Transforming the often-overlooked expanse above your kitchen cabinets is one of the most impactful ways to inject personality into your culinary space. In 2019, the focus shifted from simple concealment to curated display, turning that tall gap into a stunning feature. This vertical canvas offers a unique opportunity to elevate your home's aesthetic without a full-scale renovation.
The Shift to Intentional Design
Gone are the days of merely using this space for forgotten mugs or bulky appliances. The design philosophy of 2019 encouraged homeowners to treat this area as an integral part of the room's layout. The goal became creating a seamless transition between the kitchen and the rest of the living area, ensuring the upper cabinets felt like a finished part of the room rather than a storage afterthought. This mindset opened the door for more creative and personalized solutions.
Hanging Plants for Vertical Greenery
Bringing nature into the kitchen was a dominant trend, and hanging plants solved the spatial challenge perfectly. Suspending lush greenery from the ceiling above the cabinets added life, improved air quality, and created a dramatic visual contrast against the cabinetry. This organic element softened the hard lines of the kitchen, making the entire room feel warmer and more inviting. It was a simple yet effective way to introduce a touch of the outdoors in.
- Macramé plant hangers for a bohemian vibe.
- Low-maintenance pothos or spider plants for a lush look.
- Herbs like rosemary or mint for both decoration and culinary use.
Curated Gallery of Art
Treating the wall space like a gallery wall was a popular 2019 choice, especially in kitchens with high ceilings. Installing floating shelves or picture rails allowed for the perfect display of framed prints, small canvases, or even vintage plates. This approach added color and artistry, turning a functional gap into a sophisticated focal point that reflected the homeowner's personal taste. Mixing different frame styles and sizes created visual interest and depth.
Functional Decor Solutions
While aesthetics were paramount, functionality remained key. The best ideas balanced beauty with purpose, ensuring the space wasn't just pretty but useful. This meant incorporating items that resonated with daily life, from essential cooking tools to statement lighting pieces that set the mood for meal prep.
Statement Lighting Fixtures
Lighting plays a crucial role in defining the character of a kitchen. Pendant lights or a striking chandelier installed in the space between cabinets became a bold design statement in 2019. These fixtures not only provided ample task lighting for the countertop below but also acted as a sculptural element. Choosing a unique fixture could instantly modernize a traditional kitchen or add glamour to a rustic one.
| Lighting Style | Best Kitchen Vibe |
|---|---|
| Industrial Metal Pendants | Modern, Edgy |
| Glass Globe Clusters | Classic, Bright |
| Woven Rattan Lights | Boho, Warm |
Decorative Bowls and Trays
Stacked ceramic bowls or a large rattan tray offered a versatile and effortless solution. Bowls filled with colorful lemons, cinnamon sticks, or fresh fruit added vibrant texture and a seasonal touch. A tray corralled everyday items like salt, pepper, and olive oil, keeping essentials accessible while maintaining a polished look. This idea was praised for its ease and the instant warmth it brought to the space.
