Cabinet Soffit Ideas

Painting

• If existing soffits are structurally sound, but in need of an update, a simple coat of paint is a good addition. Paint is a fairly inexpensive way to make a soffit either stand out or blend in with the décor. For best results, no matter what the new color will be, proper preparation is key to achieving the desired look. If the soffit is textured, it will probably require more primer and paint than a smooth surface. When trying to cover a deep or bright color, a high hiding primer will be essential to preventing paint bleeding, where the old color is visible through the new. Most types of paint, including latex and oil-based varieties, will look best when applied with a sprayer or roller. Both will provide streak-free, thorough coats.

Minimal Styles

• For a home with a modern or minimalist design, minimizing the look of a soffit is going to be the best course of action. To accomplish this, all walls, ceilings and soffits should be coated with the same color of paint. In most modern settings the most widely used paint color is white, though cream and similar shades of white are ideal. Install recessed lighting into the soffit for added light, particularly around work areas, and select stainless steel or chrome accents and appliances.

Mediterranean or Old World Styles

• Mediterranean and old world style homes tend to feature heavy, dark woods and bold colors. There are two ways to paint a soffit to fit the style. The first is to have it match the walls, usually in shades of gold, maroon, navy or gray. This technique will present a cohesive feel to the space and will make the area feel larger and more open, ideal for small kitchens. The second option is to paint the soffit to match the cabinetry it sits above. This will provide a bit of a disguise for most soffits, but has the potential to make the space feel more closed in if the color is too dark. Leave the darker color for small soffits or for large, open kitchens.

Removing Soffits

• In homes where soffits are strictly decorative, removing them is sometimes preferable to painting. When the structure houses wiring or plumbing, removal is still a possibility, but usually requires a bit more work and money. If these systems are housed within the soffit, they must be rerun behind the wall before any other construction is undertaken. Removing the soffit will permit more space for cabinets, taller appliances, more lights and an overall cleaner, less closed-in appearance. The process requires removing the drywall and underlying plywood or strand board. This is done with a sledgehammer or crowbar if no wiring or plumbing is present. If these pieces are located within the soffit, the removal process will likely require the aid of a professional.