Like fake plants, baskets, etc. My cabinets are open at the top and I have plants and baskets up there now, should I take it all down and leave it blank?? Thanks

It's personal preference really. I don't have this open area, but if I did, I'd accessorize it minimally if at all. Keep in mind that you have to clean it periodically too. Factor in your decor. If contemporary, less is typically more. If country, accessories evoking the colors of your scheme, an era, a country etc. all can be showcased in vignettes there. Keep in mind also that large scale is essential as it's viewed from below. Focus lighting on this area. Resist the urge to overcrowd and fill the entire void. The eye needs a place to rest. Here are some items typically displayed above kitchen cabinets and some unexpected:
>collections (ie. roosters, pitchers, cookie jars, antique tools, clocks, etc.)
>plants (quality silks/garlands)
>colored glass bottles back lit
>birdhouses/birdcage
>statuary
>baskets
>decorative boxes/chests
>weather vane
>topiaries
>framed prints
>vintage signs
>wooden lettering/words
>decorative trays
>plates on stands
>crockery
>branch w/ birds/nest
>vinegar/veggie jars
>apothocary/glass jars filled w/ dried foods (layering colors/sizes/textures of dried foods is more pleasing to the eye)
>vintage lunch boxes
>candlesticks/lanterns
>wine rack
>faux fruits/veggies/pastries/breads
>coffee grinders
>iron grillwork (proped up)
>pottery
>teapots
>architectural salvage (ie. finials, corbels, pediments)
>mini columns (use as risers)
>decorative spheres
>faux cakes/pastries under domed cake dishes
>miniature furniture
>nutcrackers
>food tins

I am definitely in the camp that prefers to keep upper cabinet areas free of accessories. This probably comes from my mother who early on influenced me to stay away from what she called "dust collectors," lots of teeny-weeny fussy things.

You have gotten some good suggestions from Froo Froo. What makes or breaks an upper cabinet display is how well it is "merchandised" so as to keep it balanced and uncluttered. My SIL has an awesome ability to merchandise lots of stuff in a way that evokes the best displays in an upscale gift store. But, not everyone has that talent. Often, upper cabinet displays look just plain messy and out of scale.

If you feel you need some help with display, clip pictures of rooms that have pleasing arrangements and feel free to borrow those ideas.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Boricua,

I like that area bare. I like cabinets that have a moulding at the top and I like to notice the architecture, not knick knacks.

In my old apartment I used the space above my kitchen cabinets to store seldom used pans, cookbooks, etc. When space is at a premium, what's in or not isn't important.
Kim

First I cover the top of the cabinets with wax paper... you can't see it and it is easy to throw away and replace rather than wash it. I like the idea of something on the top... just not too much. If you like what you have - keep it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: metwo,

Great idea, metwo! It really does get messy up there with the dust and grease. My kitchen has lots of natural light so I can keep plants on top of my cabinets. I also have various candle holders (like hurricanes)up there but they have to be put through the dishwasher every so often to clean up.
I agree with some of the other posters who have suggested that less is more.

METWO that is probably the most brilliant suggestion I've ever read. Thank you thank you thank you. I have fussed with trying to clean that area up of grease collection on it for years and it's almost impossible. Now I'm just going to get some wax paper, cover it, and throw the crud away when I need to.

The wax paper idea is really great. I'm going to give it a try. I also like having a little somthing up top

Wow. That wax paper idea is GREAT! I bought a home a few months ago with space on the top of the cabinets, and while I'm in the camp of not wanting to put stuff on top of the cabinets, I will definitely line the top with wax paper. I've cleaned the top of cabinets in the past before, and it's no picnic. Thank you, Metwo!

i have a collection of wine crates (first growth bordeaux, yquem, etc.) that i plan to put on top of the cabinets. wish i had the wine that was in them (lol). but i think i'll put them on wax paper!! great idea. my mama always said to put dish towels up there, but you have to wash them!

I thought almost everyone used wax paper up there; guess because I have done it for years
Glad it was an idea some of you can use.... either with stuff displayed or not.

I do wax paper too, guess because my mom always did.

On mine I have a wine crate, wine rack (too tall for under cabinets, unfortunately) a decorative plate, a tall obelisk and an antique radio. And a plant.

Kind of a lot, but all larger things which don't need frequent dusting.

I am a fan of the clean and clear look. If you absolutely must have something up there make sure it isn't a bunch of little knick knacks. There is a famous designer that always refers to that look as having "room dandruff".

We use the top of our cabinets to display a collection of vintage refridgerator dishes, teapots and water pitchers from the 20s, 30s and 40s. We put melamine boards on top of the cabinets (we have a bit of molding at the top that hides it) to ease clean up. The other thing we did was have my electrician father run power up there and run rope lighting along the run of cabinets. When the kitchen is not in use and we are entertaining at night, the lighting draws people's eyes to the display.