We often see beautifully decorated kitchens in magazines, and you can look at those images to create a guide, but those images don’t always align with real life.
Over the years as a designer, I’ve staged many homes for professional photographs rather than for everyday life. The photos are meant to feature the design of the kitchen and create a whisper of what a person might do in this space; not overburden the photo with real life, and sometimes messy, cooking of, say, homemade Moussaka (my favorite.)
A kitchen can be challenging to decorate; sometimes, we can go overboard. Ultimately, a kitchen is there to entertain and cook, but the typical ideas for decoration might not work in a kitchen, and it shouldn’t be cluttered or a lot of work to start cooking because there are too many decor items. It is hard to know what kinds of decor we should get and where it should go.
Don’t overload your kitchen countertops
I like to have my countertops clear because I don’t want to move all these items to cook a meal for our family of four. Place everyday items on the countertop, like cutting boards, a sponge holder, and fruit bowls. I like to lean a small cutting board against the backsplash so it’s out of the way but on display.
Hang artwork
Add a small gallery wall or add a few art pieces around the room. On an open self, at the coffee bar, or on a small wall. Sometimes, having a place for the eye to go besides the cabinets is nice, making your home feel more lived in. Try looking for a gallery wall set; they are pre-paired and look beautiful together or around the room.
Use plants or herbs
I love adding many plants to the kitchen; it brings warmth and a sense of natural peace. Hang a pothos in the corner and let it grow, or a herb you frequently cook with for the countertop. Plant them in a ceramic or terracotta pot.
Turn kitchen items into decor
Upgrade old and tired salt and pepper shakers, bamboo utensils, or tea towels to make the kitchen look thoughtful and exciting. Or better yet, find antique pieces because they will enhance the space making it one of a kind.
Add soft texture with rugs
Adding a rug is one element that often gets overlooked. Place a runner in front of the sink, oven or entry to the kitchen, and your back will thank you. They also add texture or softness to the space, which will help create a layered look.
Display cookbooks
You can create a small bookcase for your cookbooks at the end of the cabinets or island, or some floating shelves or install picture molding; it’s a great way to add functional decor, plus cookbook covers are often beautiful.
Change the lighting
Install bold or oversized lighting over the island or breakfast nook; it always makes a kitchen look more exciting and curated. Match your existing plumbing fixtures or choose a different finish to add an unexpected element. Ensure you don’t mix two similar finishes, chrome, and polished nickel – it will look like a mistake.
Add window interest
Install drapery over the sink. Choose a bold or subtle fabric to offer privacy or filter the sunlight. Select fabric with colors that exist in the room. If you’re not into drapery, add a lovely woven shade to bring warmth and texture or install a new window with mullions or a contrasting color to create a focal point.
Upgrade your cabinet hardware
Most of us have some okay-looking or old hardware, but if you upgrade the hardware to your liking or on trend, it can be an excellent decor for your cabinets. There are a lot of options out there so start by looking at styles that match your home or the light fixtures. If you have traditional lighting go for traditional hardware.
Install kitchen cabinet details
If the back or sides of your cabinets, especially the island, are ¼” plywood or MDF, they don’t look particularly nice and can easily be damaged. Consider adding some details here. Wainscotting or any other molding would add a beautiful pattern – make sure it’s painted or stained the same color as your cabinets.
Place furniture
There is such a thing as too much cabinetry, so if you are contemplating adding more cabinets or an island to your medium-sized kitchen, I encourage you to look for a vintage piece of furniture that will turn your kitchen from boxy cabinets everywhere to a chic space. I like using furniture for linens, plates, bar/coffee station or a harvest table.
Install a kitchen ceiling detail
Hire a carpenter to get this super lux or cozy look by adding molding details to the ceiling. Expose wood beams and add beadboard or panel molding. Choose a subtle paint color or keep the wood look; either way, it will definitely up the design of the kitchen.
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