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Space above kitchen units - no idea what to do with it!

3 years ago

I have had a fairly modern kitchen installed into my Victorian house. Initially I was going to box it in but I’m worried that there is so much space between the kitchen units and the ceiling that it won’t work. I have also had down lighters installed and they would be too close should I box it in and have the cornicing continued round. I had thought about stone cladding (similar time outside walls) but I’m worried that it would end up just a mix of different styles. Would love to hear suggestions.

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jullaureg
Original Author

3 years ago

Thanks everyone for taking the time to help me with this. I think I’m going to go with the boxing it in stepped back as suggested then also breaking the space up with shelves keeping it the same colour as the walls. I have also noticed that my central light should be moved to above the seating area as opposed to being central which is above the hob. Thanks again. Julie

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Comments (19)

Richard L
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Paint it same colour as the side walls and wait for inspiration...

Seriously - looks fine apart from the unfinished wall to me - if you make good in a simple way now 6-12 months an idea might come to you and have another go then?

Its quite nice having the horizontal aspect emphasised as it stands.

Could always mock up the boxing in with a roll of lining paper and tape and again - live with it for a week and see what you think?
Ellie
3 years ago
I think the units would have been better taller, what height are they? For me, the gap is emphasised by the plinth/cornice with the lights, and it makes the kitchen area look enclosed. I would remove that bit. You can put books/plants above.
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jullaureg
Original Author
3 years ago
The kitchen units measure 220cm and the space above is 80cm.
kazzh
3 years ago
when kitchen design moves towards display, as against tucking away, you'll have the perfect spot to place oversize objects or large format prints!
pmasmith3
3 years ago
Don't draw attention to it - as Richard says paint the same as other walls. After all, your lovely radiator and window are the stars!
Carolina
3 years ago
I'd box it in. Make it look like it's in a made to measure niche.
Daisy England
3 years ago
From the start I think those units should have been taller.
Jonathan
3 years ago
If you don’t have coving above consider putting a 30cm deep box above the cabinets so they look semi recessed- then add lights above the cabinets
Sonia
3 years ago
Box it in, otherwise it will be a magnet for greasy dust!
Patrina
3 years ago
Agree with @Daisy England the cabinets do not look in proportion to the room. Double height cabinets would be a better use of space.
jullaureg
Original Author
3 years ago
The problem is I’ve just spent a small fortune on the kitchen so I can’t change them now. I just need to find the best way of finishing things off. I appreciate everyone’s comments though. Julie
Patrina
3 years ago
OK found a few ideas that may help to have a more finished look
1sandyh
3 years ago
Have full height/tall wall units
jullaureg
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks so much for that. I really like splitting it with a shelf. X
Jen
3 years ago
I love this contrast between the modern kitchen and the traditional features of a room I’m guessing is Georgian.
Is there ornate coving at the ceiling? If so, then simply decorate the area above the units to match the rest of the room and emphasise the contrast.
If there’s no coving then you could do as Jonathon suggests: box in above the units but at a depth of 30cm rather than the full depth of the cabinets, and creating a semi-recessed appearance. Hopefully that would give sufficient space for your ceiling lights.
And, this would also allow you to fit a display shelf across the remaining space - if you wished - that is less deep and therefore more functional and easily accessible.
minnie101
3 years ago
Lovely kitchen. Personally I’d box it in and move the downlights forwards as in the photo Carolina posted.

I think a pendant light would really help divert your eye downwards. I’ve just used my own light which you may not like but the poor photoshop was just to give an idea 😊
Picasso
3 years ago
Looks great but I'd always go for cupboards up to the ceiling to maximise storage and minimise cleaning. (I've never gone for baskets in the kitchen as they must get filthy.) You can get slim stepladders. Can you box it in with handle-less doors which push open?
Finn O'Mara
3 years ago
very late seeing this but looking at the window to the right gives users how tall the ceiling really is as
your photo doesn't show it.
i think of the ceiling is higher than you can see in the photo the boxes in look would be too much. if just paint it.

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