The pantry is an excellent place to store kitchen staples, but there are bound to be some that spoil faster than you think or should never have been there in the first place. A pantry is a difficult space to keep organized. If your kitchen pantry is like most people’s, it becomes a catch-all for a wide range of food items.

Even in the most meticulously organized pantry, it can be difficult to tell which foods are new and which have been around for longer than they should. Many commonly stored pantry items will expire, spoil, or become contaminated over time.

Some are just taking up valuable space that you could fill with items you use on a regular basis. A clear understanding of which foods should be removed from your pantry will ensure that it is stocked with fresh and safe food items, transforming your kitchen into a source of healthful and delicious meals.

Items to Purge From Your Pantry

Several pantry items have relatively short expiration dates because of their ingredients, packaging, or susceptibility to spoilage. Other food items that you will almost certainly never use are taking up space in your pantry, preventing streamlined and efficient organization. Regularly purging these expired or unnecessary items will result in a more spacious and clean pantry.

1. Whole Grain Flours

Whole grain flours must be stored properly in order to maintain their nutritional freshness and value, as the natural oils can quickly turn rancid if not kept in optimal conditions. Unlike refined flours, whole grain varieties contain the bran and germ from the wheat, which spoil more quickly. This includes whole grain flours like wheat, rye, and spelt. According to most experts, whole grain flours last about three months at room temperature.

To extend their shelf life at room temperature, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry area of your pantry. For even longer storage, place them in the refrigerator or freezer because the cold temperatures slow the oxidation that causes them to go rancid. Cold storage will extend the shelf life of whole grain flours to 6-9 months. Always keep them in an airtight container to avoid moisture and pests.

2. Nuts

Nuts spoil quickly due to their high oil content, which makes them susceptible to oxidation and rancidification. When nuts are exposed to light, their oils are broken down, resulting in off flavors and odors that indicate that they have spoiled. This process is accelerated in hot, humid, and bright environments, particularly during the summer months, when these conditions are most prevalent. Nuts can also absorb the odors of surrounding foods, which also impacts their flavor,

To extend their shelf life, it is vital that nuts be stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment in an airtight container. For an even longer shelf life, refrigerating or freezing the nuts will best preserve their integrity, ensuring that they are fresh and flavorful for a longer period of time.

3. Certain Oils

Certain oils, due to their chemical composition, particularly their levels of unsaturated fat, will go rancid sooner than others. This includes nut and seed oils such as walnut, flaxseed, sesame, grapeseed, and hemp. These oils contain a high percentage of unsaturated or polyundaturated fats, which are less stable and more sensitive to light, heat, and air. When these oils go rancid, they lose flavor, vitamins, and may develop potentially toxic compounds.

Keeping these oils in dark glass containers and in a cool, dark place will help them last longer. Some experts recommend storing them in the refrigerator. This can cause a cloudy appearance, which, while not harmful to taste or health, can be unappealing to consumers.

4. Spices and Herbs

Storing spices and herbs is critical for maintaining their potency, flavor, and aroma over time. Spices and herbs are sensitive to light, heat, moisture, and air, all of which can reduce their quality quickly. It is also necessary to keep track of when you buy your spices because, even with the best storage, bottled herbs and spices will lose their effectiveness. The specific length of time you can keep herbs and spices depends on the specific variety, but most spices remain potent up to two years and herbs range between 1-3 years.

To maximize their shelf life, store them in a cool, dry place in an air-tight container. This helps to protect their volatile oils that give them their characteristic flavor. Whole spices tend to hold their flavor longer than ground varieties. Regularly checking the flavor of your herbs and spices will ensure that they remain effective and vibrant for your cooking.

5. Baking Products

Baking powder, soda, yeast, sugars, and chocolate are all sensitive to heat, light, and air. Baking powder, soda, and yeast contain ingredients that degrade and lose their effectiveness when exposed to these environmental factors. This means that your baked goods will be flat and dense, rather than soft and filled with air pockets. Sugar can become dense and hard when exposed to humidity, while chocolate develops a white, powdery surface.

These items should always be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry area of the pantry. Baking soda and yeast can be kept fresher for longer by storing them in the fridge or freezer.

6. Dry Grains and Pasta

Dry grains and pastas are considered shelf stable because they maintain their structural and flavor integrity while in the pantry. However, even these items can deteriorate over time due to exposure to moisture, air, and pests as a result of improper storage. This is especially true for whole grains and whole grain pasta, such as quinoa, farro, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta.

