Kitchens are at the front and centre of the home these days and pretty much considered the most public space within the household. With that said, the kitchen is still one area that as designers we often see missed opportunities when it comes to styling and decorating.
With some simple additions, both practical and stylish, you can really make a difference to the overall feel of your kitchen and set the tone for the rest of your interior.
So if your kitchen is feeling a little tired and you have been looking at the same fruit bowl since 2015 or perhaps you have a brand spanking new kitchen that is screaming out for some personality to reflect your new lifestyle, we’ve sharing 10 simple styling tips that will have your kitchen looking and feeling fresh-as!
Lush Greenery
I know it seems quite cliché, but it seriously makes all the difference in freshening up any space, especially the kitchen. Draping some greenery over an open shelf or arranging a bunch of your favourite natives on the island will liven up your kitchen space. Whilst you can’t go wrong with some fresh blooms, you will probably find that your very own garden foliage should provide plenty of inspiration.
Design by Daniel Boddam
Design by Mrs Smith
Decorative Tray
When you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen, it’s always handy having your utensils and cooking oils at arms reach. A decorative tray to place all these bits and pieces on can ground these elements and doubles as a styling opportunity (rather than looking like clutter left on the bench) …
Our Gordon Park Residence
Elevate your fruit
Styling doesn’t always need to mean adding to your space… but rather freshening up elements that are already in your kitchen, such as the classic fruit bowl! You can really turn any dish into a fruit bowl, which means your options are pretty much endless!
MENU Cloud Stone Circular Bowl
Left: Design by Dinosaur Designs Right: Viento Double Glass Bowl by Papaya
New linen
I truly believe that some good hand towels really make all the difference when it comes to the aesthetic of your kitchen. They are typically always on show, hung along the bench or rail to dry, so why not make them look good! It’s a great way to introduce different textures and materials into your kitchen space that compliment your kitchen design.
Design by Nordiska Kok
Left: Kitchen Towels by Ra Right: Flower Kitchen Towel by Slow Down Studio
Chopping boards
Chopping boards are another practical element to any kitchen that isn’t always thought of as a decorative item. Choosing some chopping boards that fit into the theme of your kitchen can mean for some additional styling options on your benchtop, either resting against the splashback or grounding some smaller bits and pieces on the kitchen island.
Design by Nordiska Kok
Design by Jae Joo Designs
Decorative Storage
We are huge advocates of ‘everything must have a home in your kitchen’… this is simply to avoid unwanted clutter that inevitably builds up. Decorative storage such as canisters or ceramics are an exception as it can simply act as a styling piece on your kitchen benchtop or shelving. It’s a great way to have some kitchen necessities at arms reach without having to compensate on the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.
Design by Tina Rich Design
By James Howe
Swap out your stools
This one can make a huge impact! Whether it’s opting for an upholstered finish for a more softer approach or something durable and sleek to compliment your kitchen finishes….just always remember that stools come in various sizes and heights so be sure you measure your kitchen island before you go shopping!
Our Redland Bay Project
Style your Soaps
A necessity in every kitchen, but once again not necessarily thought of as a styling item… Soap bottles have really evolved from the super market bought dispensers, place it on a decorative tray and you have yourself the perfect practical styling right by your sink area!
Our Gordon Park Residence
Kitchen Runner
Due to the nature of the space, typically there are a a lot of harsher elements in a kitchen, it almost always screams for some softness. A kitchen runner is the perfect addition (especially in the cooler months!) that can balance out the harsh and soft elements of the space. In terms of the maintenance side of things… look for rugs that that are made up of synthetic fibres, these tend to be the most durable to withstand the typical cooking mishaps.
Rug by Armadillo and Co
Artwork
Yes, art can belong in the kitchen! Such a meaningful and impactful addition that can really set the scene for the design language you are trying to achieve. Drawing from the colours and tones in your artwork for the rest of your styling pieces can make for an overall cohesive and complimenting design.
Design by Edo Mapelli Mozzi
