Oh, I feel your pain. I have them in my kitchen too. I can't remove mine because the house the heating/cooling vents.
I found a bronze fork and spoon in large scale and hung them. It's uncluttered because there's only 2 items, but still interesting because they're pretty large.
Not sure what your design style is, but perhaps hanging some platters or plates. They don't have to be your grandmother's variety, of course. Something in a fresh design style.
I agree removing them would be nice, but in the interim just decorate them. Keep it clean and simple though.

You could highlight them and paint a stencil. This one is hand painted.

I don't think they look too bad. And I think painting them similar to your cabinet color minimizes them anyway. Don't forget that if you had open space at the top, you would have nasty, greasy dust collecting up there. I used to lay newspapers on top of my cabinets so I could just collect up the dust in them instead of trying to clean it!

You can try these black cabinets for your kitchen. If you want more suggestion visit : http://www.bdpdl.co.uk/

Here's an impression of one corner if you were to cover them with mosaic -- sorry no more than a corner, but I ran out of energy :). I think it's an option to consider and gives rather a rich and luxurious look.

I would suggest adding molding over it or painting it an accent color. If you paint it an accent color the reason would be to have something hung there, stand out. For example if you painted it a darker taupe and hung framed photos on it they would stand out and then the ugly soffit becomes decorative. You would need to hang items that you really love.. frames photos.. bold prints.. dishes.. be creative!

Hmm, that's odd. I put another comment after the mosaic pointing out that you couldn't see it without hovering the cursor over the pic. And that it looks a bit like miniature leopard but real mosaic probably wouldn't.

Make it look like you have another row of small cabinets above your existing cabinets by installing a wood background then add matching cabinet doors above each cabinet. Taking cabinets up to the ceiling is a very updated look and you won't have to worry about adding any doodads. An added bonus is that this treatment will give the illusion of your ceiling being higher. You will love this clean updated look!

I always remember what Candace Olson did. Instead of drawing attention to the soffit, she made it look part of the cabinetry. See picture.

I like the moulding idea! What about changing the color. Any ideas. I want to add color to my house but have always been afraid.

How would you do a mosaic?

You could look into adding some crown molding at the ceiling and some panel molding along the lower edge of the soffit... Then paint the entire soffit including the new trim to give the illusion of one piece of molding. There are many options when it comes to molding and your contractor will be able to show you samples. Happy Renovating!

Hi Carla. With that application, I wouldn't for a moment suggest DIY mosaic. You would need someone with expertise. I suspect the surface would have to be roughed up, a layer of base gunk applied, and then the mosaic laid on that. (Base gunk: I'd call it plaster, you might call it stucco?) I once had a distant relative who was an expert at that sort of thing, but he's living on another continent now. Long since lost touch.

Don't be too hard on yourself for the fact that you can't remove the soffit. I just read another thread where designers were suggesting not to junk up the upper cabinet and ..., wait for it...,ADD a soffit!

I would paint it the same colour as your walls.

Paint them same color as walls (and ceilings if that photo is accurate)...the light is very harsh--maybe you took photo at might...but the soffit looks as though it uses wallpaper or some material beside sheetrock/drywall -- does it?
If so then just the refraction of the light off that material will cause even the same color paint to have different effect than that on walls...

I had the same issue and decided to blend them with the wall color and added simple iron accents. It seems subtle to me now but not completely ignored...good luck!

There are pros and cons about soffits all over houzz comments. There is not a rule for this. I think it surely is a matter of preference for one to decide what suits them best.

Added to that, I also prefer not to destroy something that is already constructed and has previously been some cost to implement. It will be added cost to remove or cover up similar various structure dilemmas. I like to save money!

Many times I usually try to make things work without a lot of expense. I like difference and would try to find a solution that is comfortable for you. I feel your decision should be made knowing with what you will be most comfortable. I like the photo presented by 'David Mack' and 'Amy Canary' as an option too. If you don't like it, remove it.

I kept meaning to photo mine.

Don't remove it. It is fine. Doesn't need anything. Don't make kitchen cluttered looking. As is what would happen if you did anything.

Hi Carla. Just revisiting this thread of amazing ideas. Clearly, the soffit is bothering you or you wouldn't want to do something with it -- but I'm sure there's a solution above. Some great suggestions. Good luck on picking the one that speaks to you.

My first choice would be to place some white molding and make it look a bit more up to date, and my second choice would be to get some stencils and paint on a design

I like the idea of adding molding and painting it out- I would not add mosaic tiles up there- you think you hate the soffit now it seems your eyes would be drawn there all the time!

Regina5697 Where did you get fork and spoon. I have been looking for one for my son's house.

Totally agree with travisinteriors!

So I decided to put the crown molding on top and trim at the bottom of the soffit. I love how it turned out. I will post a pic tonight

Nursecrt, I got them at Hobby Lobby. It's been about a year though. If they don't have the exact ones, there's probably something very similar.

Can't wait to see the crown moulding!

This kitchen is too tiny for crown molding and how would you finish/transition the left side without looking odd. CM usually looks best when both sides terminate at inside corners, or go all around the room which I don't recommend here. Some lovely plates mounted on the soffitt would be very nice and simple.

The finished soffit. The CM made a huge difference

Get out! You did all that this fast! WOW! I am impressed in many ways!!!

Did it ourselves over the weekend!

AMAZING as I know the math and work involved with a project like this.....lots of twists and turns. What a team!

Glad to see you went with the crown molding, it is amazing how the finish carpentry can quickly enhance any home!

It looks really great. Nice job!!

Looks wonderful!

Well done Carla, it looks great.

Though you are done with your project, this is what I did to mine.

add nice crown molding

It does look nice! How about covering it in copper?

I meant for others' ideas!

get kitchen decals (non-permanent) with saying you like!

Old Post.

Really Houzz? I JUST got an email about this post...which was nearly a year old the FIRST time I responded, unknowingly...I actually haven't been too pleased with this site for awhile...it really got away from it's altruistic roots :(

We added crown molding. See attached

Hi Trish, I would love to see your entire kitchen. We wanted to remove our soffits but are so disappointed that it isn't possible with the stuff inside it. Ugh! Now back to the drawing board. I like the look. Especially since I don't want white cabinets. It seems like white cabinets and soffits is the way to go. It's nice to see that your color cabinets works just as well. Thanks.

maryellen1988 - I too have a wood kitchen and have soffits. I put vintage china on mine, though you could use any plates that work with your decor.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~93784356

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~93784291