Store these items in airtight containers in a cool and dry place to preserve their freshness and flavor. Label these items with purchase dates so that you can always use older items before buying new ones.

7. Exotic Food Gifts and Souveniers

Almost everyone has some exotic food gifts and souvenirs in their pantry that take up valuable pantry space. These items frequently accumulate in the pantry because they are not part of your regular cooking routine. People often feel guilty about getting rid of these items because they believe they will eventually use them, or they feel bad about discarding a gift. But many of these items contain delicate ingredients such as oil, herbs, and spices, which will eventually go bad.

Consider which exotic food items you will actually use and which you will not. Discard the items that are just taking up space, and keep the ones that are important to you. If you want to use a specific item, devise a concrete plan for incorporating it into future snacks and meals.

8. Condiments

Many condiments are purchased for one specific recipe and then relegated to the back of the pantry and forgotten. Items like sauces, spreads, and dressings need to be checked periodically to ensure that they are still flavorful and haven’t spoiled.

Check the expiration dates regularly. Assess which condiments you use on a regular basis and those that you might never use again. Try to avoid duplicate items by keeping all of your condiments in the same place and checking them before you purchase other condiments.

9. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit, while shelf stable and convenient, can often degrade more quickly than you use it, especially if the dried fruit does not contain preservatives. Dried fruit can develop mold in humid environments or if exposed to moisture. Dried fruit can also lose its flavor and become dry and leathery.

Examine the condition of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apples. Discard any fruit that shows signs of deterioration or mold. To extend the shelf life of your dried fruit, store it in a cool, dry location in an airtight container.

How Do I Know When My Pantry Items Have Gone Bad?

Knowing when pantry items have gone bad involves regularly monitoring your items and using your senses to observe changes in appearance, taste, texture, and smell.

• Check for Expiration Dates: One of the simplest ways to tell if your pantry items have gone bad is to look for expiration or “best-used by” dates on the packaging. While these are typically conservative estimates, they can also be used to determine when a food item is no longer good.
• Inspect Packaging: Look for signs of damage to the packaging, such as bulges, leaks, and tears. This will accelerate the deterioration of the interior contents compared to intact packaging.
• Use Your Senses: Smell the items in question to see if you detect a sour or rancid odor, which may indicate spoilage. Look for changes in the items’ appearance, such as discoloration, mold, or unusual spots. Feel the item to check for clumping, hardness, or unusual stickiness.
• Look for Indications of Pests: Check for signs of pests, such as insects, rodents, or their droppings.
• Test Effectiveness: Certain items like baking powder, soda, and yeast will fizz or bubble in hot water if still active.
• Trust Your Judgement: After you have assessed the item using the steps outlined above, you can decide based on the steps above whether it is still good. If you are unsure, it is always better to discard rather than use the item in question.

The post 9 Items That You Should Toss From Your Pantry ASAP appeared first on Homedit.

Backsplash designs are the natural focal point in kitchens and bathrooms and, as such, can have a significant impact on a room’s aesthetics. Homeowners frequently use the backsplash to add a touch of style and class by incorporating unique or colorful elements. Unfortunately, these elements can quickly become outdated and do not complement the overall aesthetic of the kitchen or bathroom.

These once-trendy styles frequently clash with the more classic or neutral elements in the design, resulting in a visual disconnect that causes the entire room to appear out of style much sooner than necessary. Updating your backsplash is an essential way to revitalize your kitchen or bathroom, ensuring that it reflects current design sensibilities and maintains overall cohesiveness.

Outdated backsplashes can quickly date your entire kitchen or bathroom, but they do not necessitate a full room renovation. The backsplash is usually a relatively easy design element to change if you are considering updating a room’s appearance.

Tuscan or Mediterranean Themes

Tuscan or Mediterranean-themed backsplashes, with ornate patterns, small mosaics, rich earth tones, and intricate tile work, were once synonymous with elegant and inviting kitchens. These backsplashes now appear artificial and unnatural. They are thought to be too busy for the modern, more streamlined style that characterizes contemporary kitchens.

Small Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles, with their small, multicolored pieces, were once a popular choice for bringing color and texture into the kitchen. While some mosaics remain popular, the majority are too busy for a modern kitchen, visually overwhelming the design and making it feel cluttered. The tiny tiles break up the design, which contrasts with the modern, minimalist aesthetic. These are also an impractical choice in terms of maintenance; cleaning between all the lines takes time and is difficult to do.

