decorating above the kitchen cabinets

by | Oct 18, 2017 | All Things Home, Decorating | 200 comments

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Decorating above the kitchen cabinets is something I haven’t given dedicated thought to for years!

I do remember the time, though, when above the cabinets was prime decorating real estate.  I had my kitchen looking like a Cracker Barrel with varying heights, carefully crafted vignettes, and lots of unique collectibles.  We’re talking a vintage Coke can tower, German Lebkuchen tins, baskets, and lots of fake ivy.

I wish I had pictures.

But then we moved to a townhouse with bulkheads above the cabinets, displacing all of my above-the-cabinet-goodies.  When we moved to our house in PA, I was over the whole idea and wanted to move towards a simpler, cleaner look.  So, my kitchen cabinets remained without tchotchkes topping them off.  (Man, I had to look up how to spell that one!)

But, for some reason, in our new house in Minnesota, I feel like these cabinets need something.  Am I crazy?

Maybe it’s because the ceilings are higher or because the wall color is more neutral or because stirrup pants and bodysuits are coming back in style, so why not a 1990’s decorating trend?

Here’s the nice thing about it…I can just try it out and if it looks too cluttered, I can just take it down.  No risk at all.

Instead of adding a variety of collectibles, bunched into vignettes, I like the idea of adding all of one thing.  This will look more like a curated collection on display as opposed to a compulsive effort to decorate every inch of the house.  Been there, done that.  Maybe we need to design t-shirts and start a club.

So, I’ve thought about wooden crates, woven baskets, crocks, and large bowls.  Ultimately, though, I’m going to try what I already have plenty of – ironstone milk pitchers.  (You’re shocked that it’s ironstone, aren’t you?)

So, I’m going to give it a try and let you know how it looks.

What are your thoughts on decorating above the kitchen cabinets?

 

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    200 Comments

    1. Ida

      I simply love decorating above the cabinets. There are so many things I love but wicker has always been a favorite so I use baskets and painted a wide white band on all of them. I’ve tried the minimalists look ? Not for me ?. Love ironstone also and I know it would look beautiful!

      • Margie

        My mother’s mantra was always, “repeat, repeat, repeat” and keep it very simple, so I’d repeat something regularly spaced, no clutter…..go for it!

    2. Emily Bennett

      Yes to the pitchers! I got the inspiration to do that when I watched Practical Magic years ago and I still love my display (although I do change it up from time to time).

    3. Pat McRee

      Marion, I’m loving the clean look of your kitchen but a girl’s gotta’ go where her heart takes her! I love having the focus on that cool scale and the pot rack and leaving the cabinet tops clean….This from one who once had tchotchkes everywhere (had to scroll up twice to see how to spell it!)!!

    4. Amara Bray

      I have had something above my cabinets for years and can’t let it go still. I think something up there would look nice.

    5. Kris

      When we lived in Indiana, I collected pitchers in different styles and colors that matched my decor at the time. I was always complimented on the look, styles and colors of the pitchers. Nice idea!

    6. Diane

      I agree, it needs something, preferably narrowed down to 1-2-3 objects of like items .

    7. Clover

      I can’t wait to see what you try out!

    8. Caro

      I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but…

      I did it in the 90s. What I remember most is how hard it was to keep cleaning the filth and grease that accumulated on my beautiful things. And it ended up damaging a few of my beloved old stoneware pieces by staining their crazed surface. I would never do it again. If you are going to do it, at least don’t choose your most precious pieces.

      • Kate

        I think that’s what happens to any decorative item in the kitchen and just something to expect and deal with. Marian’s cow head above her last stove probably got grimy. My few plates hanging on the wall have to be cleaned often. The only no-work option is having a stark kitchen.

      • Lesley

        Agree; the dust accumulation is made worse by the cooking fumes, i.e., grease. I ended up putting newspaper “covers” over the tops and changing them out periodically. You can’t see them from any angle. Put texture and color somewhere else!

    9. Tracey (From KY)

      I really like the look WITHOUT stuff above cabinets. I love things sitting around displayed but I feel like I have to stop somewhere. That’s just not a trend I want to go back to. Neither are the stirrup pants. ? OMG that strap under my foot was so uncomfortable.

    10. Tracey Bradshaw

      I love the idea of pitchers – something I collect too, but not as gorgeous as your big old ironstone ones.
      I used to have baskets above my cabinets, but I got so sick of the yearly spring clean and the sticky kitchen dust. For years I lined the tops of my cabinets with paper that was easy to change and eliminated dusting. Our new house has bulkheads above the cabinets so I’m rejoicing that I no longer have to climb up and clean, but I am thinking of adding some vintage plates along one side and a painted sign similar to your Green Grocer one above my kitchen window and sink.

    11. Caroline

      If you add any fake ivy I am literally going to have to drive all the way to MN and slap you. Sorry, but it will have to be done!!! What’s next, mauve-colored walls? This post kills me! ???

      • Monica

        your comment really made me laugh.

        i hate to say it, but the 80s are back. I keep yelling about it all the time, because i really don’t want to go back to it, but it’s inevitable. you will be seeing the 80s more and more wherever you look. however… just like any trend… it too shall pass… it’s just a matter of time. pretty sure you will never catch me dead in stirrup pants again though. that’s the worst.

        I actually think some white pitchers (only) could (maybe) look good up there. lets wait and see. she didn’t seem like she was completely sure, and being that she does have good taste, if it looks terrible she probably won’t leave it. 🙂

    12. Rebecca

      Maybe two or three strategically placed groupings in different kitchen quadrants?

    13. teri

      NO, no no. Don’t do it. dust collectors — i’m sure you have a better way to spend your time.

    14. Lynne

      Nay. With everything happening on the countertops, the ceiling, and the island’s shelves, along with the soon-to-be patterned curtains and chair backs, you risk going over the line from visually interesting to cluttered. I think you’ve done a wonderful job personalizing your new home!!

    15. deb

      I love my decorations above my cabinets, I didn’t know it was a trend in the 90s, that’s when we built our house. Yes it gets grimy, You just spend a day cleaning everything. I have German words painted on the wall too. I like your idea of ironstone pitchers, easy to clean. Another idea is copper kitchen items that you don’t need to use. Have Fun!

    16. LAURA

      I have white roosters above my cabinets. Not a lot but they look good against the green walls in my kitchen. I think it’s a great idea when it’s done in moderation. Can’t wait to see what you do!

    17. Mary

      Just happy mine go up to the ceiling!

    18. beck campbell

      Here is a trick I use…knick knacks or not….put down wax paper on top of your cabinets…twice a year I just take up the old and put down new. Saves me from having to scrub grease and gunk from the top of the cabinets.

      • Darcy

        That’s a GREAT idea! Thanks for sharing! I’m a “cabinet topper” – a lot of picture frames and art, which also fills the rest of our house. I say if you love it – do it! It’s your house, you’re the only one who has to live with it. 🙂

      • Monica

        thumbs up on this tip! I’m going to remember this one.

    19. Sylvia

      Marian, it is nice of you to ask for opinions, but it is your house. I have things above my cabinets and and I like it. A few years ago, I gave in to the “no one is doing that anymore” folks and removed all my lovelies. I lasted about two months. I missed the things and even my husband missed them and he almost never says anything about things like that. As long as I don’t mess with his vintage turn table, speakers, stereo receiver and precious vinyl he is good to go. Try it and if you like it, leave it. If you don’t, take it down. As you said, it is an easy undo.

    20. Bonnie

      I like a nice, clean look so no stuff on the top cabinets for me. No stirrup pants either, lol. I have loved seeing the process of your landscape paintings by the way. So fun!

