How to Disguise a Kitchen Bulkhead

Bulkheads, also called soffits, cover plumbing, electric wiring and air vents that stick out of a wall. These bulkheads have drywall over them and can be painted, but they stand out as blank, empty space. You can disguise the bulkheads in many ways so they aren't noticeable and look like well-used space. Bulkheads are usually located above kitchen cabinets, so this area can't be used unless you renovate the kitchen and have all the piping and wiring rerouted through the home.

Paint or wallpaper
Molding
Sheet paneling
Glue or nails
Decorative art
Cupboard doors
Door hinges

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the bulkhead with the same paint or wallpaper you used in the rest of the kitchen to create a continuous look. This helps the bulkhead blend into the rest of the wall. Use the same trim or molding across the bulkhead for a finished look.
- 2
  Attach thin sheet paneling to the bulkhead. Choose paneling that coordinates with your decor. Neutral colors work best, such as white or brown, because they are more subtle. Finish the look using crown moldings to make the bulkhead look smaller. Paint the molding and paneling the same color for an even look or leave the molding white if that better suits your decor.
- 3
  Cut crown molding to form picture frame shapes on the bulkhead's wall. Glue or nail them to the wall so they create a frame with equal proportions. For example, measure 6 inches in from each edge and position each frame piece at this distance. Hang art or decorative objects inside the frame.
- 4
  Create faux cupboards by nailing or gluing cupboard doors on the bulkhead. Use large doors that match your existing cupboard doors. Include the hardware so the doors look exactly like they would if they were real.

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