In some kitchens you will notice that there is an awkward open space between the ceiling and the top of the kitchen cabinets. Other than building in a bulkhead to meet the top of the cabinets – what can you do?

Depending on your style or your situation this can be usable space.  It can be used for storage or decor, ideally both.

If you are selling, we strongly suggest not displaying it as cluttered storage packed with various things like large Tupperware, platters and small appliances -as that sends out a message to buyers – this kitchen doesn’t have enough storage (which is a negative)!!

If you are selling and staging, try painting that open space.  We recommend the same tone as the cabinets (or at least something light that works with the palette or the same wall colour as you have in the kitchen already)  That will keep an open feel in the kitchen- a bright or dark paint tone will draw attention to the awkward space and give an odd striped effect

Ideas if you are staging:

This kitchen shows a lighter tone that works with the colour palette

This image shows a kitchen where the gap is painted in the same tone as the cabinets you can see how the awkward gap just disappears.

Clean and uniform storage….wicker baskets are a great way to add some natural material to your space – this looks great in a rustic or country style kitchen plus these baskets hide items that maybe are not suitable for display like cooking magazines. This would work for staging as it is clean looking and practical not cluttered and junky.

Decor for your everyday living there are some easy and interesting display ideas….

Try adding some cute and fun messages like Eat, Laugh, Family…..

Layer some decorative pieces but keep to a tight colour palette  – seen here there is a mix or shiny metallic and white – that gives a streamlined look

Photo from House Beautiful

What about wall paper? This works is you have some wall space covered in the same wall paper…

Take advantage of high ceilings by using the space to display bold pieces of art

Love that cafe look and feel? Bring it home with chalkboard paint and some fun messages, inspiring quotes, recipes and more….

Are you a collector or cookbooks? This could work for some great book storage but make sure to style the space so it doesn’t look cluttered

Get a little retro with some wire baskets that can hold practical items that will also add some pops of colour

Be unique – display a cool collection that symbolizes your passions – love to travel? Try this interesting yet simple display….

But no matter what you have up there be sure to dust it regularly as it can collect a lot of dust over time.