Kitchen design is a multistep process that includes making decisions about practical things like layout, storage, and appliances, but it’s equally important to focus on choosing finishes, decor, and accessories that will make this utilitarian space feel warm and personal.
Check out these kitchen decor ideas in a range of styles, sizes, and budgets to help inspire you to make everyone’s favorite hang-out space as inviting as any other room in the house.
01. Try Peel-and-Stick Tile
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A Beautiful MessFor renters or those who like to change up their decor with minimal effort and investment, a peel-and-stick vinyl tile or removable wallpaper backsplash can change the look of your kitchen in a flash, like this space from A Beautiful Mess.
02. Display Everyday Objects
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Lobster and Swan In this warm, rustic English country kitchen from Lobster and Swan, everyday objects from coffee pots to glass pitchers and jars filled with tea and herbs are displayed on reclaimed wood shelving, keeping everything visible and accessible.
03. Create an Open Pantry
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Velinda Hellen for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Veronica CrawfordIn this kitchen from Velinda Hellen for Emily Henderson Design, one end of the kitchen island is lined with shelving filled with identical jars of dry goods to create an accessible mini pantry that doubles as edible decor.
04 Embrace Warm Earth Tones
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House of G Designs / Photo by Public 311 DesignIn an era of kitchen decor still dominated by neutrals, a colorful kitchen is a memorable kitchen that will stand out from the crowd.House of G Designs energizes this kitchen with a sunny palette of earth tones that includes a salmon orange retro fridge from Big Chill.
05. Use Reclaimed Shelving
Lobster and Swan used reclaimed wood to build open shelving and cover the range hood, an eco-friendly choice that creates a warm and rustic feel in the English country kitchen.
06. Layer Lighting
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Maydan Architects / Photo by Peter KubilisThis New York City apartment from Maydan Architects has a streamlined black-and-white kitchen that is seamlessly built along one wall. A strip of LED lighting beneath the upper cabinetry lights the countertop while being a decorative feature of its own.
07. Hang a Wine Rack
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Design by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-TrampA wall-hung wine rack is a decorative way to keep a small stash of wine on the ready, like this kitchen designed by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design.
08. Incorporate Cottage Style
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deVOL KitchensColorful green wall tile, soft pink paint on the walls, a lace-trimmed curtain panel, and a pair of geraniums in terracotta pots flanking the sink give this space from deVOL Kitchens a cozy cottage look.
09. Try a Table Lamp
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deVOL KitchensWhile it wouldn’t make sense to use a table lamp to light your whole kitchen or provide task lighting when prepping meals, adding a table lamp to your kitchen countertop is a simple way to make a utilitarian space feel cozier, like this space from deVOL Kitchens.
10. Hang Your Cutting Boards
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Studio PeakeStudio Peake created a functional installation of wooden cutting boards in various shapes and sizes that fills the far wall of this London galley kitchen.A neutral patterned wallpaper makes the boards stand out, and turquoise cabinetry adds a fresh and bright feel to the narrow space.
11. Choose an Accent Color
A single color accent means that you will never have to overthink choices about decor, and will help make even the simplest of kitchens look more expensive and chic, like this U-shaped space from Leanne Ford Interiors that is accented with touches of tomato red.
12. Add Thrift Store Art
Ashley Montgomery Design leaned an unframed thrift store still life against the dramatic marble kitchen backsplash to lend this kitchen some warmth, while a collection of mortar and pestles is both decorative and functional.