Glass Tiles

Glass tiles were once considered an innovative material for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes, offering a reflective surface that added brightness and a modern look. Now, glass tiles, especially those with iridescent surfaces or bright colors, have fallen out of favor. These bold and vibrant colors look out of place in kitchens with organic and earthy styles. They also contrast with the modern trend of favoring handmade elements, muted colors, and textured surfaces.

High Contrast

High contrast backsplashes have stark differences between the backsplash and the other kitchen materials. These were once popular for adding dynamism and visual interest to the kitchen or bathroom. However, high contrast backsplashes disrupt the design’s continuity, making it appear fragmented and incohesive. This bold approach now feels too harsh and out of sync with modern color schemes, which are softer and more integrated.

Decorative Themes

Decorative murals or themes with scenes were once a simple way to personalize a kitchen while adding artistic flair. These murals or themes are eye-catching and can quickly take over the space. Decorative themes are not adaptable and easy to combine with new looks and styles. This level of detail and pattern makes it difficult to change the appearance of a design without undergoing a complete overhaul.

Low Profile

Low profile backsplashes are those that only extend a few inches above the counter. These were once common in most kitchens because they were both affordable and functional. Low-height backsplashes now feel incomplete and less sophisticated than taller, more expansive backsplashes. They also do not provide adequate wall protection in busy kitchens.

Busy Patterns

Busy patterns, characterized by intricate designs and a multitude of colors, were once favored because they provided a striking visual element and were thought to add dynamism to the kitchen design. As design trends shift toward minimalism and simplicity, these busy patterns have begun to look outdated. The complexity and visual noise that these patterns create can overwhelm and dominate the kitchen or bathroom design. Busy designs clash with the modern trend of creating a cohesive, calm, and subtle design.

Lacquered or Stainless Steel

Backsplashes made of stainless steel and lacquered surfaces create an ultra-modern, contemporary aesthetic. These backsplashes were also admired for their seamless appearance and ease of cleaning. To the modern homeowner, these materials feel industrial and cold and don’t convey a warm and welcoming modern vibe. These materials do not effectively showcase the warm, textured decor or organic materials that are so vital in contemporary kitchens.

Glass Slab

Glass slab backsplashes were once a symbol of high-end, contemporary elegance. These backsplashes were also popular because they were simple to maintain and complemented a seamless design. Glass slabs can feel too impersonal and stark in modern kitchens. These glossy surface backsplashes are being phased out in favor of greater visual texture and countertop continuity.

Bright White Tile

Bright white tile was a necessary element in the crisp white kitchens of the past. These tiles were the ideal backdrop due to their simple and clean appearance, but this straightforward surface, which was once so prized, now feels too sterile and devoid of nuance. The trend has shifted toward backsplash materials that add subtle texture and depth to the design.

Highly-Textured

Highly-textured backsplash materials, such as pebbles or rough stone veneers, were once prized for their ability to complement a rustic or natural kitchen or bathroom design. Their popularity has declined because they easily collect dirt and grime in their crevices and are difficult to clean. The bold textures of these materials also have the potential to visually overpower a design rather than provide a balanced element within the design.

Modern Backsplash Design Trends

The most popular backsplash design trends contain similar themes, such as the use of natural materials, subtle colors, handmade design, and sustainable production. Homeowners are opting for natural materials for backsplashes such as marble, slate, quartzite, and soapstone in both tile and slab form. These materials feature natural texture on their surfaces, which gives the kitchen or bathroom design the look of subtle movement and dynamism.

Backsplash tiles in subtle color palettes such as off-white, beige, and earth tones are popular in both contemporary kitchen and bathroom design. They complement, rather than overpower, most designs and provide a timeless, calming aesthetic. These colors are frequently used in handmade backsplash elements such as zellige tiles, which add artistic flair to the overall design.

Sustainability and eco-friendly materials are another popular design trend in the modern era. Some specific examples include using recycled materials or materials sourced from reputable suppliers or craftsmen. This means that backsplashes will not only be visually appealing but will also reflect the homeowner’s dedication to sustainability and craftsmanship.

The post 11 Outdated Backsplash Designs That Will Quickly Date Your Home appeared first on Homedit.

The style of a well-appointed kitchen lies in the numerous details that come together to create the room. The kitchen cabinet style is one of the most essential details that define the look of the kitchen.

However, as design trends evolve, certain kitchen cabinet styles that once were considered the height of contemporary fashion can begin to feel outdated and out of touch with current tastes. Outdated kitchen cabinet styles can detract from a kitchen’s functionality and visual appeal, potentially reducing both the owner’s enjoyment of the space and the home’s market value.

