Elevate Your Kitchen: Martha Stewart Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets Ideas

This article explores Martha Stewart decorating above kitchen cabinets ideas, offering practical guidance for transforming this often-overlooked space into a design feature that enhances your kitchen's aesthetic appeal. The piece covers essential techniques including open shelving installations, curated collections of decorative objects, strategic use of plants and greenery, creative paint and wallpaper applications, and storage solutions that double as decor elements. Each approach emphasizes the balance between beauty and functionality that defines Martha Stewart's signature style. Readers will discover how to layer textures, select appropriate colors, and incorporate personal touches that make their kitchen feel both polished and lived-in. The article concludes with practical tips for maintaining these elevated spaces while keeping them accessible and visually appealing over time.

Decorating above kitchen cabinets offers a unique opportunity to transform what would otherwise be wasted space into a striking design feature. Most kitchens have that vertical stretch between the tops of standard cabinetry and the ceiling, and how you choose to treat this area can make or break the overall aesthetic of your cooking space. When done right, these elevated zones add character, depth, and personality without requiring any structural changes.

Martha Stewart has long been a trusted voice in home decor, and her approach to decorating above kitchen cabinets emphasizes both function and beauty. Her philosophy centers on creating spaces that feel lived-in yet polished, where every element serves a purpose while contributing to the overall visual harmony of the room. Whether you are working with traditional or modern cabinetry, her techniques can be adapted to complement virtually any style.

The key to success lies in understanding how to layer textures, select appropriate colors, and incorporate storage solutions that don't overwhelm the space. From open shelving to decorative baskets and curated collections, there are numerous ways to personalize this often overlooked area while maintaining a cohesive look throughout your kitchen.

Open Shelving Above Cabinets

One of the most popular Martha Stewart approaches involves installing open shelving above your existing cabinets. This technique works beautifully in kitchens where you want to showcase dishware, glassware, or decorative objects while keeping them within easy reach. The shelves should be proportionate to your cabinetry, neither too bulky nor so delicate that they disappear visually.

When selecting materials for your open shelves, consider the overall color palette of your kitchen. Lighter woods complement traditional spaces, while darker stained wood adds warmth and sophistication. Metal brackets or floating shelf designs can introduce an industrial edge that contrasts nicely with warm cabinetry tones.

Arrange items thoughtfully on your shelves rather than filling every inch with objects. Martha Stewart often recommends grouping items in odd numbers for visual interest, mixing taller pieces like vases with shorter ones like candlesticks. Leave some breathing room between collections to prevent the space from feeling cluttered.

Consider incorporating baskets or bins on the lower portions of your shelving to store smaller items like napkins, placemats, or kitchen linens. This keeps the display looking curated while maintaining functionality. The combination of open display and hidden storage creates a balanced look that feels both intentional and practical.

Displaying Collections and Decorative Objects

Martha Stewart frequently emphasizes the power of personal collections to add character to any space. Above your kitchen cabinets, you have an ideal opportunity to showcase items that reflect your personality without competing with the busier areas of your kitchen. This elevated position allows decorative pieces to serve as visual anchors rather than mere accents.

Think about what collections resonate with you most. Vintage china plates mounted on the wall above cabinets create a stunning focal point, while glass jars filled with dried herbs or grains add both beauty and utility. Antique books stacked horizontally can introduce texture and color, particularly when paired with a small plant or candle placed on top.

Martha Stewart often suggests mixing materials for visual depth. Combining ceramic vases with wooden trays, metal picture frames with fabric-covered boxes, or glass bottles with woven baskets creates layers that catch the eye as you move through your kitchen. The key is to maintain some consistency in color or style so the collection feels cohesive rather than random.

Lighting plays a crucial role when displaying decorative objects above cabinets. Even if you do not have dedicated overhead lighting in this area, consider adding small LED puck lights inside shelves or along the edges of mounted plates. This subtle illumination draws attention to your curated pieces and makes them pop against the wall behind them.

Incorporating Plants and Greenery

Plants are a hallmark of Martha Stewart's decorating philosophy, and bringing greenery above kitchen cabinets adds life and freshness to the space. This is particularly effective in kitchens where natural light may be limited at higher levels. Even if you choose faux plants for low-maintenance beauty, they can look remarkably realistic when selected carefully.

Vines and trailing plants work exceptionally well above cabinets because their natural downward movement softens the hard lines of cabinetry and creates visual flow. Ivy, pothos, or string of pearls cascading from shelves or mounted planters add organic texture that contrasts beautifully with wood, metal, or ceramic surfaces.

Consider using hanging planters suspended from the ceiling or attached to brackets above your cabinets. This technique adds vertical interest without taking up shelf space and creates a lush canopy effect that feels inviting. For a more structured look, group potted plants of varying heights together on open shelving.

