Can you decorate the tops of kitchen cabinets in a farmhouse style? Yes, you absolutely can! Decorating kitchen cabinet tops is a fantastic way to add personality and charm to your kitchen, especially when aiming for that cozy, rustic farmhouse feel. It’s a chance to showcase your style and add visual interest without taking up precious counter space.
Farmhouse kitchens are all about warmth, comfort, and a touch of rustic elegance. When it comes to decorating the often-forgotten space above your cabinets, this style offers a treasure trove of farmhouse cabinet decor ideas. It’s not just about filling the space; it’s about curating a look that feels authentic and inviting. This guide will dive deep into how to decorate top of kitchen cabinets farmhouse style, providing you with inspiration and practical tips to transform your kitchen.
Image Source: www.thepondsfarmhouse.com
Embracing the Farmhouse Aesthetic Above Your Cabinets
The area above kitchen cabinets can sometimes feel like a blank canvas waiting for a story. For a farmhouse kitchen, that story is one of simplicity, natural elements, and a hint of nostalgia. Think about the elements that define a farmhouse kitchen: natural wood, metal accents, vintage finds, and a generally unpretentious feel. These are the building blocks for decorating kitchen cabinet tops in a way that resonates with the farmhouse style.
Key Elements of Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinet Top Decor
To achieve a cohesive farmhouse look above your cabinets, consider these core elements:
- Natural Materials: Wood, wicker, metal (tin, iron, galvanized steel), and ceramic are your best friends.
- Vintage and Antique Finds: Pieces with a history add character and a sense of lived-in charm.
- Greenery: Faux or real plants bring life and freshness.
- Functional Pieces: Items that are both decorative and useful fit the farmhouse ethos.
- Color Palette: Neutrals, muted tones, and earthy colors are typical, often with pops of color from accessories.
The Purpose of Cabinet Top Decor
Beyond aesthetics, rustic kitchen cabinet styling can serve several purposes:
- Filling Dead Space: It prevents the kitchen from feeling sparse and unfinished.
- Adding Personality: It allows you to inject your personal style and interests.
- Creating Visual Flow: It can guide the eye and make the kitchen feel more harmonious.
- Showcasing Collections: It’s a perfect spot for displaying favorite mugs, antique kitchen tools, or decorative plates.
Creative Farmhouse Kitchen Cabinet Top Ideas
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of creative kitchen cabinet top ideas that embody the farmhouse spirit. It’s about layering and creating vignettes that tell a story.
1. The Classic Basket Vignette
Baskets are quintessential farmhouse decor. They are both practical and charming, offering a textured element that breaks up the monotony of a flat surface.
- Types of Baskets: Woven wicker, seagrass, galvanized metal, or even old-fashioned laundry baskets work well.
- What to Place Inside:
- Faux greenery (eucalyptus, olive branches, ferns)
- Bundles of dried lavender or wheat stalks
- Vintage kitchen linens (tea towels)
- Decorative wooden utensils
- Small ceramic pitchers or jars
- Arrangement Tip: Use varying sizes and heights of baskets for visual interest. Place larger baskets towards the ends and smaller ones in the middle.
2. Vintage Kitchen Accents
Vintage kitchen cabinet styling is a cornerstone of farmhouse decor. These pieces bring a sense of history and warmth.
- Displayable Items:
- Enamelware: Pitchers, colanders, or bowls in white, cream, or speckled finishes.
- Old Metal Signs: Advertising signs for coffee, butter, or farm produce.
- Glass Jars: Old Ball jars or apothecary jars filled with dried beans, pasta, or faux flowers.
- Antique Roasting Pans or Tins: Add a touch of industrial farmhouse charm.
- Wooden Crates: Stacked or standalone, they offer a rustic display area.
- Considerations: Ensure items are clean and free of rust (unless that’s part of the desired aesthetic).
3. Greenery and Floral Touches
A touch of nature brings life to any space. Faux plants are a low-maintenance option, but real plants can also thrive if there’s adequate light.
- Plant Options:
- Faux Potted Plants: Thyme, rosemary, sage, or small ferns.
- Galvanized Planters: Add a rustic metal element.
- Ceramic Pots: Creamy white or natural terracotta pots.
