How to Decorate Kitchen Counters: 6 Great Tips
kitchen counter

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The kitchen is the one room in the house that can be a little trickier to decorate than all the others. This is because it’s a room designed for function and where we spend most of our time cooking, cleaning and getting things done. But no rule says your kitchen can’t be both beautiful and functional. Since the counter is the largest piece of real estate in the kitchen, we’ve got six great tips on how to decorate kitchen counters.

Cut the Clutter

The reason it’s so hard to figure out how to decorate kitchen counters is often because of kitchen clutter. The kitchen tends to be the catchall of the home. It’s the place where we drop bags after school and where we pile things to “take care of later.” But no amount of decorating can make a cluttered kitchen look better.

Start by clearing the counters of everything. This includes small appliances, knife blocks and dishracks. If you can find a home for those items that get left out on the counter, you’ll be able to focus on decorating the counters rather than trying to make the kitchen clutter look good.

Turn to Designer Appliances

vintage toaster on kitchen counter

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If you long for the convenience of keeping your go-to appliances out but also want to decorate your kitchen counters, there is a solution. You can now get standard appliances such as toasters and kettles in stylish designer models. So whether you love the vintage look of brightly-hued retro appliances or the sleek, modern-colored metallic options, designer appliances bridge the gap between convenience and style.

Go Natural

lemon bowl on kitchen counter

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If your style is minimal and you favor clear surfaces over a lot of decor, let nature be your guide. Plants, flowers and produce all make ideal kitchen counter decorations. For a simple look that packs a lot of punch, display a large vase of fresh flowers right in the middle of the counter. Choose a vase that complements your kitchen color scheme and switch out the flowers regularly. If flowers aren’t your thing, a large bowl of fresh fruit gives your kitchen a pop of color and encourages your family to eat a little healthier.

Upgrade Your Kitchen Counter Essentials

cooknig accesories on kitchen counter

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While your everyday cooking accessories may not be designer items, they are the perfect pieces to upgrade so they can double as decor. Pretty cutting boards, serving trays, cake stands and bowls will level up your kitchen counter decorating game.

Look for good-quality items that complement the style of your kitchen. For example, live edge cutting boards will add a rustic touch, while beautiful marble boards give a more modern look. Try to choose pieces with interesting shapes in various materials and sizes to add variety and interest. To decorate the kitchen counter, lean the largest board against the wall and arrange smaller pieces in front of it.

Get Energized with a Coffee Station

coffee machine on kitchen counter

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If you want the chicest and most convenient way to get your java on in the morning, you need a coffee station stat! Choose a section of your counter that’s out of the way and isn’t frequently used for cooking or prep work. Then collect up all your coffee-making essentials. Add a few key display pieces such as a mug stand and pretty canisters, and then set it all up. You’ll have a stylish and super convenient spot to prepare your favorite warm beverages

Hit the Books

book decor on kitchen counter

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Books aren’t just for libraries and desks. They’re the perfect decorating accessory for almost every room in the house, especially when you’re looking for fresh ideas for how to decorate your kitchen counters. And the best part is, you probably already have cookbooks and other foodie books stashed in your kitchen. However, if you don’t have a collection of kitchen-appropriate books, stock up for less at yard sales and thrift stores.

Take advantage of an out-of-reach corner of the kitchen counter to display books. Line them up in the corner and use a canister as a bookend to keep them in place. You can also use larger books as a platform to display small plants or a decorative bowl. And if you have a favorite cookbook you use frequently, a pretty book stand will allow you to both display it and reference it.

When it comes to decorating your kitchen counters, there’s no one way to go. Choose the look you like best or try a combination of these tips for perfectly styled kitchen counters.