Take your kitchen from a utilitarian space to your favorite room in the house.
We often don’t approach decorating a kitchen the same way we would a bedroom or living room, but taking care to personalize this space can go a long way. After all, as the “heart of the home,” it’s an area where you and your family spend a lot of time.
“The kitchen needs to be a place for people to gather and break bread together, show off the owner’s personal style, and provide a comfortable space to hang out when you’re not entertaining,” says Andrew Pharis, architect and interior design expert at Vertical Arts. “Without décor, a kitchen is simply a utilitarian space for preparing food.”
For some inspiration, read through these designer-approved kitchen decor ideas.
Use Tableware as Décor
Putting your tableware on display in the kitchen is one of those things that just makes sense. “So many of us have beautiful china or plates that have been passed down or curated over the years. Instead of having them sit tucked away in a cabinet, highlight them in your home,” suggests Hannah Oravec, interior designer and founder of Lawless Design.
Swap In Statement Lighting
Swapping out old light fixtures for an option that feels more true to your style is a high-impact update that’s simple and affordable. “Well-chosen lighting can enhance the kitchen’s ambiance, highlight key areas, and serve as a focal point,” says Dominique Bonet, the lead designer at LD&D. Consider a statement chandelier above the dining table, dazzling pendants above the island, or a unique sconce on the wall.
Choose Eye-Catching Chairs
To warm up this oceanfront kitchen, interior designer Anne Hulcher Tollett of Hanover Avenue chose stools upholstered in a fun print on durable fabric. “Upholstered seating encourages family and friends to congregate around the workhorse,” she says. For a DIY project, consider re-upholstering existing chairs.
Incorporate Fun Tiling
Instead of an expected backsplash, opt for tiling that brings character to your space. “By experimenting with patterns, textures, and colors through tile, you instantly add some personality to your kitchen, making it feel more inviting and unique to your family,” suggests Shannon Askinasi, founder and lead interior designer at Ash & Pine. “To keep your walls from feeling too busy, limit your bold tile selections to small designated areas.”
Weave In Vintage Pieces
Vintage pieces deliver depth and character into your kitchen. Maybe it’s a larger piece like a vintage work table repurposed as a kitchen island, or perhaps it’s a collection of beautiful vases. The key is to include pieces that appeal to you and feel aligned with the rest of your space. “When items are curated and intentional, it adds a personal touch,” Oravec says.
Upgrade Your Hardware
Swapping in new drawer and cabinet pulls or upgrading your faucet are excellent ways to elevate your space and show off your sense of style. “They can provide a bit of bling to an otherwise plain-Jane kitchen or add clean lines to an otherwise busy space,” Pharis says. “These are objects you touch the most when you are in a kitchen, so look for hardware that not only looks great but feels great, as well.”
Opt for a Colorful Island
If you’re looking for a quick way to bring a lot of charisma into your kitchen, consider picking up a paintbrush and painting your island a colorful hue. In this kitchen by interior designer Gary McBournie, a nautical-inspired blue was chosen. “When people think about painting their islands, they often consider whether to match the cabinets or not,” he says. “Generally, we look at the size of the space. In a cozier kitchen, the same color will likely look better and add volume to the room. A contrasting color will add some personality and interest to an oversized kitchen.”
Display Your Cookbooks
Books are an interior designer’s favorite items when it comes to styling any room in the house. In the kitchen, they help tell a story about the homeowner and bring a very cozy, lived-in feeling. “Not all cookbooks are created equal. There are some really gorgeous, design-forward cookbooks out there that combine beauty with substance,” says interior designer Ashley Ferguson. “Pay attention to the spines, and make sure the color tones and typography integrate well with the kitchen design.”
Infuse Warmth With Rugs
Rugs infuse warmth into a kitchen while also giving your feet a softer place to land during all your busywork. Here, Hulcher Tollett opted for a pair of complementary vintage area rugs for a layered, collected look. You could do the same, or choose a modern rug if that’s more your style.
Hang A Large Piece of Art
This grand vintage society portrait was perfectly sized for the wall in this galley designed by McBournie. “With any blank space on the wall you have, you can add art. It is a great little way to add personality to your kitchen, especially if you use works that reflect the theme or tone of the rest of the house,” he says.
Incorporate Small Paintings
Along with large paintings that serve as a focal point, consider incorporating smaller art pieces throughout your space, as well. “While it’s commonly overlooked as a space for displaying artwork, it’s important to add visual intrigue to balance a kitchen’s more function-driven features,” Ferguson says. “Lean your art against open shelving or hang it anywhere to style a blank wall. Ensure the artwork plays well with the kitchen’s color tones and design features for a cohesive look.”
Organize With Trays and Baskets
Kitchens can start to feel cluttered quickly. A simple trick to create a more organized space is to use trays and baskets when possible. This might look like a tray for dish and hand soap or a tray to store cooking essentials like vinegar, olive oil, and spices.
“This simple yet effective strategy creates a more cohesive and polished look. For instance, instead of placing a bowl of fruit directly on your island, try setting it on a wooden cutting board along with a small potted plant,” says Teresa Cannon, owner and lead designer at Teresa Cannon Design.
