets adds texture and a relaxed, bohemian vibe. Professional stylists often use these pieces to break up hard surfaces, enrich the color palette, and make a kitchen feel layered and welcoming without adding bulk.

17. Fairy Lights and Plants

Combining soft fairy lights with plants creates a dreamy, whimsical feel that’s especially effective in cozy kitchens. This mix is frequently seen in lifestyle blogs because it balances warmth with greenery, making your kitchen both inviting and Instagram-worthy.

18. Display Unique Ceramic or Porcelain Pieces

Displaying one-of-a-kind ceramics or porcelain pieces adds elegance and craftsmanship to your kitchen. This technique is often used to emphasize artisan-made elements, support local makers, or simply show off a refined design sensibility.

19. Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves above cabinets add both utility and display space, giving you more room for creative expression. Designers favor this method for achieving a sleek, layered look while maintaining openness and accessibility. It’s ideal for showcasing curated collections or cookbooks.

Conclusion of Decor Ideas Above Kitchen Cabinets for Cooking Lovers

The area above your kitchen cabinets is more than wasted space—it’s a styling opportunity that professionals use to enhance function, form, and personal expression.

By integrating décor that reflects your lifestyle, you not only beautify your kitchen but also optimize your home’s vertical potential. Choose ideas that reflect your taste—be it natural textures, ambient lighting, seasonal updates, or personal mementos.

With thoughtful styling, you can transform unused space into an eye-catching element that feels both effortless and elevated.