When it comes to updating their kitchen, homeowners should be aware of outdated kitchen cabinet styles in order to choose a cabinet type that will last for a long time.

Outdated Kitchen Cabinet Styles

Outdated kitchen cabinet styles frequently reflect design trends from previous decades that no longer appeal to contemporary tastes. Kitchen cabinet renovations are costly and should always be approached with care and caution.

There is no reason to replace your kitchen cabinets if you like their style. Your home should always be a place where you can make design choices based on your own needs and preferences, not current trends.

Overly Ornate Cabinets

Overly ornate cabinets, with heavy wood carving, scrolls, raised panels, and decorative brackets and corbels, exude the formality and opulence that were popular in kitchens two decades ago. This aesthetic can be overwhelming and out of place in modern kitchens, which favor a simpler, more streamlined style.

Clean-lined kitchen cabinets, such as flat-front and modern Shaker styles, are more appropriate for the versatile and inviting space that modern families desire in their kitchens.

Laminate Cabinets

Laminate cabinets, with a surface made by bonding layers of paper or fabric with resin under high pressure to create a plastic-like finish, have long been a popular choice due to their low cost and versatility.

Laminate cabinets are prone to damage and difficult to repair. They also lack the warmth and high-quality appearance of cabinets made from natural materials. Traditional laminate cabinets are no longer the most popular cabinet style, but other options, such as thermafoil and textured laminates, have emerged in the market and have proven to be a good cost and style alternative.

Distressed or Antique Cabinet Finishes

Distressed or antique cabinet finishes were once favored as a way to make a kitchen feel more cozy and authentic. These include stylized surface flaws, glazing, color variations, and textural contrasts. Now, these finishes have the potential to give a kitchen an unnaturally kitschy vibe. They contrast sharply with the prevailing clean and organic style that is popular in cabinetry.

A more current approach to making a kitchen feel real and inviting is to use natural wood accents or bold color choices on the cabinets to create a more dynamic and personalized kitchen design.

Bright White Cabinets

Bright white cabinets, which were once the foundation of the all-white kitchen, have suffered from an oversaturation in the market. This style has also declined because people are using their kitchens more, and white cabinets are notoriously difficult to keep clean and maintain.

White kitchens are still popular, but homeowners and decorators are turning to off-whites and other pale neutrals like greige to create a more textured, light kitchen look. These alternatives not only provide a softer look than white and one with more depth, but they are also more forgiving in a busy kitchen space.

Ultra-Modern Cabinets

Ultra-modern cabinets, with their sleek lines, glossy surfaces, and minimalist design, can appear cold and impersonal. Now more than ever, homeowners want to make their kitchens more personal and livable. They want kitchens that fit their busy lifestyles, function effectively, and showcase their style and preferences.

Sleek cabinet styles remain popular, but they are increasingly combined with organic, earthy materials such as natural wood, stone, and metals to create a balanced look that is both current and inviting.

Handle-Less Cabinets

Handle-less cabinets, that feature push-to-open mechanisms or integrated handles look clean and simple, but they can be impractical and difficult to use. Additionally, their handle-less fronts can appear too clinical for modern tastes.

Hardware for cabinets is a simple way to add sparkle and style to a kitchen design. Even if you do not want your kitchen hardware to detract from your kitchen design, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Consider simple, clean knobs or pulls that are not overly large and add functionality to the cabinets without dominating the design.

Stark Gray Cabinets

Gray cabinets, once a trendy design style and a popular choice among home flippers, have reached a point of saturation. Gray cabinets can also feel dull and uninspiring if the color is not chosen carefully. The most unpopular gray cabinet colors today are those with cool blue undertones. These, in particular, make a kitchen feel outdated and cold.

Fortunately, there is still a large selection of warm grays that can add depth and interest to gray cabinets if you still want gray kitchen cabinets. Greige remains a popular choice, as do more obvious brown-grays. These colors work well in modern kitchens because they are versatile and easy to combine with natural materials such as wood and stone to add texture and depth to the space.

Trendy Colored Cabinets

Painting your kitchen cabinets in trendy colors, such as hot pink or bright yellow, was a popular cabinet design choice for a few years. While there is still a strong desire to personalize kitchens, painting kitchen cabinets is often prohibitively expensive. This means selecting a color or style that will last rather than one that will become out of style next year.

