Greenery Above Cabinets Transforms an Ordinary Kitchen

Adding plants and greenery above your kitchen cabinets is an easy and affordable way to transform the look and feel of your kitchen. The inclusion of living plants brings a natural element into the space and instantly makes it feel more lively and inviting. Greenery placed strategically above the cabinets also helps break up the large expanse of wall space that is often found in kitchens, providing visual interest and texture.

There are many benefits to decorating the space above your cabinets with greenery. Here are some of the top reasons to consider this simple kitchen upgrade.

Benefits of Greenery Above Kitchen Cabinets

Greenery above the kitchen cabinets offers a variety of benefits for both the aesthetic and function of the space.

• Adds color and softness - The green colors and soft rounded shapes of plants provide pleasant contrast to the hard lines and surfaces of most kitchens.
• Helps break up wall space - Plants prevent the large expanse of wall above the cabinets from feeling flat and uninteresting.
• Makes kitchen feel more lively - The presence of living plants makes the whole kitchen feel more alive and vibrant.
• Improves indoor air quality - Plants help filter and purify the air, removing toxins and releasing oxygen.
• Provides a focal point - Greenery draws the eye upwards, creating a natural focal point for the kitchen.

In addition to being visually appealing, having plants and greenery around can actually boost your mood and reduce stress. Who wouldn't want that in the kitchen, which is often the busiest and most high-stress room of the house?

Choosing the Best Greenery

When selecting plants to place above your kitchen cabinets, you'll want to choose varieties that can tolerate the particular growing conditions of that space.

Here are some top options that do well in the kitchen:

Succulents

Succulents are ideal for kitchen spaces as they require very little maintenance and can tolerate low natural light. There are so many interesting succulent varieties to choose from including:

• Hens and chicks (Echeveria) - Rounded, rosette shapes
• Burro's tail (Sedum morganianum) - Trailing stems with leaves
• Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea) - Unique, curved leaves

Air Plants

Air plants, or Tillandsia, are epiphytes that don't require soil. Their uniquely shaped leaves cascade in a beautiful, natural way. Try varieties like:

• Tillandsia ionantha - Clusters of spiky green leaves
• Tillandsia xerographica - Long, graceful silver green leaves
• Tillandsia juncea - Bright green spiraling leaves

Herbs

Herbs are a very functional choice for above the cabinets as you can snip fresh seasoning while cooking. Go for hardy herbs like:

• Rosemary - Has woody stems and pine-scented leaves
• Oregano - Flavorful and pretty green leaves
• Thyme - Delicate looking with purple flowers
• Mint - Choose peppermint or spearmint for their fragrance

Installation Options

Once you've selected the ideal greenery, you'll need to determine the best way to install and display your new plants. Here are some options:

Hanging Planters

Hanging planters allow you to create a cascading effect with greenery above the cabinets. Macrame or rope holders give a nice handcrafted look. Consider materials like:

• Ceramic
• Concrete
• Wire
• Wicker
• Glass

Mounted Shelves

Installing floating shelves above the cabinets provides a sturdy base to display multiple potted plants.

• Opt for metal brackets and wood shelves for support
• Stagger shelves at different heights for interest

Adhesive Hooks

Adhesive hooks that easily stick to the wall or cabinet surface are perfect for hanging air plants or single small succulents.

• No tools or hardware required
• Can easily reposition
• Good temporary option

Caring for Greenery Above Cabinets

While most of these plants are relatively low maintenance, you will need to provide proper care to keep your kitchen greenery thriving.

Watering

Watering needs can vary depending on the plant variety, so check soil moisture regularly. As a general rule:

• Succulents need less frequent watering, around once every 2-3 weeks
• Herbs and air plants need weekly watering
• Only water when soil is partly dry to avoid overwatering

Sunlight

Most greenery prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Kitchens with southern or western facing windows are ideal. If sunlight is limited:

• Focus on low-light plants like pothos or Chinese evergreens
• Use supplemental grow lights as needed

Fertilizing & Pruning

To maintain healthy growth:

• Use a diluted houseplant fertilizer monthly
• Trim dead leaves and stems as needed
• Prune overgrown plants to encourage thicker growth

Design Inspiration for Greenery Above Cabinets

When planning your kitchen greenery design, consider the following elements for an appealing look:

• Choose greenery shapes and colors that complement your cabinet finishes
• Coordinate with kitchen backsplash and countertop materials
• Mix different plant heights, shapes, and textures
• Incorporate hanging pendant lights around or within the greenery
• Use decorative pots and planters that match your kitchen's style

Feel free to get creative with your greenery arrangement! The key is maintaining balance while highlighting your favorite plants and kitchen features.

Incorporating greenery above your kitchen cabinets is an easy DIY project that can completely transform the look, feel, and function of the space. The benefits of bringing these living plants into your kitchen are plentiful - they add natural beauty, purify the air, provide a focal point, and even boost your mood.

Select low-maintenance yet attractive plants like succulents, air plants, or herbs to match your kitchen's light and style. Install them in ways that complement your cabinetry using hanging planters, mounted shelves, or adhesive hooks. Maintain your new greenery with proper watering, sunlight, and pruning. Most importantly, allow your own creativity to shine through in designing a beautiful and personalized kitchen plant display.

You can take your kitchen from boring to breathtaking with a few simple touches. Bring those cabinets to life and enjoy the uplifting power of plants every time you cook or wash dishes.