    21. Debra Lyn

      I’ve been working in the design industry for over 17 years accessorizing the top of cabinets where usually a must do, but today we’re seeing more and more designers pulling from the idea of doing this and allowing the cabinetry to be the star of the show. I think the kitchens read better with less accessories. As they always say, less is more.

    22. Beth from Iowa

      Hi Marian,

      I’ve always decorated above the cabinets – while looking for our new home I rejected any houses that didn’t have space above the cabinets – I always told the realtor I needed room for my stuff!!!

      Currently I display my collection of aluminum serving ware – I really like storing platters up there – easy to get stuff down when we entertain. I do get up there a couple of times a year to add seasonal items and I make it a point to dust then. We must not eat as much fried food as some I’ve never noticed it being greasy maybe using a stove hood would help? As always decorate your house until your heart sings and then you’ll know you have it right!!!?

    23. Lynn Baker

      I collected some blue and white enamelware for the tops of my kitchen cabinets. I think that would look great in your home.

    24. Marianne

      My first thought was of the ironstone pitchers! They will look much more modern and clean than the old 90’s style, which I remember. My first apartment post-college had space above the cabinets which my sister decorated with for me with baskets and fake ivy. Makes me laugh now.

    25. Susie

      You are lucky not to have bulkheads and you have beautiful crown molding. Rather than clutter the top of the cabinet leave that area open and let the eye rest down at the beautiful things more at eye level

    26. Kim

      I use the ample space above our cabinets (a solid 24″!!) to house selectively curated items in my theme. I have tried to choose items that are easy to clean, mostly metal. As our whole house is white, stem to stern, and we have ample artwork and interesting objects to display, the items on top of the cabinets are gallery pieces as well, but fun and quirky, such as my 1950s Marx dollhouse, a plaid metal picnic basket, and the marble run game that my grandpa made for my mom when she was little. Not too much stuff, just a few pieces, placed just right. We all love them and they make us smile every day!

    27. Carolyn

      I like the clean, uncluttered look, but I will probably change my mind after I see what you do!

    28. Glenda

      Been there done that! My previous house was decorated with antiques above my cabinets. When I moved and I had to wash the grease and grime off of everything I said no more. So I had my cabinets built to the ceiling. I must admit I miss the space to exhibit my collections.

    29. Phyllis

      There is a cathedral ceiling in my kitchen/great room with a ton of space above the cabinets. I use larger baskets and pitchers and love the way it looks. Taking things down to wash is a pain but I still like the way it looks. I think you don’t need a lot of things but some blue items would be lovely.

    30. Brenda

      Whatever you do will be just right, and I am along for the ride, watching what you do!

      I could see a collection of ironstone casseroles and tureens; of course pitchers is always a win.

      Eager to see what you do, and whether it stays. If you add above, you may want to simplify your counter tops, to keep things from looking “too much.” It might be something you wait to do until you get those window coverings made and up. I am thinking they will be a game changer on several levels, as they will bring a dramatic change to your room.

    31. Kelly

      Whatever you do will be great. Your house is looking really pretty. It never hurts to play around with things. Have fun!

    32. Kate

      We’re renting a house for the first time in 20 years. It’s also the first time I’ve had space above the cabinets (our other homes had cabinets all the wall to the ceiling). I’ve been in houses with the Cracker Barrel look and vowed I would never go there. Now in this house, that space above the cabinets looked like it needed something, so I just started putting stuff up there – baskets (which I actually take down and use) and my collection of hand-painted pitchers and old world ceramics (which I also take down and use for table settings) and my copper kettle. It’s a great space to store stuff that’s useful and attractive, but wouldn’t have any other home except a closet. Like Marian’s pot rack, few things are static above my cabinets. I generally put things back in the same place I had them, but nothing has permanent, untouchable residence. I leave a good 4 – 6 inches between objects and alternate textures. My motto is “Shelf space is a terrible thing to waste.” Since all the rest of our shelf space is occupied by books, horizontal surfaces are at a premium here. And if you must have ivy, make it real. It will be a pain to water, but at least it will thrive in that sunny kitchen.

    33. Susan

      I had the same look in the 1990s that you described! I was so proud of my vignette skills at the time, but now I cringe when I look at the photos! Trends are funny. Nowadays I prefer a cleaner look. You will make it look great no matter what you do, but I wonder if it will be too much with your pot rack.

    34. Dale

      If I were to cast a vote, it would be for no decor above the cabinets. It’s overkill. That’s just me, tho. I couldn’t even abide the scale on your island counter if it were my house. Isn’t it always in the way? I say this only because my kitchen layout is identical to yours, and my island is where everything happens–groceries get unloaded there, food prep happens there, meals get organized there. I wipe that counter down a thousand times a day. It would drive me crazy having to move the scale or work around it. But again, each to his own. Don’t get me wrong, I love your “look,” but have to cast my “no” vote for anything else to be added.

    35. Donna

      I wish I didn’t have to use this space, but I do, I have large baskets that are holding items I need, but no cabinet space for. I have vintage baking pans on display, some canning jars, I try not to make it look junked up….but your iron stone pitchers might look really cool…and they are neutral.

    36. Mary Jamieson, Hillsboro Oregon

      I love that idea! I have a collection of all sorts of ironstone above my cabinets from cake stands to tureens to pitchers. I also added some family heirlooms like a butter churn, a 3 pc set of original blue ball jars with leaded lids and a meat grinder and standing juice strainer. Nothing too crowded – comfy spacing and it really gives my kitchen an authentic farm look. After all, the heritage pieces came from my grandparents’ farm houses!

    37. Anita

      Funny when people talk about dust. Doesn’t everything that is not in a cabinet have to be cleaned occasionally regardless of where it is? I personally like a few things in that space and rotate them out, so dust really never becomes an issue. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect thing for there:-)

    38. Shelley

      You are such a brave soul to ask opinions! Just keep in mind-this is all about what makes you happy and your home warm, loving and inviting. NOT about what other people think!!!

      That being said…I keep my collection of vintage Ironstone tureens up over my cabinets. Yeah, it’s a nasty chore to clean them, but the pleasure I get from enjoying them and the compliments make it all worth it.

    39. Janette

      Have you considered adding mouldings and giving it a built-in look all the way to the ceiling? That’s what we have in our kitchen, and I love it. It’s such a custom look.

      • Kris

        I was thinking along the same lines. I’ve also seen (don’t remember where, sorry!) people add glass-fronted cabinetry above their cabinets and make it “match” the look of their regular cabinetry–it makes the ceilings look higher, is a cleaner look, but with the glass you can still display your ironstone pitchers without dealing with greasy dust.

        I wasn’t the only one with ivy and “stuff” above my cabinets? Truthfully, though, I did it partly because of limited storage space. Sometimes reality overtakes decorating choices!

    40. Victoria

      I’m voting no, and agree with the woman further up who thought that getting the curtains up will change your mind about things on the cabinets. I’ve been thinking that your cabinets looked low and would be better hung to the ceiling, but obviously that’s too much work.
      But hey, it’s only time spent in putting stuff up and taking it back down if you don’t like it. And in the grand scheme of things, it’s a cheap way to make one room feel finished if you’re unable yet to finish it otherwise.
      My partner uses the top of cabinets as storage and I hate it because it draws attention to the stuff up there, rather than the rest of the space, but that can work for you if you’d rather they looked at ironstone than the washing up ?

    41. Sofia

      I am guessing putting things up there will look too cluttered and “fight” with your already great focal point of the pot rack….BUT, I can’t wait to see how it looks! ha! Like you said, you have nothing to lose!

      P.S. I have followed your blog, off and on, for a few years…lately, I’m checking in more than ever. I have SO enjoyed watching you put your mark on this new, “not-quite-you”, home. You picked a home that worked for your family and are turning it into a home that will work for you as well! Great job, mom!