For the most enduring cabinet style and color, take your inspiration from classic colors that have endured the test of time. These include blue, green, and a wide range of neutral tones. For bolder color schemes, try painting only a few elements to see if you can live with them on a daily basis. If you like it, consider painting all of your cabinets this color.

Light Wood Cabinets

Wood cabinets of various colors and textures have found their way into modern kitchen design. Light wood cabinets were once so popular that they became difficult to find. Other wood options have gained popularity because they are more readily available. Orange and red-toned wood cabinets, in particular, are making a comeback to complement the earthy, organic colors that are currently popular.

Cabinet Styles That are Trending for 2024 and Beyond

If you are designing a new kitchen or are in need of a refresh of your kitchen cabinets, here are some up and coming kitchen cabinet styles to consider.

Modern Shaker Cabinets

Shaker cabinets, which feature a five-piece door with a recessed panel, have been a popular style for many years. This door style remains highly used because of its simple and versatile style. Modern iterations of this cabinet style feature a slimmer silhouette.

Traditional Cabinets

Many kitchen designers are shifting away from stark kitchen cabinet styles and toward the more dimensional look of traditional cabinet fronts. These may include a slim, raised center panel or a beaded inset panel that adds texture and softness without overpowering the kitchen style.

Two-Toned Cabinets

Mixing different finishes or colors on upper and lower cabinets or combining a neutral base with a bold color choice is a popular trend for modern kitchen cabinets. It is a trend that allows personalization while also presenting a cohesive look.

Inset Cabinets

Inset cabinets are an example of a historic style that has regained popularity. Inset cabinets are distinguished by doors and drawers that fit within the cabinet frame. These create an elegant and high-end appearance while also reflecting quality craftsmanship.

Frameless Cabinets

Frameless cabinets are sometimes referred to as European-style cabinets. These are characterized by drawers and cabinet doors that cover the box frames to present a single, smooth surface. They have grown in popularity in the United States due to their streamlined and clean appearance.

Open Shelving

Open shelving has been criticized as having outlived its usefulness, but it is still a popular feature in kitchen cabinetry. Open shelving is an excellent way to create visual interest in the kitchen. They are easy to adapt to specific kitchen layouts and provide quick access to essential kitchen items.

No Upper Cabinets

Some kitchen designers are eliminating upper cabinets altogether. This design approach creates an open and airy appearance and contributes to a modern and clean aesthetic.

Flat Panel Cabinets

Flat panel cabinets, also known as slab cabinets, remain a popular design choice in modern and contemporary kitchens. These have a particularly clean and uncluttered look. They are also easy to keep clean and maintain over time.

The post 9 Outdated Kitchen Cabinet Styles to Avoid and New Options to Consider appeared first on Homedit.

The space above kitchen cabinets originally served a practical purpose. It provided space for air circulation in kitchens without modern ventilation systems. These gaps were also used to accommodate structural elements of the home, such as ceiling beams and uneven ceiling heights.

The space above the cabinets became a standard look in kitchens, but it has recently fallen out of favor with modern kitchen designers and been replaced by cabinets built to the ceiling. This awkward space above the upper cabinets still exists in many kitchens.

Even though decorating above kitchen cabinets has a reputation for being kitschy and overdone, there are creative ways to make good use of the space above your kitchen cabinets.

Using the Space Above Your Kitchen Cabinets

The area above kitchen cabinets is a common design element in many homes. This presents both challenges and opportunities for creatively utilizing this space.

Create Extra Storage Space

Using the space above the cabinets for extra storage allows you to make the most of your valuable kitchen space while also increasing its efficiency. This is especially true if you have a small kitchen or limited cabinet space. This strategy necessitates a careful selection of items that work well for display as well as those that you need in your kitchen. Items can be placed directly on the cabinets or grouped with others that are similar. Make sure to vary the height and arrangement of the items to make them appear layered.

You can also use baskets or bins with the same shape, size, and design to store extra kitchen items. This strategy does not make a bold design statement, but it will make the space above your kitchen cabinets appear more cohesive.

Display Greenery

One trend that has always been popular is to use the space above the cabinets as more space for your indoor garden. This is an excellent idea for kitchens with ample light and for people who have the time and energy to put toward maintaining their houseplants. Placing potted plants or trailing vines above the cabinets is an easy way to add more vibrancy and life to the kitchen. Opt for low-maintenance plants like pothos or succulents to ensure that they remain lush and healthy with minimal effort.

