Cabinet Soffit Styles

Minimalist Designs

• A minimalist soffit style is designed to fit into a modern kitchen. Since soffits range greatly in size, this style is most effective with soffits that are long and narrow, but is adaptable to larger sizes. The look requires all walls, the ceiling and the soffit to be painted the same shade. This will allow the eye to move over the soffit without it being too obtrusive. Shades of white are favorites for the style and are ideal for use in the space, since they will give a bright, clean appearance to the room. Accent the soffit with chrome or stainless steel appliances and lights.

Old World Designs

• The Old World style of decorating embraces heavy pieces combined with dark or earthy colors and creates a warm, inviting tone. There are two options to fit an outdated soffit to this style kitchen, the first is to match it to the wall color. Generally, Old World style homes will feature walls in shades of gold, navy, maroon or green, and matching the pieces will help the soffit fade into the décor. The second option is to match the soffit with the cabinetry. This is a better option for large, well-lit rooms, as the darker hue will make smaller rooms feel small and closed in. Add a Mediterranean theme stencil or some framed art to polish the look.

Paint

• A coat of paint is an ideal way to help an existing, structurally sound soffit up-to-date. The right color will help make this feature blend with the décor or stand out as a place for framed art or additional lighting. Properly preparing the surface for paint will ensure the best looking outcome, particularly if the surface is textured in any way. Use a high hiding primer to thoroughly cover deep or bright colors so they won’t bleed through the new choice. Apply paint with a sprayer or roller for the most streak-free look.

Removal

• Removing the soffit will free up additional wall space for larger cabinets and appliances and is fairly simple when wiring or plumbing aren’t present. The process becomes more difficult, time-consuming and costly if plumbing and wiring must be moved behind the wall. Use a crowbar or sledgehammer to remove the drywall and plywood or strand board if the piece is strictly decorative. For those that house wiring or plumbing, the help of a professional is usually best.