    42. Kelle

      In my last house I painted my wood cabinets to a medium grey and removed the ’60’s bulkhead. I planked the backsplash and painted it white. Above my cabinets, I finally had a place for my collection of enamelware that had been living in my garage. It was simple, but made me so happy. It is a collection of pitchers and pots. I think your ironstone will be perfect.

    43. Ginny

      I’ve always had open soffits and through the years have added to my “collection”. I always tried to collect a bowl, old milk bottle or something with the name of the town I was living in at the time. I had ironstone, copper and baskets. In the last house I even added some of my watercolor and oil paintings, it was a big kitchen. We have downsized and sadly there is no room for my tchotchkes. I think you should start out by hanging some of your framed artwork on the walls and just add a few things in front and see how it looks. You can add more as time goes by or not. It doesn’t take much to change it around as the “mood strikes”, and have fun.

    44. marcy

      My [down-sized] house has a smallish gallery layout with a low ceiling–so, no above the cabinet displays (but I miss that opportunity. If I had your kitchen, I would go with a few stand-alone big pieces like breadboxes or architectural vintage-y pieces. And be mindful of the dust. Can’t wait to see what you decide.

    45. Janet in Kansas City

      To tell the truth, I was hoping to see all your lebkuchen tins! There are a few of those at my house, one still has the circa 1985 lebkuchen in it. Hard as a rock, but still in tact. Just to show the grandkids. ; )

      We’re all excited to see whatever you do, we know it will be beautiful.

    46. Deborah Raney

      If I had my choice, my cabinets would go all the way to the ceiling (but with at least one wall of open shelving so I can see all my pretty dishes. When we moved into our current house almost 5 years ago I left above the cabinets bare. Then I bought a great tobacco basket for $2, and a fabulous iron chicken for $8 at a garage sale, and it was all downhill from there. I can’t SEE if the stuff up there is dirty (it’s been at least a year since I took everything down and cleaned). Not much grease happens in our kitchen with just 2 of us and no fried foods, but I’m sure there’s dust. Every so often I get the urge to take everything down and leave it bare again. Then I look at photos when it was empty up there, and it’s just so much cozier decorated. Next time I decide to clean up there, I’ll take it all down and live with it for a day or two, but I sort of feel like you just gave me permission to leave it up if I like it. So thank you. 🙂 And LOL on the stirrup pants and bodysuits. Alas, that ship has sailed for me! 😉

    47. Robin

      I felt like our cabinets needed some decor on top as well. The best decision we made was to add above cabinet and below cabinet (counter) lighting on dimmer switches for great mood lighting but…I do have to take that into consideration when adding decor to the tops of our cabinets.

    48. Laura

      It’s interesting that you were doing this post today because I have been thinking about that very thing. Recently someone gave me a farmhouse signed that they made out of old Barnwood. I stuck it up there and it looks so lonely although she also made me a bakery sign to go along the side of the cabinet. They both looked lonely. I have one other thing that she gave me that I put behind the sign and it is a chippy old shutter. I have a ironstone looking planter up there too in the shape of a cabbage. I’m just putting one thing at a time up there so that I only use things that I really love and not just clutter it up with stuff that I don’t really like

    49. Beanie

      Well, I have 4 Department 56 “Christmas in the City” houses grouped together in one area above my cabinets and I turn them on during those special times of the year, mostly Christmas and NY eve, but they add so much ambiance in the evenings. I also have a 3 crocks grouped together in another area. And lastly, I have two old, silver milk jugs, a small and a larger one, that I picked up at a local family friends’ estate auction. I love everything I have up there. No silk ivy, though. LOL. If I had ironstone pitchers, they would be up there. Only have my mom’s ironstone platter hanging above the door from kitchen to dining room. Good luck! I’m sure yours will look beautiful. Everything you do is beautiful.

    50. Nan, Odessa, DE

      Forget the cabinet now.
      Add your curtains and other fabrics.
      LAST THING, if you still want to display on cabinets, give it a try.

    51. Marlene Stephenson

      I don’t have that problem, its a wall above. If i could decorate i would make sure there big items that once in awhile can be put in the dishwasher. Probably my crockery collection. Am anxious to see what you do.

    52. Nancy

      Well you know you have to do it, it’s in your mind and it would be just a few moments of your time so why not?! You can easily take it all down after. I do think it looks nice and open and airy without anything above the cabinets especially highlighting all the dust and grease. I had a couple antique coke crates above mine and just recently took them down to clean and was like…”why didn’t I do this sooner?!” My kitchen looks much larger now and cleaner too! But it’s not like you’re knockin down walls here! So try it out!

    53. Rachel Mora

      Love those topiaries flanking the sink in your old kitchen!!!! I think your current kitchen would come to life a little bit if you added some greenery. Above cabinet decorating can be tricky I think, but I’m excited to see what you do!!!

    54. Cheryl

      Whatever you decide to do, I know it will be awesome! I for one, Love ironstone! My number one obsession! I think you should go with a few ironstone pitchers and large platters, and maybe a few old scales. Stick with items that can easily be cleaned. Enamelware white pitchers is another great option. I have a large french enamelware collection in my kitchen and believe it or not, it is safe to put those things in the dishwasher! I even spray scrubbing bubbles on the bread boxes and larger pieces and everything is instantly clean. Can’t wait to see what you come up with! 🙂

    55. Ellen Shook

      Wow, you really stirred the pot with this one! ?

      I do keep some things above mine (but no fake ivy anymore!) because (a) I have some very old things kitchen passed down from family and I need to put them somewhere; and (b) the previous owner of this house was short like me so she proceeded to lower the upper cabinets when she did her version of a kitchen facelift. That leaves at least two feet of headspace, and it looked weird with nothing up there. I wish I had had them raised to the ceiling and used an open shelf underneath between the counter and the bottom of the cabinets, but I didn’t think of that till we had already done what we did. (Hindsight is 20/20) When we painted everything bright white, we added a “bonnet” for the lack of a better term over a couple of the upper sections, and that gives some framed out open space for some of these things, but it looks intentional instead of just a bunch of stuff piled on top of the cabinets.

      In the adjacent laundry room, I do have a collection of white pitchers up there, and I painted those cabinets with Provence ASCP. They probably do get covered in lint and dust, but I am fairly nearsighted so I don’t really notice it. I do have the husband take them down and clean every now and then.

      Your new kitchen is really pretty!

    56. Linda Ebright

      I did that! Used my collection of large ironstone pitchers above my cabinet. I have those cabinets where you have a row of narrow cabinets across top of regular cabinets – with glass fronts. Each ironstone pitcher has it’s own little window and it looks like a gallery up there. They are works of art! I needed the large size – maybe from hotels? The regular sized ones looked dinky. And I put them on little risers which aren’t seen from below.

    57. Kim

      I’m in the “keep it clean” camp but that said, I love things displayed in multiples and your ironstone collection so would love to see you do your magic!

    58. Rachel Mora

      I forgot to mention a little tip, at my last house I also had space between my cabinets and the cieling, and to make it easy to clean I would lay down wax paper, and that way when you decide to clean, you just roll it up and throw it away! It collects all the dust and grease that is not fun or easy to scrub clean!

    59. Susan

      Ha, just cleaned everything over my cabinets two weeks ago, wish I had known about the wax paper trick, though I DID think about using old wallpaper, which is what I line cabinets with all over the house. The items were dusty and somewhat greasy, but it was one of those satisfying cleaning jobs since everything looked great once they were washed.
      I’ve enjoyed reading the comments since there is the clean, sleek crowd and the collectors group who are weighing in and I belong to the collection crew. Personally, I love having a space to display things and some of my items get used. My ex would tease that it wasn’t necessary for me to fill every open space but he also didn’t go for painted furniture and things nailed into the pristine bulkhead. You have lovely taste and a good eye, personally I would put some things up and see how it goes. Just DO NOT put old things, especially old advertising metal ware in the dishwasher; took the paint right off to the bare metal. Cleaned it up real good, boo!

