Boost Storage and Style with Greenery Above Kitchen Cabinets

The space above kitchen cabinets often goes unused and neglected. But this wasted area presents the perfect opportunity to add visual interest and extra storage with the help of greenery and other accessories. With a mix of real and faux plants, along with clever storage solutions, you can transform the empty space into a practical and stylish feature that elevates your kitchen design.

Greenery above kitchen cabinets brings life and vibrancy into the room. Lush potted plants, hanging baskets cascading with foliage, and trailing vines soften hard surfaces and infuse color and texture. The plants help purify the air while their emerald hues provide a soothing sense of nature. You don't need much space or natural light to enjoy the benefits of greenery - even small kitchens can accommodate miniature potted herbs or low-light philodendrons.

Choosing the Right Plants

When selecting greenery for your kitchen space, consider the light levels and your personal preferences. Sun-loving herbs like mint, oregano and thyme thrive in bright kitchens with plenty of natural illumination from windows. For darker corners of the kitchen, go for low-light champions like philodendron, pothos or zz plants. Their lush cascading foliage tolerates lower light. If you have an affection for herbs but lack sufficient sunlight, opt for faux varieties that offer the look without the maintenance. Mixing real and artificial plants together creates a lush, full look and allows you to place faux greenery in problem spots.

Low Light Varieties

Philodendron scandens is a versatile vining plant with heart-shaped leaves that can tolerate low light areas. An easy-care houseplant, its trailing stems can grow quite long when given the chance. Pothos is another low-light lover, with variegated leaves on winding vines. ZZ plants feature waxy leaves on upright stems, able to withstand low light and occasional neglect. Place these hardy plants in shaded spots above cabinets or in the back of the kitchen.

Herbs and Vegetables

For kitchens blessed with ample sunlight, try growing fresh herbs and even miniature vegetable plants. Mint, oregano, thyme and other cooking herbs thrive when given sufficient bright light. Plant them in small pots and arrange on shelves above cabinets to have herbs within easy reach. Salad greens like lettuce, kale and spinach can also be grown in pots and enjoyed as microgreens. Just be sure to provide 5-6 hours of sunlight for the plants to really flourish.

Mixing Real and Fake Plants

Using both real and artificial plants together helps create a lush, full look in the space above your cabinets. Place live plants in ideal sunny spots, then use good quality fake plants to fill in problem areas with low light. The varying textures and colors make the display appear more natural and realistic. Faux succulents, vines and ferns blend seamlessly with real plants. Upgrade cheap plastic greenery to higher-end silk or preserved varieties for the most authentic look.

Arranging the Greenery

When displaying your new greenery above the kitchen cabinets, aim for an artful, coordinated look. Avoid simply sticking plants on shelves without thought or care. Take into account the size and shape of the space, and use design principles to make the most of the area.

Vary the heights, shapes and textures of the plants for visual interest. Use hanging baskets or wall-mounted shelves to add different display levels. Group complementary colors together for a cohesive look. Contrast spiky succulents with soft trailing vines. Space plants out judiciously rather than cramming them close together. Leave some empty space between items to prevent a cluttered appearance.

Hanging Plants

Hanging baskets allow you to artfully drape greenery above and between cabinets. Use S-hooks to hang small teardrop-shaped planters along the underside of wall cabinets. For larger spaces, install hanging rods or rails and suspend hefty pots of trailing philodendrons and pothos vines. Their stems can grow several feet long. Position baskets at varying heights for visual impact. Place lower to reflect greenery in the kitchen window, or higher to make the space feel taller.

Shelving and Ladders

Sturdy shelving and mini ladders arranged horizontally enable you to securely display greenery above cabinets. Install solid floating shelves and place assorted potted plants, herb gardens and trailing vines. A slim ladder shelf placed perpendicular to the wall provides surfaces for potted herbs or decor. Just be sure to securely anchor any shelving or ladders per the manufacturer's instructions. Proper mounting will keep your lovely greenery safely in place to enjoy for years to come.

Storage Solutions

In addition to lovely plants, the often-overlooked space above kitchen cabinets presents an opportunity for extra storage. Baskets and bins are ideal solutions for corralling items and adding style.

Baskets

Woven baskets are both decorative and functional for kitchen storage. For a farmhouse vibe, use whitewashed wicker or neutral rattan to hold cooking utensils, napkins and more. Wire baskets have an industrial feel. Colorful patterns or textures create visual interest. Arrange matching baskets in a row for a cohesive look. Hanging baskets on rails keep items hidden but easily accessible.

Crates and Boxes

Vintage-style wooden crates display rustic appeal above cabinets. Use them to store small appliances, cookbooks or glassware while adding warmth. Colored plastic bins are inexpensive and handy for corralling odds and ends. Label the boxes to keep organized. Shake up the look by combining different sizes and colors of crates and boxes.

Caring for Plants and Accessories

A flourishing display of greenery requires some simple maintenance. Keep real plants healthy by watering regularly and providing fertilizer. Wipe dusty leaves with a damp cloth. Prune faded blooms and overgrown vines. Periodically wipe down faux plants to remove accumulated dust. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean wicker baskets. Avoid harsh chemicals. With basic care, your plants and accessories will enhance the space for years to come.

Greenery above kitchen cabinets allows you to take advantage of often-overlooked space while adding style and function. A combination of living and faux plants improves air quality and infuses natural beauty. Strategic storage solutions like baskets maximize usable space to corral kitchen items. Bringing greenery and purposeful organization overhead creates an inviting, efficient heart of the home.