12-1/2” above my kitchen wall cabinets. What are my options?

[Packard]

I have 12-1/2” above my kitchen wall cabinets. 

Any suggestions on what to do with that space? 

 

[usernumber1]

I would like mine finished to the ceiling but second choice would be above cabinet lightning
But I think it would really depend on the existing style and design of the room, total height of the ceiling and the ceiling finish

 

[squall_line]

Depends on the height of the ceiling: is it accessible by normal means (small step stool at the most) if it were to be part of the cabinet?  Most places in the late 90s and early 2000s would use that space for additional decor: teapots, greenery, and the like, or even just up-lighting.  Sometimes if they've replaced the cabinets, they'll put glass doors and lights to keep decor visible but dust-free.

Quite frankly, without a library ladder or a step stool roving around the kitchen, space above 8' is wasted, in my opinion.  But I've also only ever owned small/short houses.

 

[Packard]

I am refacing the cabinets now with new shaker doors and drawer fronts done in satin black with modern nickel hardware.

I am about half way done and it is presenting the sleek Modern and (in my opinion) masculine appearance.

But it is also looking a bit cold and sterile.  I have maple butcher block counter top.  I will go with (probably) a mainly white tile back splash.

I was thinking of adding some wood elements to warm things up.

I’ve made some cabinets with cane front panels.  I’m wondering if they might look odd up there.

Ceiling height is 8’.  A ranch house called “mid century” probably based on the fact that there are no crown moldings anywhere in the house.

I’ve looked on line and I’ve seen lighted glass doors on top, but no cane.

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Not high enough for Sys4 T-Locs, but plenty high enough for a bunch of assorted Sys 1/2/3’s. Why waste valuable shop space?

 

[woodferret]

If this is shop space, it should also fit milk crates.  Cheap bulk storage.  Or be fancy and build your own vintage wood crates.

 

[Packard]

Kitchen wall cabinets.  Not shop cabinets.

 

[luvmytoolz]

At home we're always big on maximising storage so I'd build as high as possible. The stuff that rarely gets used could go up top then.

 

[tjbnwi]

Bundt pans, vases, wine glass and cookie jar…..

[attachimg=1]

Tom

 

[Packard]

Bundt pans, vases, wine glass and cookie jar…..

[attachimg=1]

Tom

I am trying to avoid anything that would create more housework for me (for my housekeeper, actually). The open shelves would periodic dusting. Open shelves are off the menu.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I am trying to avoid anything that would create more housework for me (for my housekeeper, actually). The open shelves would periodic dusting. Open shelves are off the menu.

+1

Everything we do we always look at the long term dust and cleaning aspect, so tend to enclose everything we build. The only things in our place that's open on the front pretty much are our bookcases.

 

[usernumber1]

if youre looking to warm it up, here's some ideas it really depends on your style and the type of person you are

* wicker baskets for storage. or wicker bins
* decorative bottles or cans
* real bottles of your drink collection
* plants
* books
* pottery
* show your hobbies up there: model making, ship in bottle, photography gear you don't mind getting dusty. bunch or systainers already recommended looks like  lol

with or without back lighting

 

[slavi.yordanov]

Slab door cabinets without hardware, painted the same color as the wall. Keeps the openness of the room, but gives you additional storage.

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Kitchen wall cabinets.  Not shop cabinets.

I knew that. It was a joke ..