    60. Michelle E

      I agree with another poster, already there is a lot going on in this small kitchen (I like it, don’t get me wrong). Personally I think it will be too much, but somehow you have a way of making everything look great. I’ll just sit back and see what you come up with

    61. Jelena

      Personally, I hate having things on top of kitchen cabinets. It is a royal pain trying to keep whatever is on top of cabinets clean (think up-the-ladder, down-the-ladder at least once a month), and it’s easy for pretty decorations to become a dusty mess and an eyesore in no time. My life is just too busy right now to deal with the downsides of decorations on top of kitchen cabinets. Maybe I’ll consider this decorating trend if I am still fit and steady on my feet when I retire. 🙂

    62. G.R.

      I’m ENVIOUS that you have above-cabinet space! I have a bulkhead, instead. I’d put odd, hard-to-store (but beautiful) things up there — but then, I’m a china collector and anything that looks like additional space “calls my name.”

    63. April

      I thought your upper cabinets looked a little bare. Maybe as you said the lighter kitchen without the chalkboard wall made the difference. As I get older I like a more minimalist look and don’t think all kitchens need decor above the cabinets. When we inherited a large collection of white French porcelain serving platters and bowls, above the kitchen cabinets was the only place to store them. I think an all white display helps things look less cluttered and as you say it is so easy to try and then decide. It doesn’t have to be permanent. 🙂

    64. Tammy

      Love it with the clean look. Before my kitchen remodel 10 years ago, I had the open area at the top. What a nightmare to clean the stuff. Antique baskets were ruined from all of the dirt and grime. To me, it looks junked up now with stuff up on top of cabinets. Just like the people’s tables loaded to the brim of pumpkins and stuff all over the place. Too much clutter.

      You always have a way of putting collections together and not overwhelming the space. Love the kitchen so far.

    65. Nancy

      Your kitchen is starting to look busy rather than just lived in. I say finish off that space with Sheetrock and crown molding.

    66. Jeanne

      I’d vote for nothing above the cabinets…but I’m interested to see what you come up with. 🙂

    67. Rebecca M

      I have my collection of WHITE English ironstone pitchers around that area in my kitchen. That’s all I put up there and I have that area painted green so all the white pitchers look fantastic against it! I think sticking to one idea /theme is the only way to keep it from looking junky/cluttered.

    68. Janice

      I vote NO! Don’t bring back a dirty decorating idea. If you need to do something above the cabinets try painting a murals.

    69. Anna

      My friend had cabinets closed up to the ceiling. It was ‘fake space’…nothing behind it. Had her hubby open it up and had people tell her to decorate above the cabinets. It just wasn’t her.

      She had hubby install a hidden outlet, placed rope lighting in the open space (it’s absolutely invisible unless you get up on a ladder), and it provides a nice glow in the evening or on cloudy days. No clutter, nothing to clean. 😉

      I’d say use your ironstone, see if you like it (and the requisite cleaning) and if ya don’t like it, go back to plain, clean and simple. Like you say, you can always undo it if you don’t like it.

    70. Pamela

      I make sure whatever I place above the cabinets can go in the dishwasher. Twice a year it gets plopped in and washed. No sweat no hassle. Try finding white ironstone that can be tossed in the dishwasher. There is new stuff and from that distance you can’t see if it is older or new. 🙂

    71. Kay

      Here’s a tip someone told me recently…you know how things can get a little dusty up there…if you put down a layer of newsprint on top of the cupboards before you place your ironstone (or whatever you choose to display), when it comes to cleaning time you just roll up the paper & toss it. Saves a whole lot of dusting & wiping, and you can’t see it from down below. I’m amazed at how greasy the tops of cupboards especially in the kitchen can become, but by placing the paper there you are actually saving yourself a cleaning job down the track.

    72. JeanaB

      I had cabinets that left space above them for decorating too, but I did not like the grime and dust. I took a lesson from Layla at The Lettered Cottage and had a guy come and build mine up to connect to the ceiling. Not only did it remove that space (which for me was always dusty), but it also caused the cabinets and ceiling to look taller.

    73. Karen

      I prefer leaving it empty and keeping the focus down below. Besides, I hate cleaning all the gunk that collects on everything up there! But, I will remain open minded until I see the result.

    74. Julie

      Noooooooo doooon’t dooooo ittttt!

    75. Colette J.

      Thank goodness I don’t have this dilemma as my cabinets go all the way up to the ceiling! I agree with the previous comment – have your cabinets enclosed to the ceiling.

    76. Judy

      I think DUST MAGNETS says it all! Like you I have done it but I am over it
      Give the eye a rest, especially since you already have so many things on your counter.

    77. Mary

      I like baskets…. BUT, when ther is stuff up there, I think Aaauugghhhhh something else to DUST!! But I do like a little something on the top of the cabinets…. I know with you design eye you’ll do somethin creative.

    78. Jodie

      Personally, I think that you can find a happy medium between nothing and too much of a good thing by using just the one item, like ironstone pitchers. I have an all white kitchen and I put my large collection of ironstone soup tureens above my cabinets and everyone is in awe of them. They never displayed as well in a cabinet as they do up there! And it doesnt feel busy. So I give a definite YES to the ironstone pitchers !
      Love everything you do, you inspire me!

    79. Pat Miller

      Whoa…lots of ideas…..I’d like to see a bullkhead built with glass doors and the ironstone sitting inside. Let’s leave the 90’s where they were!
      Whatever you do will be GREAT!
      You still have my head spinning with all you have accomplished in such a short time!
      You GO, girl!
      You are AMAZING!!!

    80. Connie

      I think ironstone pitchers would be good. I have bulkheads but do have a shelf areond eating area. I have graduated sizes of old bowls and a pitcher collection of the periwinkle blue from 1930’s. Not vingettes, No way to know but to try !

    81. Jan

      I was wondering about your cabinets. Are the insides of the cabinets also painted white. We are having our cabinets painted white and both painters who gave us estimates would not paint the insides.

    82. Lelanie

      Is that other picture your kitchen before you moved? What an absolutely beautiful space! I currently have wicker baskets on top of my cabinets, basically because I don’t have enough storage so I store things in there too. Would love to see what you come up with!

    83. Diane Ruebel

      Please do try it! We have roop lights above ours and I love the ambience this time of year. It adds a warm glow and somehow draws the eye to the pretties below.

    84. Diane Ruebel

      Whoops!!! I meant rope lights…so easy to install!

    85. Kathryn Casey

      We store our very large cookware above the cabinets. They all have a stainless finish and are big enough to stand alone. it works for us with over two feet of space between cabinet tops and ceilings.

    86. Jane

      I think I would add a backsplash with texture and add in your fabrics first. I think that is why it is feeling so stark.

    87. Jenn

      Don’t do it 🙂

    88. Patti Whitford

      I’ve got vintage mason jars above my cabinets and love it. I also put tiny battery lights in a couple and when in the mood turn them, especially for company and holidays. Everyone mentions it. Simple Pretty!

    89. Patti Whitford

      Question: Are your topiaries faux or real? Where can I find them? Love the look.

    90. Michele

      Save the effort for now and invest the time/energy into creating the window treatments. I think you are hoping for more warmth and a ‘finished’ feel, and the textiles may give you enough. Agree it was a 90s look, and maybe too soon to bring that back! Put out one ironstone pitcher with silk hydrangea branches instead.

    91. Charlotte

      No you don’t need anything up there. Don’t do it!

