The Stylish Cabinet Upgrade That'll Help Your Kitchen Feel Bigger

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Most of us dream of having a larger kitchen, but a total kitchen remodel can be both expensive and cumbersome. The good news is that there are smart ways to make a kitchen feel larger without moving walls, like incorporating a pediment into its design. If you haven't heard of pediments before, you may still recognize them — the term refers to the triangular shape used to crown entryways in classical designs, particularly atop ancient Greek and Roman temples.

As HGTV's Karen Laine explains, one key to making your kitchen appear as big as possible is filling in the empty space above cabinetry because "it's not how far your feet can move, it's how far your eye can move that lets your brain know how big a space feels." Pediments can help achieve that by adding visual interest which catches the eye, then encourages it to travel upwards thanks to their pointed shape. These days, pediments are having a moment indoors as accents placed above windows, doors, and even kitchen cabinets. Indeed, a pediment is a great way to help create the illusion of higher ceilings, thus enlarging the space without much work. 

Begin by measuring the width of your cabinets and the amount of free space above them to choose the right size pediment. Ensure the cabinet tops are cleaned and degreased and attach the pediment with caulking, a nail gun, or construction adhesive, depending on its material composition and weight. Alternatively, get creative and place the pediment above a pantry, refrigerator cupboard, or atop an oven hood. Finally, paint the addition and cabinets in matching light hues to help make the space even bigger and brighter.

When choosing how to incorporate a pediment into your kitchen, consider its dimensions. For wall-to-wall cabinetry, run one large pediment atop the entire construction. For sectional shelving, consider smaller pediments sitting atop each cabinet. As interior designer Tom Cox told Sheerluxe, "It's important to ensure the pediment's width is proportional to the cupboard's size." That way it doesn't take over, nor does it gets lost. A good rule of thumb is to have the pediment extend a couple inches past the cabinet's edge if there's no crown molding, or run a few inches short if there is molding present.

When choosing a pediment design, the possibilities are endless — but you want to complement the space, not overwhelm it. If you like traditional or more ornate decor, you can search for secondhand pieces online at websites like Etsy, which has a trove of stunning wooden options. This style of pediment can be an unexpected feature that instantly gives your room a vintage feel. But if your style is more minimalist, you can find simpler (and sometimes more affordable) alternatives at retailers like Home Depot. These will be more customizable, as PVC and PU options can quickly be cut down to size and are easier to mount due to their light weight.