How to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets Contemporary: 11 Sleek Ideas You Haven’t Tried Yet

Are you staring at that awkward gap above your kitchen cabinets, unsure what to do with it? You're not alone. In contemporary kitchens, this area is prime real estate for creating a clean, stylish, and high-end look—when done right.

Key Takeaways:

• Contemporary decor above cabinets focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and functional beauty.
• Use tall greenery, sleek lighting, and sculptural accents to keep the look modern.
• Choose neutral or monochrome palettes with occasional bold contrast.
• Avoid clutter—negative space is part of the design in contemporary aesthetics.
• Smart storage and lighting can transform this space from dead zone to design statement.

Why Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets Matters

In contemporary kitchen design, every inch of space matters. The area above kitchen cabinets often gets overlooked or crammed with outdated knick-knacks. But when styled thoughtfully, it becomes an extension of the kitchen’s modern elegance.

• Visual interest: Adds height, depth, and personality to flat cabinetry.
• Functional design: Can double as dust-controlled storage with sleek bins.
• Styling opportunity: Reinforces the overall tone—minimalist, natural, industrial, etc.

According to Houzz’s 2024 Kitchen Trends Study, over 39% of homeowners seek visual openness in their upper cabinetry areas, favoring modern decor or open space entirely.

Modern Design Principles for Above Cabinet Spaces

Clean Lines and Negative Space

Contemporary design thrives on balance between presence and absence. That means you don’t need to fill the space. Instead:

• Use asymmetrical arrangements
• Leave open spaces intentionally
• Align objects horizontally or in repetition for rhythm

Using Monochrome or Two-Tone Schemes

Stick to a unified palette that ties back to your countertops, backsplash, or appliances. Popular combinations include:

• White + Matte Black
• Gray + Brass
• Natural Wood + White

Minimalist vs. Statement Accents

Choose one direction:

• Minimalist: a single object or plant, perfectly centered.
• Statement: bold art or sculpture that draws the eye upward.

Best Items to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets Contemporary

Here are some of the most effective and on-trend items for above-cabinet display:

Make sure objects are large enough to be visible from standing height but not oversized to the point of crowding.

Choosing the Right Color Palette for Above Cabinet Decor

Neutral Colors: White, Gray, Beige

Neutral doesn’t mean boring—it means cohesive. Match your over-cabinet decor to existing color cues in:

• Cabinet finish
• Wall paint
• Backsplash tone

Examples:

• Light gray cabinets with white + ash wood decor above
• Beige-toned walls with cream vases and tan greenery pots

Metallic Accents: Chrome, Matte Black, Brushed Brass

Incorporating metallic finishes adds a futuristic and luxury edge. Best use cases:

• Chrome to echo stainless steel appliances
• Brushed brass for warm-toned kitchens
• Matte black for contrast in all-white kitchens

Pops of Color in Modern Kitchens

Contemporary doesn’t mean colorless. Accent ideas include:

• One bold vase in terracotta, navy, or mustard
• Artwork with soft gradients or line colorblocking
• Colored LED lighting strips for mood adjustments

Storage as Decor in Contemporary Design

Matching Containers with Clean Labels

Create a sleek look with uniform bins or boxes. Label with clean typography for a high-end, organized vibe.

Examples:

• White IKEA KUGGIS bins with Helvetica labels
• Matte black containers with chalk ink tags

Closed Boxes for Hidden Clutter

Don’t want guests seeing your takeout soy sauce stash? Opt for opaque containers in neutral tones.

Benefits:

• Maintains a streamlined look
• Keeps dust out
• Easily rearranged for seasonal decor shifts

Using Floating Shelves Above Cabinets

If you have extra vertical space, install narrow floating shelves just above cabinets for:

• More styling surface
• Easy object rotation
• Integrated uplighting (use battery-powered LEDs)

Bonus Tip: Zone by Function

Divide your above-cabinet space into sections:

• Left: greenery
• Center: artwork or vase
• Right: closed storage

This keeps visual balance while maintaining the modern aesthetic.

Mistakes to Avoid When Decorating Above Cabinets

Even modern kitchens can fall flat if the above-cabinet space is styled poorly. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Overcrowding the Space

Too many items = visual clutter.

• Limit to 2–3 objects per cabinet span
• Avoid items shorter than 8 inches in height

Using Outdated Decor

Stay away from:

• Fake ivy vines
• Roosters or farm-themed figurines
• Plastic jars with visible branding

Ignoring Scale and Proportion

The space between cabinet tops and ceiling is usually 12–24 inches. Choose decor that fills about 70% of the height to maintain proportion.

