26 Kitchen Décor Ideas to Make Your Space More Inviting

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.

Use Open Shelving to Store Cookware

Placing your cookware on open shelving or hanging it from a pegboard is both utilitarian and visually appealing. “When you display dishes and hang mugs off a custom peg board or hang pans off a decorative rod, it adds color, interest, and texture to your kitchen while remaining practical and freeing up storage space,” says Priya Vij, interior design expert and founder of Hapny Home. ‎She suggests sticking to a color theme and grouping specific product types together for a more cohesive look.

Hang Your Cookware

Alternatively, hang your cookware from above as pictured in this design by CetraRuddy. This approach creates an artistic centerpiece in the kitchen while doubling as a convenient way to access your pots and pans.

Play With Texture

Texture plays a crucial role in any design—including the kitchen—so don’t shy away from incorporating a variety into your space. For a subtle touch, “opt for materials like smooth stone countertops or soft wood finishes which provide visual interest without dominating the space,” Bonet says. You can also add texture via glass, metal, wood, and other natural materials.

Showcase a Cutting Board Collection

“Cutting boards that are left out are beautiful to look at but also a quick way to throw out a spread of nibbles,” says Hulcher Tollett. “A pack of crackers and pimento cheese suddenly becomes more elevated when thrown on a beautiful wooden cutting board.”

Create a Beautiful Tablescape

Whether you’re hosting a pre-planned dinner party or a friend unexpectedly drops by for lunch, setting the table is the last thing you want to worry about. “A permanent tablescape allows you to focus on the food, conversation, and perhaps a pretty flower arrangement,” Askinasi says. “Keep it casual by mixing pieces of different dinnerware sets. Don’t forget to include napkins and silverware to complete the look.”

Introduce Natural Elements

Bringing natural elements into the kitchen connects the space to the outdoors, adds warmth, and makes it feel more welcoming. “Adding plants, wooden accents, or stone features can really enhance the look and feel of the kitchen,” says Brindha Dhanabalan, interior expert and founder of All Cotton and Linen. She says you can also put potted herbs on the windowsill, hang planters, incorporate reclaimed wood, and include stone features.

Layer Your Lighting

Along with statement pieces via a chandelier, pendants, or scones, also incorporate a variety of overhead and task lighting. “Use different types of lighting—like under-cabinet lights, recessed lights, and task lighting—to create a bright and inviting atmosphere,” suggests Dhanabalan.

Introduce a Storage Piece

Extra storage in and around the kitchen is always a good thing, and it provides an opportunity to add some personal flare. “In this kitchen we designed with Rosney Co Architects, we found an antique storage piece rather than continuing millwork around the perimeter of the room,” says Hulcher Tollett. “We filled it with a collection of vintage copper pots that we sourced while antiquing for the client.”

Make a Splash With Accent Colors

Kitchens have a tendency to get a little sterile with all-white or mostly neutral color schemes. Don’t be afraid to add a splash of color here and there, advises Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal interior designer at Planner 5D. “Accents can add liveliness to your interior and beat expensive purchases or renovations,” she says. Maybe it’s a singular bright vase, a colorful bowl housing fruit, or bar stools in a fun hue.

Add Some Fresh Greenery

Whether adding a colorful bouquet, an all-green arrangement, or potted plants, adding greenery to your kitchen can instantly create a more welcoming space. “It creates a calming, nature-inspired atmosphere, making the kitchen feel like a true extension of the home,” Bonet says.

Add a Table Lamp

Overhead lighting reigns supreme in the kitchen, but the glow of a table lamp can add dimension and softness to your space. “By sourcing cool, unique lights, it can really change up a space and make it special,” Oravec says. “Finding a vintage one is a plus. Mix up the materials by looking for a lamp that contrasts (yet complements) the other pieces in the room.”

Consider Adding a Loveseat

“An architect or builder often suggests adding a window seat to the kitchen if you have the space. I don’t find them very comfortable,” McBournie says. “Instead, we took a mid-century Danish sofa covered in linen and put it in the kitchen against the window. Initially, guests found it a little odd, but most of the time, within about 30 minutes, they’d be seated with a cup of coffee or glass of wine in hand.”

Add Eye-Catching Vessels

 It’s impossible to always keep your counters clutter-free, so why not embrace some of the mess by displaying frequently used items? “Shop local artisans or turn to Etsy for some beautiful ceramic and glass vessels,” Askinasi suggests. “Be sure to mix different textures, shapes and sizes. Everything from spoons and spatulas, to salt, sugar, flour and fruit can be placed directly on your countertops in pottery.”

Opt For Pretty Hand Towels

Even the smallest details can have a big impact in your kitchen. “Fold kitchen towels neatly and place them in small stacks on open shelving, or hang them from hooks on the shelf for a casual yet sophisticated look,” says Dhanabalan. You can also drape them over the oven or fridge handle. Consider a simple but eye-catching pattern like stripes or florals, or opt for texture via waffle or terry.