- Hanging Baskets: If your cabinets have a lip or are near a shelf.
- Vases with Stems: Eucalyptus, olive branches, or simple wildflowers.
- Placement: Group a few pots together or place a single statement piece.
4. Statement Pieces and Architectural Elements
Sometimes, a single, eye-catching item is all you need.
- Wooden Signs: Custom-made or vintage signs with inspiring words or kitchen quotes.
- Large Vintage Clocks: A classic farmhouse focal point.
- Decorative Ladders: Small, rustic ladders leaned against the wall can hold small baskets or jars.
- Architectural Salvage: Small corbels or wooden brackets can add a touch of old-world charm.
5. Collections and Themed Displays
Showcase what you love! Farmhouse kitchen accents can be tailored to your personal interests.
- Mug Collections: Display your favorite vintage or artisan mugs on small shelves or hooks.
- Cookbook Display: Stack a few beloved cookbooks with a small decorative item.
- Seasonal Decor: Swap out items for holidays or seasons (e.g., pumpkins in fall, greenery in winter).
- Copper Accents: A few copper pots or decorative pieces can add a touch of warmth and elegance.
6. Kitchen Hutch Styling
If your kitchen features a kitchen hutch, the tops of the lower cabinets beneath it become an extension of the hutch’s display area.
- Integrate with Hutch Decor: The items above the base cabinets should complement what’s in the hutch.
- Layering: Use items on the cabinet tops to create depth and visual interest, as if extending the shelves of the hutch.
- Height Variation: Place taller items behind shorter ones to create a layered effect.
Practical Tips for Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets
Beyond the ideas, some practical advice will ensure your decor looks intentional and not cluttered.
1. Scale and Proportion
- Consider Cabinet Height: Taller cabinets can handle larger items. Shorter cabinets might be best suited for smaller vignettes.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Less is often more. A few well-chosen pieces are better than a jumble of too many items.
- Balance: Distribute visual weight evenly across the length of the cabinets.
2. Lighting Considerations
- Natural Light: If you have natural light, choose items that can be seen and appreciated.
- Artificial Light: Consider adding subtle LED strip lights under the cabinets to illuminate your decor, especially in darker areas. This can create a cozy ambiance.
3. Dust and Maintenance
- Easy-to-Clean Items: Opt for materials that are easy to wipe down.
- Closed Containers: Jars and baskets can help keep dust from settling directly on items inside.
- Regular Dusting: Be prepared for regular dusting of the surfaces and the decor items themselves.
4. Safety First
- Secure Items: Ensure heavier items are stable and won’t easily fall, especially if there are vibrations from appliances.
- Avoid Fire Hazards: Keep decor away from heat sources like light fixtures or stovetops.
Styling Techniques for a Polished Look
Here are some techniques to elevate your farmhouse kitchen wall decor and cabinet top styling.
1. The Rule of Three
Grouping items in odd numbers, particularly three, is an aesthetically pleasing principle. Arrange three decorative items of varying heights and textures together to create a visually balanced vignette.
2. Layering
Place taller items behind shorter ones to create depth. For example, a tall vase with greenery behind a smaller ceramic pitcher.
3. Repetition
Repeating a color, material, or shape can create a sense of harmony. For instance, using multiple galvanized metal items or repeating the color white throughout your display.
4. Negative Space
Don’t feel the need to fill every inch. Allowing some empty space, or “negative space,” gives your decor room to breathe and prevents the area from looking cluttered.
5. Anchoring Pieces
Start with one or two larger, anchor pieces and build your display around them. This could be a large basket, a vintage sign, or a substantial pitcher.
DIY Farmhouse Kitchen Decor for Cabinet Tops
Want to add a personal touch? DIY farmhouse kitchen decor is a rewarding way to personalize your space.
1. Painted Mason Jars
- Materials: Mason jars, chalk paint (white, cream, gray), sandpaper, twine.
- How-to: Paint the jars, lightly distress with sandpaper for a vintage look, and tie twine around the neck. Fill with faux flowers or leave as is.
2. Stenciled Wooden Signs
- Materials: Wooden board, stencil (farmhouse phrases), chalk paint, stencil brush.