    92. Janet

      Maybe with everything the same color and made out of the same material, it would be something to satisfy both options – your brain would kind of zero it out since it was one color but you’d still have that sense of volume and balance. A picture is not the same as standing in the space. I have a built-in weight adjuster that goes out of whack if some part of my space feels heavier or lighter than what is across the room. Those of us who are interested in decorating just have a sense of what makes the whole space feel right to us. I have a copper weathervane at the point where the kitchen turns an “L” and it feels just right. I guess that makes me a minimalist on this issue but without something up there the whole space feels off. It’s interesting how many comments there are on this issue.

    93. Lucy

      I took my collectibles down a few years ago. (They were certainly covered with dust.) I have not missed them and like the much cleaner look .

      Also about to build anew house. Won’t put any up over those cabinets either.

    94. Camille Venegas

      During my second kitchen remodeling, j went with the lower cabinets and up went my collectibles, etc. Over time and after constant cleaning during my third….and hopefully my last remodel I went back to ceiling cabinets….however I do love the look of some overhead decor in the kitchen I had a single shelf built over the sink limiting my decor to one area which I love to change out with the season

    95. Debbie H.

      I just ADORE your idea of the pitcher theme and I say it will look STELLAR!

    96. Shelly

      I was thinking that it would be nice for you to put something up there.
      I have a collection of old pottery on the top of my cabinets. It Is All The Same type So It Looks Good. Everyone loves It!
      I Think ironstone Would be perfect!
      Blessings

    97. Mary Beth Sinnott

      I am glad you are going to try this. I suggested it last week on your blog about the cabinets. If the Ironstone doesn’t work maybe old metal picnic baskets could be pretty. Can’t wait to see it.

    98. Peggy

      I can’t wait to see what you do! I have friends that have decorated about there cabinets and I hate it….way too much clutter for me!

    99. Linda

      Great tip I haven’t heard before about putting down paper to make cleaning easier. As a woman who does not like grime or artificial greenery that stays too long or baskets that are ruined because of greasy dirt, I would not use those items or books.

    100. Crystal

      Don’t do it. Keep it clean! Love the painted cabinets!

    101. THERESA VAN ECK

      I put my collection of green glass bottles in varying shapes and sizes above my cabinets. Some are very old, some newer. I had an electrician install outlets where they can’t be seen so I could plug in miniature light sets above the cabinets to make the glass bottles sparkle at night and in the early morning. I make sure that none of the wires or bulbs actually show, just a nice soft light on the glass. I do have to wash the dust off from time to time, but not often. Love it.

    102. Arlene

      I just buy a roll of cheap paper towels and line the top of my cupboards with them. Easy to roll up and toss out. I see others mentioning wax paper and newspaper so I just thought I would add my two cents. I’m a poor one to ask, I’m stuck in the 90s with my cupboards full of old advertising tins, and various antiques like milk bottles, coffee grinders, crocks, etc. I hate cleaning them but I love the look. The paper towels really help.

    103. Leslie in Calif.

      Wow, so many responses gotta love your fan base. Fun to read . I have really tall ceilings in my kitchen/great room and have plug ins above my cabinets with a wall switch. So I put lamps above my cabinets along with wood crates, wicker wrapped glass bottles from France, suitcases & books. I don’t over load it so, that it is too much to take in, just enough to please the eye. I never fry food so I do not have any greasy film on anything. Just the typical household dust that I get everywhere else in the house. I get loads of compliments. I really enjoy the view with the lights on above the cabinets at night from my chair or on the sofa of all my displays. Really not that big of a deal to clean a couple times a year. So try your ironstone or anything else you have definitely worth a try. You are so good at staging and displaying you will find the perfect setting.

    104. Crystal

      It’s funny you write about this at this moment in time. I’m part of a 30, 000 and growing online group and that subject comes up frequently, last week in fact. I was also one who did the faux ivy and for awhile ferns (so 90’s) and lots of disparate goodies. Our ceilings are very high and there’s a lot of space above my cabinets. I took don the 80’s border, repainted for a much cleaner look. BUT, my cabinets just floated, they frankly looked weird to me. Maybe because I wasn’t used to it being so clean! Whatever, I decided to put some things back up and decided to keep it clean and curated by just displaying my old stoneware beer and wine bottles and a few rusty scales. It looks so much nicer with the neutral tone on tone colors. I might take those down at some point, but for now I’m happy. Big surprise you’ll be using ironstone. Um, said no one. Congrats again on the new home, your new life and a new/old look!

    105. JC at the uncommon pearl

      I personally love the clean look with nothing on top of kitchen cabinets. Sparse has always made things look bigger, in my eyes. Just a thought….is it possible to take off your crown molding and install small glass front cabinets above the existing cabinets? You could get the kind with the cross mullions. They could be painted to match. Is there access to electricity? Adding lighting could be an option. You could then install the crown to trim it out bringing the cabinets all the way to the ceiling. It would be a space to display non frequently used items and add a sense of height and customization for not a ton of money. Thanks for asking and valuing our options ?.

    106. Sue

      I think the room will come together a little better once you get the fabric on the chairs. I think the room just needs a little bit of color. I’d love to see some color on the walls. I think what’s throwing the room off for me is the pot rack. It just looks a little bit too cluttered. I feel like that style has come and gone a bit but I also know how we get attached to things that we love. Adding some color in the room with the fabric will give the room a little bit more of a focal point. You have that gorgeous gas stove and I think that maybe if you remove the pot rack and put up some pendant lighting that may help.

      • Patricia

        Sue I agree about the pot rack…it is way over crowded…..and then adding more eye interest with stuff on top of the cabinets even tho it will be simple….eye overload! IMO edit that pot rack! While I am not a fan of them anyway and think that look went out years and years ago, please lessen the amount of pots on there….a lot!

        • maureen

          Sue, Patricia, Marian posted about the pot rack and re positioning the lights to accommodate it when she moved into this house. She LOVES it. It frees up a lot of space in the cabinets. The most popular home on our city’s showcase of homes had a large pot rack and it was beautiful. I personally LOVE the look and the practicality of a pot rack and have purchased one for our future home. Different strokes…

          • Sally

            I actually like the pot rack.

    107. Susan Lee

      Your ironstone will be the most appropriate. All one color but different shapes.

    108. Monique

      I have no words of wisdom for someone who has such great taste:)♥
      I have 9 ft ceilings in the kitchen..so I needed something when we moved here 16 yrs ago..so I have things up there:)My mom’s picnic basket..she would be almost 100..a dollhouse:)..etc..but that’s me;)

    109. Kim P

      Looking forward to seeing how you style it. I hated cleaning up there and had very tall ceiling with 42 inch tall upper cabinets, begged my hubby to close it in and 20 yrs later he Did! We trimmed out with crown moulding and stuff and 5 yrs later I still love it!

    110. p

      In the spirit of “well, you asked!” haha 😀 my first thought was full length fish tanks, restaurant style with lights! I think you can at least to that thing with the virtual mock-up so we can picture it 😀

      WAAITTT!! Did anyone say it yet… your landscapes! Bulkheads added…art lined up from one end to the other… Yes.

    111. Cathy Johnson

      Your white ironstone pitchures will look great. That’s what I have on top of my cabinets and I love them. Of course my collection is very small compared to yours but I love the ones I do own. I use baskets also behind some of them to make them stand out more. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!!

    112. Cindy Jones

      I somewhat agree with Sue. I think the pot rack looks a little cluttered. Try just the copper pots or just the silver metal pots. As much as I love the beauty of copper, I think the other will blend better with your new stainless stove. I agree that you definitely need some blue in the room to make it yours. A pale blue on the walls would really make your ironstone pitchers show better than against the neutral walls.