Curate Artwork or Collectibles

The area above your kitchen cabinets is an ideal place to serve as a mini-gallery for artwork and decorative displays. Consider layering framed wall art with a similar theme or displaying a set of rarely used china. You can also use the space above the cabinets to further the theme of your home. This area is not just useful for storing those items; this strategy also allows you to display items that showcase your interests and personality.

Build a False Wall

Creating a false wall above your kitchen cabinets takes more effort than many of the other ideas, but it can be a good option in certain situations. This approach involves installing drywall to fit the space above the cabinets. Building a false wall is ideal for adding space to hide pipes and wires in your kitchen. A false wall also makes an excellent backdrop for crown molding or other decorative trim.

Creating a false wall above the cabinets results in a more streamlined kitchen design. Building a false wall will not only simplify the appearance of your kitchen but will also reduce the need for frequent dusting and cleaning in this awkward and difficult-to-access area.

Add Extra Shelving or Cabinetry

One of the best ways to make use of the extra space above your cabinets is to install additional shelving or cabinetry. This addition will also make your kitchen cabinets look more modern and expensive. You can customize this approach to your kitchen’s design and layout, as well as your storage needs.

You can either match your existing cabinets with new shelving and cabinetry or add a contrasting element. Open shelving allows you to create displays of items that you want to highlight while also giving your kitchen a casual and cozy appearance. Closed cabinets simplify the kitchen’s design and reduce visual clutter on display.

Distract With a Distinctive Ceiling

Adding texture and depth to ceilings is an excellent way to distract from the awkward space above the cabinets. This approach draws the eye upward toward the interesting ceiling design and away from the cabinets, using decorative ceiling elements like beams or molding.

When choosing a ceiling design, consider which style will complement your kitchen style. For a classic look, consider molding or panels that will elevate the style of the ceiling. Beams, both rustic and sleek, work well for farmhouse or traditional kitchens. Contrasting the ceiling decorations with the cabinets will further highlight this design feature.

Extend the Backsplash

One easy way to create more visual continuity in your kitchen without adding extra cabinetry or adding storage items above the cabinets is to extend the backsplash above the cabinets. The idea creates a continuous vertical area that draws the eye up and effectively minimizes the gap. This approach also gives your kitchen a streamlined and sophisticated look.

Whether you choose a bold geometric or striped tile to create a stunning visual display or just classic subway tile, the backsplash to the ceiling can become a standout feature of your kitchen and further your distinctive style. Extending the backsplash also has practical benefits. It can create a more durable wall surface than drywall and extend the sense of height and openness in the kitchen.

Incorporate it Using Open Shelving

Rather than focusing on the area above the cabinets, integrate more fully into the kitchen design by adding an area of open shelving. A set of open shelves in place of a standard bank of cabinets will make the open space above the cabinets look more natural.

Open shelving will detract from the space above the cabinets in other ways. They allow you to create a display of visually appealing and functional items such as cookbooks, glassware, and decorative items to add personality and warmth to your kitchen. Arrange items thoughtfully, combining functional and decorative items to create a lovely but functional design.

Add Windows

If you have extra space above your kitchen cabinets due to a high or vaulted ceiling, installing windows is a unique and innovative way to make your kitchen appear lighter and brighter. Depending on the window design, they can add architectural interest and create a striking visual feature in a kitchen.

There are many window shapes and sizes available to fit your needs, depending on how your kitchen is laid out and designed. If you need privacy due to the window’s placement, you can find specialized glass textures such as frosted or wavy, which provide light while distorting visibility.

Just Add Books

Books are not just practical and necessary in a kitchen; they are also a wonderful way to add color and texture to the space. Depending on the height of your cabinets, storing books like cookbooks is an ideal way to utilize the space above them and give your kitchen a more natural and colorful appearance. This also keeps your cookbooks visible and accessible, so that you can use them at any time.

Be sure to include a step stool in your kitchen area so that you can access the books easily when you need to reference them. Be aware that sticky residue will build up on anything above the cabinets, so depending on how much you cook, books may not be a good over cabinet storage item for your kitchen.

Leave it Empty

It might serve you better to leave the space empty if decorating the space above your cabinets makes you feel overwhelmed rather than energized. This is definitely the easiest way to “style” the space above the cabinets. This idea works particularly well for modern, mid-century, or minimalist kitchen styles. The practical benefits of this approach include ease of maintenance and a more neutral design canvas for other visual kitchen elements.

The post 11 Clever Ways to Use the Space Above Your Kitchen Cabinets appeared first on Homedit.