Martha Stewart often recommends incorporating herbs into kitchen decor, both for their beauty and practicality. Small pots of basil, thyme, or rosemary can be placed above cabinets near the stove, where they benefit from warmth while adding fragrance and visual appeal. This dual-purpose approach aligns perfectly with her philosophy of creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.

Using Paint and Wallpaper for Visual Impact

While many homeowners leave the area above cabinets painted in the same color as their walls, Martha Stewart frequently suggests using this space to introduce a complementary or contrasting paint color. This subtle shift draws the eye upward and can make your kitchen feel taller and more expansive than it actually is.

A darker shade above cabinets creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere that works particularly well in traditional kitchens. Conversely, painting this area white or cream while keeping walls darker below adds brightness and makes the space feel airy. The transition between the two colors should be clean and intentional rather than accidental.

Wallpaper offers another creative avenue for decorating above kitchen cabinets. A bold patterned wallpaper can serve as a dramatic backdrop for your open shelves or display items, while a subtle texture like grasscloth adds warmth without overwhelming the space. Martha Stewart often recommends choosing patterns that echo colors found elsewhere in the kitchen to maintain cohesion.

Consider using removable wallpaper if you want to experiment without committing long-term. This approach allows you to update the look seasonally or when trends shift, keeping your kitchen feeling current and fresh. The investment is minimal compared to the visual payoff of a well-executed paint or wallpaper treatment.

Storage Solutions That Double as Decor

Martha Stewart's decorating philosophy always balances beauty with practicality, and this principle applies perfectly to storage solutions above kitchen cabinets. Rather than leaving this space entirely decorative, incorporating functional storage adds value while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Decorative baskets made from natural materials like seagrass, rattan, or woven cotton add texture and warmth while providing convenient storage for items like kitchen towels, placemats, or seasonal linens. These baskets can be placed on open shelves or hung from hooks mounted to the underside of cabinets above.

Glass-fronted cabinets installed above your main cabinetry offer another excellent option. They allow you to display beautiful dishware while protecting it from dust and grease. The transparency of glass keeps the space feeling light even when fully stocked, preventing the area from becoming visually heavy.

Consider incorporating built-in storage solutions that match your existing cabinetry style for a seamless look. Custom shelves or cabinets can be designed to hold specific items like cookbooks, wine bottles, or specialty kitchen tools. When done thoughtfully, these storage additions become design features rather than afterthoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to decorate above kitchen cabinets on a budget?

Focus on one or two impactful elements rather than trying to do everything at once. Paint the area a complementary color, add a few decorative baskets for storage, and incorporate plants that you can propagate from existing ones. These simple changes create significant visual impact without requiring major investment.

How high above cabinets should I place my decor?

The general rule is to keep decorative objects within comfortable viewing range, which typically means they should not extend more than 24 inches above the top of your cabinets. This ensures that pieces remain visible and accessible while maintaining proportion with the rest of your kitchen.

Can I use open shelving above cabinets in a small kitchen?

Absolutely. Open shelving works well in smaller kitchens when you keep items minimal and purposeful. Choose shelves that are not too deep to avoid overwhelming the space, and use them primarily for displaying items you love rather than storing everyday essentials that might create visual clutter.

What colors work best above kitchen cabinets?

The best color depends on your overall kitchen palette, but generally, lighter shades make spaces feel taller while darker tones add warmth and depth. Martha Stewart often recommends selecting a color that complements rather than matches the walls below, creating subtle contrast that draws the eye upward.

How do I keep dust off items displayed above cabinets?

Choose decorative objects with smooth surfaces that are easy to wipe down, and consider using glass-fronted shelving or cabinets for more delicate items. Regular dusting with a microfiber cloth is sufficient for most displays, and placing plants among your decor can actually help reduce airborne dust particles.

Conclusion

Decorating above kitchen cabinets is one of the easiest ways to elevate your entire kitchen without undertaking a full renovation. Martha Stewart's approach proves that this often-overlooked space can become a canvas for creativity, combining personal expression with practical functionality. Whether you choose open shelving, display collections, incorporate plants, or experiment with paint and wallpaper, the goal is always to create a space that feels intentional and lived-in.

The beauty of decorating above cabinets lies in its flexibility. You can start small with a few decorative objects and gradually build your display over time, adding layers of texture and color as you discover pieces that resonate with you. There is no single correct way to approach this space, which makes it ideal for personal expression and experimentation.

Ultimately, the most successful decorations above kitchen cabinets are those that reflect your personality while serving a purpose in your daily life. When every item has a reason to be there, whether as decoration or storage, the result is a kitchen that feels complete, cohesive, and inviting. Take inspiration from Martha Stewart's timeless approach, but make the space truly your own through thoughtful curation and creative choices.

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