How To Style Your Kitchen

Photo: Studio McGee

Since it’s the busiest and most popular room in the house, the kitchen can easily become cluttered and overlooked. We often get asked how to style kitchen counters, islands and shelves, so below are some easy ways to refresh your kitchen and create a well-balanced, thoughtfully styled space.

Greenery

Whether real or faux, plants and flowers bring life into your kitchen, in addition to colour, warmth and texture. If you have the space, a large pot or vase with tall stems adds instant drama and height. If your space is smaller, some colourful flowers in a little bud vase looks lovely! We love the ease of faux florals and plants, but there’s nothing like the smell of fresh cut blooms.

Photo: Studio McGee

Runners

We love rugs in kitchens! They soften the space and create a welcoming feel. Plus it’s a way to introduce some colour and pattern.

Photo: Alter Madden Interiors & Styling

Cookbooks

We love styling a kitchen with beautiful cookbooks (especially ones like Mandy’s Gourmet Salads, On Boards, or Vancouver Eats). We suggest using a cookbook stand if you need to fill an awkward corner.

Photo: Tiffany Leigh Design

Cutting Boards

We like to display a cutting board (or two or three!) stacked up against the wall or backsplash. If you’re using more than one, choose cutting boards that are a little different from each other, mixing sizes, tones and shapes.

Photo: Alter Madden Interiors

Trays

We style almost every kitchen we design with an island tray, which we think is the most useful piece of decor. Not only do they add texture and contrast, they make the space look more put together and organized. Put a lovely fruit bowl and gorgeous candle, or a large vase or pot with some tall stems on your tray to create a beautiful vignette. In addition to a tray on your kitchen island, we like to use smaller trays to house salt and pepper shakers or oil and vinegar near the stove.

Photo: Intimate Living Interiors

Art

Lean a beautiful vintage framed piece of art on a shelf or directly on your counter, or hang a little piece of art directly on your wall or backsplash, which instantly elevates your kitchen. Just keep the prints away from the stove or sink areas to avoid damaging them!

Photo: Studio McGee