      • Patricia

        Thank you Cindy…too many and too many different ones altogether up there…all one look would be be best…the copper are very nice if you must do that hanging pot look which went out years ago. It overtakes the room.

    113. Betty

      I have white pitchers above my cabinets. Not too many, just enough to give that empty space a reason for being there. ?

    114. Gilda

      I would just leave the space bare

      • Patricia

        I agree….all rooms need a place for the eye to rest….you have and will have enough eye interest…especially all those pots and pans up there! YIKES!

    115. RoseMary Knight

      I added small cabinets above ours. Closed in and no dust collections. I like the cleaner less cluttered look but whatever works is what I say. Love the new look in the kitchen. I personally think that once you get some fabric in there it won’t need anything.

    116. Mimi Matthews

      I was absolutely thinking ironstone and then you said it. Shock/surprise!! lol But it will give just enough texture and some shine. I like things above the cabinets, so that’s my vote.

    117. Nancy

      We re-decorated last year and my decorator told me no one decorated above the cabinets anymore. I disagreed and it was my kitchen. Maybe fewer things but I was not willing to leave it empty. So I added my favorite family antiques.

    118. Julie

      The first consideration in decorating SHOULD be everything that makes the people that live in the house happy. Trends come and go because marketers want to lead us in a direction to buy what they sell. When you have a strong sense of yourself and your family, your house will reflect comfort and spirit and happiness. Your house has always looked welcoming and interesting and amazing. This new house will do the same when you follow your heart. Your talents and instincts for what makes a house your home keep us all look forward to your posts. My vote – do what makes you smile because your creativity sure makes us smile! That’s the friendly advice I have been giving my customers for twenty years and it seems to be working.

      • Terri

        Wonderful advice!

    119. Kathleen

      I collect the blue Ball canning jars (the old ones) of varying sizes. My husband put a strip of l.e.d. lights up on the tops of the cabinets and the lights shine through the blue glass, it’s very pretty. Just recently I took it all down because we repainted the kitchen, replaced the floor, took a wall out….you know how it goes ..lol ! I don’t have anything above my cabinets right now and I kind of like the clean, minimalist look. I guess we go through phases with our decorating. I may put my jars back up and then again I may not…

    120. Jane

      If it were me, I would leave the top of the cabinets bare. You have enough going on with your lovely pot rack, scale and other unique pieces.

      • Patricia

        AGREED! I don’t know why she thinks more is more…that stuff on top of cabinets look went out a long time ago too! Let the cabinets shine too.

    121. Norma Rolader

      Everything should be what makes you and your happy!! We can suggest and give our input but in the end it is up to you

    122. Colleen

      I have the staggered cabinets in my 100+ year old home. I put enamel pot lids on display above the cabinets. Different shapes, sizes and colors. I’m not tired of them yet and the didn’t break the bank!

    123. pamela

      like you Ive done it several ways. the last house I decorated had vaulted kitchen ceilings and the custom cabinet had varying heights so I did it in Huge items like an old wooden sleigh and large antique clocks with the main event being the client’s extension collection of Polish Pottery. it was outstanding. we moved this summer and have high ceilings so my husband has been asking me what Im going to put up, ugh, so much work. interested in what others come up.

    124. Jackie

      I really just want to comment that I love the sign about the sink!! I may have missed it before or it didn’t show up in the pictures – but I love it! As far as above the cabinets I guess I am for the plain look – but you are a great and if you decide to put something up there it will look lovely!!!

    125. Geo55

      I hate that empty space above the kitchen cabinets! So much so, that we bought an extra row of cabinets to place on top to fill in the space and have cabinets to the ceiling in my kitchen. We will paint them a creamy white which will look so much better and will bring the eye up. Alas, you are A LOT faster than we are at painting your cabinets and dramatically beautifying your new kitchen. Such a beautiful transformation- Miss Mustard Seed’s hallmark! (Your posts on the painting were helpful, thanks.) Until that project gets completed, I have all baskets up there of varying shapes and sizes. Practical, uniformity of just one type of thing, and it fills the gap. I think I might prefer nothing up there in your kitchen, but would like to see how your ironstone works up there. Like you said, you can always take ’em down.

    126. Robyn

      Hi! Well, I have a pot rack and I put my (handed down to me) Longaberger collection on top of the kitchen cabinets. There are a lot of baskets but I love them so it doesn’t bother me. The dusting is a pain sometimes but I don’t dust up there all of the time so no biggie. I can take the vacuum attachment and lightly brush them off. I love the idea of your ironstone, though. You will be able to take a duster and dust the inside and outside of the pitchers and be just fine. Can’t wait to see what you do with the space.

    127. Teresa Freeman

      We are in the process of redecorating our kitchen. I plan on placing a long metal farmhouse sign that says Supermarket on the top of one side of my cabinets and I am using cotton garlands along the tops of all the cabinets. I also have quite a collection of ironstone. I will just go from there, but it’s going to be so much fun to decorate!

    128. Caroline

      I also think that although your ironstone pitchers will certainly look terrific and charming, I really think you just need a bit more color in the room, and the clean tops will look great then. Are you changing the wall color? It doesn’t look quite like you to me. But it’s all beautiful.

    129. Alison

      Do you still have that cute sled? Would be cute on top of cabinets.

    130. Kimberly

      Interested to see how it looks with the ironstone above the cabinets. Because you’re doing it, it’ll look fabulous, you just have that knack for perfectly styling things.

      Years ago I read an article about an older man who collected tea cups, pots and pitchers. He would place Kleenex or paper towels inside the open vessels so all he had to do when doing his periodic cleaning was gently wipe down the outside of each piece and change out the paper inside. Saved him having to take everything down and to the sink to wash them (they were antiques, he wanted to avoid wear and also the potential for accidental breakage). Something like this might work for your ironstone pitchers as a way to fend of dust and critters getting inside them.

    131. J

      I agree with Sue and Cindy, minimize the pot rack and add some color in there.
      Painting the cabinets white has decreased the obvious space above them.

      • Patricia

        Words of wisdom!

    132. Brenda

      Ironstone sounds nice or maybe even some of your copper pieces that you don’t use all of the time, such as one of the colanders. The thing is you can try it and take it down if you get tired of it or rearrange it.

    133. Alicia from California

      I’ve lived almost 70 years and most of my adult life in apartments and YES I decorated above the cabinets for years…but never again. All those beautiful little vignettes required dusting and from time to time when I forgot there would be signs of little critters inhabiting those vignettes!

      Now that I have my own home I’ve painted everything in my little kitchen white. I chose to leave few cabinets without doors for an open look. Some of the shelves, including all the top shelves, I’ve chosen to make color statements by displaying glass sets (juice, beverage, wine, etc.) in one cabinet, ivory serving ware all along the top, and collection of coffee cups and dishware in yet another cabinet. Condiments, cereals, cleaning products, etc. all are behind closed doors. I’ve kept the look uncluttered and love it!

      Whatever you do decide on you’ll pull it off with your signature MMS style.

    134. Deb Pelton

      We
      L, I too like the idea of a collection of one soft of thing. I have banded (mostly blue) yellow bowls. Doesn’t look too bad. I never did like the trailing ivy thing, though, I must say. Glad you nixed that one. Looking forward to the pictures.

    135. Deb Pelton

      Just looked at my last comment, it looks like i must be 6 or something. I swear it was all correctly done when i pushed send. What the hay?

    136. Cheryl

      Ha, I was thinking ironstone before you mentioned it, lol. Can’t wait to see what it looks like!

    137. Janice

      Although I do like some cupboards with decor items on top of the cabinets, I actually like yours without. I think your focal point is your pot hanger with all the beautiful copper. I am wondering if it will visually “get lost” with your Ironstone.
      I’m sure I will change my thoughts when you post your photos though.