- How-to: Stencil your chosen phrase onto the board. You can distress the edges for an aged look.
3. Repurposed Wood Crates
- Materials: Small wooden crates, stain or paint, sandpaper.
- How-to: Stain or paint the crates. Lightly sand the edges. Stack them or use them individually to hold smaller decorative items.
4. Galvanized Bucket Accents
- Materials: Small galvanized buckets or watering cans.
- How-to: Clean them up. You can fill them with faux herbs or leave them empty for a minimalist look.
Examples of Farmhouse Cabinet Top Styling
Let’s visualize some farmhouse cabinet decor ideas in action:
Scenario 1: The Cozy Corner
- Left Side: A woven basket filled with faux eucalyptus stems.
- Middle: A vintage white ceramic pitcher with a few dried flowers.
- Right Side: A small galvanized metal watering can.
Scenario 2: The Rustic Display
- Left Side: A stack of two vintage cookbooks.
- Middle: A framed antique-style print.
- Right Side: A small wooden crate holding a bundle of faux wheat.
Scenario 3: The Functional Charm
- Left Side: A large enamelware colander.
- Middle: A vintage tin filled with wooden spoons.
- Right Side: A decorative wire basket holding a clean tea towel.
Table: Farmhouse Cabinet Top Decor Elements
| Element Category | Examples | Styling Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baskets | Wicker, seagrass, galvanized metal, wire, fabric-lined | Vary sizes; group for texture; fill with greenery or linens. |
| Vintage Finds | Enamelware, old tins, glass jars, metal signs, antique tools, crocks | Clean well; ensure stability; group by material or theme. |
| Greenery/Florals | Faux eucalyptus, olive branches, lavender, potted herbs, dried flowers | Use varying heights; place in pitchers, vases, or baskets; consider light. |
| Wood Elements | Crates, signs, cutting boards, decorative shutters, wooden bowls | Stain or paint; distress edges; stack for height. |
| Metal Accents | Galvanized buckets, copper pots, tin containers, iron accents | Mix with wood and ceramic for contrast; ensure no sharp edges. |
| Ceramics/Pottery | Pitchers, crocks, butter crocks, decorative plates | White, cream, or natural tones; use as anchors or to hold other items. |
| Textiles | Tea towels, vintage linens, burlap accents | Fold neatly; place in baskets or under decorative items. |
| Architectural | Small corbels, decorative brackets, vintage clocks | Use as focal points or to add a structural element. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best way to start decorating my kitchen cabinet tops?
Begin by decluttering the space. Then, identify your desired farmhouse style elements (e.g., rustic, vintage, modern farmhouse). Start with one or two anchor pieces and build from there, keeping scale and balance in mind.
Q2: Can I use real plants on top of my kitchen cabinets?
Yes, if there is sufficient natural light and you are prepared to water and care for them. Succulents, small herbs, or trailing plants like ivy can work well. Ensure they are in stable pots to prevent spills.
Q3: How often should I dust the decor on my cabinet tops?
It’s advisable to dust surfaces and decor items at least once a week, or as needed, to keep your kitchen looking fresh and prevent dust buildup.
Q4: Are there any items I should avoid placing on top of kitchen cabinets?
Avoid items that are fragile and easily breakable if they can fall, especially if you have children or pets. Also, be cautious of placing items too close to heat sources or anything that could be a fire hazard. Avoid anything too heavy that could damage the cabinets or fall.
Q5: How can I make my cabinet top decor look less cluttered?
Use the rule of three for groupings, incorporate negative space by leaving some areas empty, and choose a cohesive color palette and material theme. Avoid placing too many small items; opt for a few larger, impactful pieces instead.
Q6: What if my cabinets don’t go all the way to the ceiling?
This is common! The space above cabinets is a perfect place for farmhouse kitchen wall decor or specific items like decorative baskets, vintage signs, or even small framed artwork. This also allows for kitchen shelf styling if you have a shelf installed above the cabinets.
By thoughtfully curating these elements, you can transform the often-overlooked space above your kitchen cabinets into a charming and inviting extension of your farmhouse kitchen accents. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your rustic kitchen cabinet styling and bring more of that beloved farmhouse feel into your home.