Everyone Agreed This Kitchen Was Missing the Same Thing
After finishing a kitchen remodel with dark green cabinets, white quartz countertops, a farmhouse sink, and a new backsplash, Reddit user u/AdhesivenessFun4075 still felt something was missing. The post shared in r/kitchenremodel asked one question: “Something is missing in our kitchen.” Hundreds of replies followed, and while people suggested different solutions, most identified the same problem almost at once: the empty space above the upper cabinets.
Cabinet color, flooring, countertops, and the backsplash received praise. The discussion centered on the wide strip of wall between the cabinets and the ceiling. Some readers wanted to fill it with another row of cabinets. Others preferred to leave it open but give it a finished look. Different ideas led back to the same part of the kitchen.
Deep Green Cabinets Gave the Kitchen a Fresh Look
Dark green shaker cabinets replaced the previous finish, while white quartz countertops, a white apron-front sink, stainless steel appliances, hexagon backsplash tile, and wood-look flooring completed the remodel. Under-cabinet lighting brightened the work surface, and brushed bronze hardware matched the faucet.
Reddit user u/Impressive-Set-8916 wrote, “I think the kitchen looks great. Live with it for a while.” Another commenter, u/Far_Activity_9928, called it “a dream kitchen.” Even people offering suggestions agreed the remodel already had a strong foundation.
One Empty Strip Became the Center of the Discussion
Upper cabinets stop well below the ceiling, leaving a wide painted band around the room. That gap became the first thing many readers noticed.
Commenter fractalkid wrote, “Seems weird they stop so low,” before suggesting taller cabinets or crown molding. UnquantifiableLife reached the same conclusion with a short reply: “Taller uppers.” Both comments focused on the same issue instead of the cabinet color or the new finishes.
Readers Suggested Different Ways to Finish the Space
Not every comment called for another cabinet row. Reddit user Flowers_4_Ophelia suggested, “Paint the wall above the cabinets the same color as the cabinets.” u/CindersMom_515 recommended, “Wallpaper above the cabinets,” while keeping the open space.
Other ideas included crown molding, hidden uplighting, artwork, woven Roman shades, and a pendant above the sink. Reddit user u/BadgerGirl1969 warned that “Plants above the cabinets just collect grease and dust,” while u/Outside-Ad-1830 pointed out that the ceiling lights and under-cabinet lights use different color temperatures and suggested matching them.
Every suggestion tried to solve the same problem. Some people wanted to hide the empty space with taller cabinets. Others wanted paint, wallpaper, or molding to make it feel intentional. The remodel earned praise, but the gap above the cabinets became the one feature that readers believed still needed attention.
Would you extend the cabinets to the ceiling, finish the wall above them, or leave the space exactly as it is?
Image credits from Reddit user u/AdhesivenessFun4075.