How to Keep Decor Dust-Free and Easy to Clean

High decor collects grease and dust—especially in active kitchens. Use this guide to maintain hygiene and style:

Pro tip: Add a motion-sensor puck light that doubles as an ambient light source and makes maintenance easier.

Seasonal and Rotational Display Ideas

Contemporary design doesn’t have to mean static. Try seasonal changes:

Spring

• Add faux tulips in sleek vases
• Display minimalist egg-shaped ceramics

Summer

• Use oceanic blues and sandy neutrals
• Add glass jars with dried botanicals

Fall

• Terracotta vessels or matte pumpkins
• Use LED candles in warm white

Winter

• Metallic trees or starburst sculptures
• Try monochrome garlands in black and silver

Rotating items 2–3 times a year refreshes the space without a full redesign.

When to Leave the Space Empty

Yes—sometimes the best choice is nothing.

Leave it empty if:

• Cabinets nearly touch the ceiling (under 8 inches of space)
• The kitchen is very small or already has bold colors
• You’re embracing ultra-minimalist or Japandi style

In these cases, blank space enhances the architectural lines of the room.

Decorating Small Kitchens: Above Cabinets Tips

When your kitchen is tight on square footage, make every design decision count.

Use Reflective Decor

• Glass vases
• Mirrored trays
• Metallic plant pots
  These bounce light and visually expand the space.

Keep Items Lightweight

Avoid heavy ceramics or thick baskets that add weight visually and physically.

Integrate with Cabinet Color

Match your above-cabinet items to cabinet paint or stain to blur the visual boundary.

Vertical Stacking

Use tall decor items like dried pampas grass or sculptural branches to draw the eye upward and give the illusion of height.

Using Smart Home Features for Above Cabinet Decor

Bring your kitchen into the future with tech-integrated styling.

Uplighting Options

Sync your lighting with:

• Voice assistants (Alexa, Google)
• Motion sensors for ambient nighttime navigation
• Time schedules (dim at 9 p.m., brighten at 7 a.m.)

Smart Scent Diffusers

A modern diffuser placed above cabinets can:

• Keep the air fresh
• Release scents via app schedule
• Serve as a subtle design element

Before-and-After Examples: Design Case Studies

Case 1: From Dated to Contemporary Chic

Before: Mismatched tins, fake ivy, dusty teapots
After:

• All-white sculptural vases
• Framed black-and-white sketch
• LED uplight bar in warm tone

Case 2: Minimalist Small Kitchen

Before: Empty, flat-top cabinets under 9-foot ceiling
After:

• Matte black pots with tall ferns
• Single art print framed in acrylic
• Smart motion lighting for ambiance

Case 3: Industrial Loft Kitchen

Before: Visible clutter above cabinets
After:

• Galvanized steel planters with trailing plants
• Edison-bulb strip light
• Concrete-look vases for texture contrast

These examples show that less is often more—but done with intention and harmony.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best items to place above kitchen cabinets for a modern look?

• Minimalist sculptures
• Matte planters
• Line art in slim frames
• LED strip lighting
  All of these add structure and interest without clutter.

Can you leave space above kitchen cabinets empty?

Yes. Especially in modern and minimalist kitchens, leaving the space empty maintains visual openness and architectural clarity.

How do you prevent dust buildup above cabinets?

• Use sealed boxes
• Clean monthly
• Choose decor with hard, cleanable surfaces

How much height should decor take up?

Aim for 60–80% of the vertical space between cabinet top and ceiling. Avoid anything too short or too bulky.

Should the decor match the cabinets?

Not necessarily, but it should complement them. Matching tones, textures, or finishes helps create a seamless look.

Is lighting above cabinets a good idea?

Yes—uplighting adds depth and ambiance. Smart lighting can be customized and scheduled for day or night.

Bringing It All Together: Contemporary Above-Cabinet Decor Done Right

Decorating above kitchen cabinets in a contemporary style isn’t about filling space—it’s about intentional design, clean lines, and functional elegance. Whether you're working with a spacious modern kitchen or a compact layout, the key lies in using proportion, contrast, and simplicity to enhance the visual flow.

Here’s how to make it work:

• Embrace negative space just as much as decor.
• Select modern pieces like tall greenery, sculptural ceramics, and sleek lighting.
• Use neutral and metallic color palettes for a refined look.
• Keep the space dust-free with low-maintenance materials and smart storage.
• Integrate technology with LED uplights and smart home devices.
• Refresh the space seasonally or keep it minimal for timeless appeal.

By following these strategies, you can transform the often-forgotten area above your cabinets into a design-forward focal point that elevates your entire kitchen. Contemporary decorating is not about more—it's about doing less, beautifully.