    138. Missy

      Your eye keeps going to the blank space above the cabinets because there is no resting place for it elsewhere. Add things above the cabinets and there will not be anywhere for your eye to rest at all. I think you need to paint your island darker to ground it and clear the top so your eye can stop jumping from broken surface to broken surface looking for a clean line to land on. Just an idea.

      • Lori

        You decorators talk about having a place for the eye to rest. And clean lines. Where do you learn this stuff? I want to learn, but don’t know where to start.

    139. Cynthia

      I do it! I think it adds warmth and a lived in quality to the kitchen. I don’t put much on my counters so I think I can get away with it.

    140. Wendy Y

      I think it’s the neutral color on the walls that’s giving you that feeling. (And putting the ironstone up there would be more neutral.) Those nice white cabinets don’t get a chance to really pop. But before you decide what to put up there it might be a good idea to settle on the fabric. (I know you’ve been working on that one! ?) There used to be a design show called “Room by Room” on HGTV. While those styles are now outdated (she used lots of goodies up over her cabinets too ?), her basic formulas still work. In my business people ask me all of the time what colors to use, and I give them her advice: start with a fabric or a piece of art. Then pull the colors from there for the room. (It can be lighter or darker shades of those colors too.). The artist who created the painting or the fabric has already done the work for you, creating colors that work well together. Maybe once you get the fabric chosen the details will all fall into place. Happy decorating Marian! I’m amazed at how quickly you’ve been able to do so much painting, especially the cabinets! Thanks for sharing all your discoveries with us ?. You are a great source of inspiration and encouragement!

    141. karen

      Not a fan. Your pot rack is the focal point.

    142. Jessica

      I am like you. My old house did not allow me to display things above the cabinets but I was okay with that. Now I have much taller ceilings. I have white cabinets, a very similar counter top to what you have now, and a very light shade of grey on the walls. Mine felt sparse. I lined up a few old cookbooks, a collection of milk glass vases, a tea pot, a serving tray and a couple of glass milk cartons and was very happy with the results. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

    143. MaryLisa Noyes

      Give it a try…it’s fun to play around with collectibles

    144. Marianne in Mo.

      I did the clutter above the cabinets for YEARS! So hated getting up there and cleaning the stuff, then putting it back up, knowing it was just grabbing grease, cooking film and dead spiders/gnats. UGH! (BTW, I used big cut to fit blocks of styrofoam to fill in the depressed top of the cabinets) In this latest house (built last year) I wanted the little lighted small cabinets above the usable ones, but budget said “oh no you don’t! ” So, I now go with nothing up there. Doesn’t bother me in the least ( when I think of the yuck I once dealt with, it soothes my soul.)

    145. Kathleen

      I vote for nothing till you decide what fabrics to set the color mood. Your an amazing lady and whatever you do will be great. PS I think the pot rack distracts from your style .
      Also think about using a painting above the cabinets. You are an amazing artisf Marian . Love reading your posts every day ?❤️

    146. Robin

      My collection of vintage and more recent teapots reside on top of my cabinets…along with a few vintage tin canisters and vintage glass milk bottles (my husband was raised on his family’s dairy farm). I love it

    147. Denise

      I avoid placing things above my kitchen cabinetry because of the grease and dust which tends to collect up there. I simply don’t have enough time to take everything down and clean it on a regular basis…if it’s dirty it’s a source of frustration for me. Also I feel it is a bit of a dated approached to decorating. I have been know to store my bright orange colander up there for a touch of color, but that’s as far as I have gone. My motto has always been, ‘to each his/her own’ and I feel there should be no hard rules with expressing ones style. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

    148. Lillian

      You have the stock. That would free op easy access space. It would mantain the quiet monotone background. I personally love the counters you have for a quiet contrast. Your
      choice! ‘Excited to see, wonder workin’ woman!

    149. Lillian

      Not only do I like the counters, I like the crown molding. It decorates & the space above is short.
      I also filled in my recesses over the cabinets with styrofoam. I topped that with 18” floor tiles to scrub the grease/dust!

    150. Anne

      The first thing I noticed with your “before” picture was the black chalkboard wall. It seemed to make everything POP! The new kitchen is beautiful, but I understand what you mean…taking it to a next level. I’m still over the decorating above the shelves, mainly because I find it difficult to balance the busyness on top with the busyness in the rest of the room. I have a set of 1950 quarter round shelves in my kitchen that needed something on them. I tried blue and white items, and it looked fine. When I switched to all white, I LOVED it. No busy color, but texture to fill in the space and not detract from the rest of the kitchen. Your ironstone came to my mind , also. I say, give it a try!

    151. Karen

      I agree with some of your other followers, you just need some contrast somewhere in the space……painting the island a different color, a beautiful iron pendant over sink or island possibly. I think the ironstone will just add more white on white. You have a great eye!

    152. Hannah

      Your kitchen is a real tribute to your great taste and incredible work ethic – you’ve gotten so much done so fast! Question: how did you mount those platters to the wall? I have some antique platters I would love to hang, but haven’t figured out any good way to do it. Thank you!

    153. Bekki

      I have things above my cabinets, but there is 18 inches of space up there. It’s mostly enamel ware and red bowls which
      I use and in a small kitchen need to store them somewhere. I do have pieces of Styrofoam covered in wax paper that I’ve hidden to add height since the crown makes everything seem to disappear below it and the wax paper makes it easy to clean all the dust and grime.

    154. Leslie

      Can not wait to see it! I’m typically in favor of leaving the area clean and clear, but when we moved two years ago, I told my husband that his gaming figures and collectibles had to be on display in his office area, or gone- no more boxes and boxes of this stuff!! (I figured too if I’m sight, he would feel more satisfied with what he had already and stop buying… it worked!)
      He turned it back on me though and said the same to my white serving pieces- so they currently reside above the cabinets.

    155. Kim

      I say keep the things you love. I think the room could definitely use some texture. Baskets for sure. But I also think that perhaps your island could be butcher block. I think it would balance out your pot rack and add some warmth to the space. I’ve enjoyed watching your progress and wish I had your energy!

    156. Laurie

      I put a long chicken feeder filled with faux white geraniums on top of mine. Filled in great and was only 1 piece instead of several. I used to have ironstone but I needed to change it up. Can’t wait to see what you do.

    157. Judy

      Hi Marian, I too used to decorate the tops of my kitchen cabinets back in the day! I used plywood to level out the top and then filled with cute vintage-y decor. Which I loved! I now have cabinets that go to the ceiling with crown moulding and I like that too. It will be interesting to see what you come up with. I know it will look great!

    158. Nancy

      I thought the cabinets were a perfect spot for your ironstone since I first saw your kitchen. Nothing “90’s” about antiques. Timeless.

    159. Suzette

      Ironstone for sure!
      I have a few scattered pieces of milk glass over mine. Would love to close the tops in, but I know I can’t do it.

    160. Tori

      I’m with JC! My first thought was for filling in that space with small, glass front cabinets; and I like her idea about having decorative mullions (cross pieces) too. Lighting them could beautifully highlight whatever you place inside; and you get the added benefit of your ceilings looking higher because the cabinets go all the way up – and no dusty decor.
      I had a collection of pitchers above one section of cabinets (not even near the stove) in our last house, and while I enjoyed it, I did not enjoy cleaning them! ?

      Love how the paint freshened these up so well! Now find you some fabulous Marian fabric and it will add a lot. ?

    161. Deborah Hammond Peebles

      Well, I am disappointed and also relieved that pots, berries, vines and fake plants are all out. I am disappointed because when I had that atop my cabinets in my beautiful home in Dallas, TX, that was my most professional part of my decor. I had a fancy interior designer and her assistant do them all and they were beautiful. Since those years, I no longer have a big beautiful house with high ceiling and space above my cabinets. I have always longed to have those again. I am now relieved that this kind of decor is OUT OF STYLE so I can quit dreaming about those cabinets. I

    162. Kerri

      Not shocked that it’s ironstone. Relieved. Ahhhhh.

