One very overlooked place to decorate in your home is just above the kitchen cabinets. Usually between the cupboards and the ceiling is a wonderful opportunity to be artistic. Your first chore would be to install some lighting. You can get lighting bars that are great at creating low lighting.
You can treat this like any shelf. It is a great place to showcase a collection. You can use items that have a particular theme or color. For instance rows of blue glass looks great here. You can also showcase old plates, floral plates or anything that you treasure.
A collection of flower vases or crystal looks nice in this area as does rows of interesting cake pans or candlestick holders. Cake decorations or cookie cutters can also make an intriguing display.
This type of area looks nice if decorated with some unexpected greenery. Try trailing ivy along the window for a beautiful effect. You can as add balls of twine, boxes of grass and charming wicker object.
Do not be afraid to play with color. You can use fresh colors like blue and white or olive and cream to add charm to that space. Keep in mind the appearance of your counter for a great effect. For instance if you have a green and white color scheme line up all of your white and green china with a cream vase with green plants, some ivy, some green glass and some green and white candles.
One way to make this are work is to group objects in different heights. You can line similar objects up all in a row and then play with the odd numbers to arrange objects in different heights. Do not be discouraged if it does not come together the first time. Keep arranging all the objects until they look right to you.
Remember too that although the cluttered look can be tempting it is not always appropriate. Sometimes less is more.
You have a taller ceiling and more space, you want to use items that are larger in scale so that it feels balanced. If you put smaller items in a large space it will just feel cluttered. If you have a smaller area and you try to fit in items that are too large it will feel off balance. However remember too that part of make this work might be using assymettry as well.