Camouflage space around new refrigerator? was a large built in fridge

Absolutely ! Utilize the space with one of these !

http://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/furniture/diy-space-saving-rolling-kitchen-pantry-5440418

You can even get a kit to cover it in a faux stainless steel so it won't clash with your new refrigerator . I wish I had room for one . I've been dying to make one lol. Please post pictures ? Cheers!

Personally I think a wine rack would fill the space nicely without bringing too much attention to the fact it's a filler.

I think C.D. and Melinda both have the right idea. A built-in wine or plate rack above the fridge stained the same color as your cabinets would look like it had always been there. A pull-out spice shelf would fill the space beside the fridge perfectly. Neither project is expensive to make, but would give you extra storage and get rid of the gaping spaces.

What about getting a door front to match the cabinets. You could maybe out it on a hinge to "open" so you could still put things on top of the refrigerator. Less is best. Don't make it too busy because then it draws attention to the area.

You could build a platform for the refrigerator to stand on..this would bring up the top height.

How about an antique-y bread box or a rattan suitcase? You could use them for storage if you wanted.

I had the same problem and solved it by building a box that would fit / fill in the space above the fridge. The box was stained on the inside and installed with the opening (top) facing out. Also, a simple molding was added along the edges for a finished look. It became a shelf to display my cookbooks, keeping them within easy reach.

Build a Wine rack to fill the space

The poor plants, probably dying of the heat and lack of light. :) I wouldn't mind a large wicker basket on top. You could hide SOMETHING in there out of site. https://www.crateandbarrel.com/kelby-large-rectangular-lidded-basket/s467439?a=1552&campaignid=622767084&adgroupid=28469965136&targetid=pla-371436346077&pla_sku=467439&scid=scplp467439&sc_intid=467439&adpos=1o5&device=c&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQjwg47KBRDk7LSu4LTD8eEBEiQAO4O6r3dzUJM_MnLBx5-MElRwsHPEZHlbQyLFlGWhYqBwzxoaAtCd8P8HAQ

I would trim out the sides and then build a cabinet on top of the fridge. Look like it would be easy to match your existing ones.

Basket a big one !

Did you search to see if someone had already posted something on this? I could've swore that I've seen something on this site, and I believe that they did build a cabinet door and put trim on it to match everything as well as matched stain. It looked great and solved their, and now your, problem with this issue. Good Luck!

Found some inspiration for my own kitchen here, check it out! http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ideas-for-using-that-awkward-space-above-the-fridge-216370

Build a shelf to put some cook books. Safest Cover-up for the empty space.

Collect metal food containers and store whatever you want to in them. Then arrange them on a shelf or two above the refrigerator.

We built this above our fridge. Wasn't difficult. We already had the door.

Cook book shelf sounds best and find place that sells stainless steel sheets and either do you on measuring or hire them to measure and put up trim for sides of ref

If you want to keep it simple, this is what I did when we replaced a microwave and had the same issue. I took a pretty teapot and filled it with faux ivy. I recently added a cut glass sugar bowl and creamer (empty) just because I wanted to display them. It was simple and made my microwave look like it belonged there. BTW, our new fridge (similar to your) was 3/4" too high to fit under the cabinets that were custom built many years ago. We had a carpenter trim it off, but I put a wide basket of ivy and other greens up there just to make it look nice. (The only things in that cupboard are things I rarely use.)

Just a simple solution that looks nice.

I like the idea of making it into a slotted rack to hold your cookie sheets, platters, etc.

To avoid having to match existing cabinets you could use a sign.

Already beautiful! Leave the sides and have (or make yourself) a wicker basket on top with dark green foliage and lots of it...will look beautiful! Keep a canister of air handy to spray to keep dust off of it once in awhile...it really does look great!

You can have a build to fit slide out piece on rollers to store canned goods on the sides. Tons of ideas on line to build one and some here. It will take up the slack on the side of the fridge. A lot of things for the top.... You could build a boxed in area (with a back) and add some cute kitchen decorations on a two tiered shelf like old coffee pot or something you collect. Personalize it with a saying on the top on wood the width of the opening or a cute wall paper border on the top and shelf on the bottom with a back so you don't see the wall behind.