    163. DeAnne

      Your painted cabinets and clear glass hardware is beautiful. Perfect really. Yes, I think a few pieces of your pretty ironstone on top of the cabinets would be very fitting to your home. It will carry the eye upwards and highlight the texture of the crown molding. Which I love by the way.
      I agree with a previous comment of decluttering the pot rack. “Less is more” and your copper pots and pans are gorgeous.
      I always look forward to your posts.

    164. Sara

      Looking forward to seeing how it looks! Our family loves collection shells on trips-so I have a section of glass canning jars, some clear, some blue filled with shells. Each jar has a different kind of shell, which keeps it looking less jumbled, and the shells are displayed without getting dusty!

    165. Debi

      When you put something up there, I think you will find that there isn’t as much space as you thought especially with the crown molding on the front of the cabinets. In my opinion, there is enough going on already—the cabinet crown, the ceiling crown and the added height of that corner cabinet, along with the pot-rack is more than enough. Adding more up at the ceiling will only add a distraction and your eyes will never know where to rest. Once fabric is introduced, the look will be softened and more cohesive—and also remember that the curtain/shade will add another design element up high. I would remove some of the things on the counter tops also so that it would be a bit less cluttered.

    166. judy

      Maybe paint the above cabinet space the same color as the cabinets .

    167. Debbie

      I think adding decor above the cabinets will be too busy. Also, I would dread taking the breakable items down for cleaning. I just think your time could be better spent on something else. Have you considered adding lights on the top of the cabinets, pointing up toward the ceiling. It gives a nice glow in the evenings and isn’t cluttered feeling. My personal taste would be for a slight bit more contrast in your wall color, like the pale blue in your last kitchen. I like the sign over the sink very much. Good luck! Whatever you do will be beautiful.

    168. Cara

      I just took ALL of my decorations down and painted my kitchen lighter. I do love the simplicity and I think it looks cleaner. I am thinking of adding a collection of milk glass to keep the light color but add some of that texture back in. Can’t wait to see what you do!

    169. Kendyl

      First let me say, I NEVER comment here but was compelled by little Miss negative up there Patricia! WOW! Her first comment was fine, but then to CONTINUE and CONTINUE! WOW!
      I LOVE THE POT RACK EXACTLY THE WAY IT IS. It’s part of your personality and sets you apart from others. I used to LOVE Pinterest and IG looking at how others used found items and reused them. Now all I see is the same ol rooms done the same ol way! Kitchens with Rae Dunn and Blahhhhh Blahhhhh Blahhhh. Noooo personality!! So you be you and to the ones who cannot keep their comments in check, there is a lovely delete button!
      As for the above cabinet decorating for which this thread was for….. I cannot wait to see what you do. I have never done it, but only from lack of the right personality or decor to put up there.

    170. Heidi

      So since we’re ALL commenting on this post, i had a couple 2 cents i thought I’d share…and since I’m not going to be doing any of the work ;p…….
      Ironstone above the cabinets is definitely worth a shot, but I don’t think it’ll make you super happy. As much as I’d personally like cabinets-to-the-ceiling, I think bulkheads with your oil paintings or vintage wooden signs would look more finished and more like your current style.
      PS, I’ve always liked the pot rack, but I’m thinking the scale may not suit this space. What about swapping in a long wooden ladder or an old crib bottom? Something a bit bigger that relates to the island a little more harmoniously (and perhaps with less of a modern, polished flavor?).
      You’re going to make it sing, whateveryou decide!

    171. Jeanna

      I think it’s wasted space if you’re not using the space above the cabinets. 🙂 And I don’t care if people think it’s dated or not, lol :)” I have lovely old blue Ball glass jars, cool old tobacco tins with great colors and graphics, some really old kitchen bowls and utensils, a very old cookie jar of my husbands, a couple old butter churns in another part of the kitchen with other tins…………………..it’s cool. But I am careful with the rest of the house. It’s a great mix of antique furniture mixed with modern prints and upholstery.

    172. Diana Gibbs

      I can’t wait to see it, my kitchen cabinets have stuff on top, old windows, crates, antiques etc. I am so wanting to paint my cabinets but even with your tips I am still scared to.
      Hugs, Di

    173. Gavin

      What ever you put up there it ends up being a dust and grease trap, I’ve fitted a roll of LED lights and it creates a different mood lighting idea, some times less is definitely more ?

    174. Karen

      If you put anything above those cabinets, the ironstone pitchers would probably be best. Keep in mind that whatever goes there will eventually become greasy and soiled and would be best thrown in the dishwasher to clean.

    175. PJ

      How about moving some of your copper pans and colanders to the space above your cabinets?This would link the space to your pot rack and reduce the visual load of the pot rack. Plus a bit of sparkle above the cabinets would be lovely.

    176. Susan

      If you have the pot rack maybe go with a clean look above the cabinets.

    177. Barbara Schweigert

      I would love to have the Industrial Crane Draft Table for my home office.

    178. Rebecca Neustel

      I say decorate in the style that makes you happy! I don’t think I could have a blog and ask for suggestions or approval for decorating choices. I know what I like and what feels like home to me, and I’m pretty sure you do, too.

    179. Charmin

      Wow! People have some strong opinions about your pot rack! LOL! I applaud you on your bravery/gumption of asking our opinion. You know what they say about opinions…. I, for one, love everything you have done. I am a sucker for blue and white. That being said, It appears your decorating style is changing a little. While it is still lovely, I think it is a shock for some. It is more traditional than french farmhouse. I think people expect you to stay in your little box. I admit, the carpeting threw me for a loop at first because I LOVED your hardwood floors! I lived vicariously through you because I had carpet and wanted hardwood floors. But, it is still beautiful. The only comment I will make is that I miss the blue. For me. You do blue so well. Whatever you do, it will be beautiful.

    180. D.

      Dear M.M.S.
      Thank you for your online presence in my life. I look forward to your posts each day. You are appreciated. You contribute beauty, reality, and inspiration to our lives giving us enjoyment and the courage to try things in our own homes. May your day be filled with the peace and joy of our Savior.

    181. Tonya

      You moved to Minnesota?! GLEE! 🙂

    182. Pam Kenney

      Hi Marian,
      Here in New Hampshire we have wild bittersweet vines growing all over. These yellow berries pop after they are cut to reveal a bright red berry inside and the yellow shell still attached. I clip these vines and place them above my kitchen cabinets every fall. They add a really simple yet seasonal touch to my kitchen. I let the leaves dry out before I put them up and I crumble most of them off, but some are left to add a little more natural feel. Some of these vines are really cool they way they twist and corkscrew in different directions. If you have any in your area, I recommend giving it a try. These vines also give a nice touch to any fall arrangements you might have inside or out. Warning: the berries fall off when the vines get really dry so have a broom ready. I wouldn’t let the dog eat them either. Good luck if you try it!

    183. Terri

      I mean, dang! You never know what’s going to spark the great debate! Lol. I love the pot rack, it’s warm, welcoming, and says “we actually live and cook here.” I think just a little color contrast in the room will bring it all together! And can I say….I am absolutely blown away with all you’ve done in your home in just a few months! I’ve been in my house almost 2 years and still thinking about painting those cabinets! 😉 ps- are you getting snow down there? We already have a few inches in St. Paul! Xo

    184. Andy Shepard

      I think this is one of the best Ikea kitchens I have seen, amazing job. Can you share the cabinet colors or did you do seminhandmade and do custom colors?

    Hello!

    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

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