Countertop decor may be simple or elaborate but it can significantly help to create a certain mood and vibe within the space. Here are 6 simple and doable ideas for those looking to spice up their space.
Countertop Decor #1: Using Decorative Trays
Decorative trays are both practical and an ornament to kitchen countertops. These elements are helpful in giving organisation to items — acting like a focal point that may help in tying the whole look together and keep the essentials nice and neatly arranged.
A decorative tray can be used to round up several items you might want to display such as oil bottles, salt and pepper shakers or cooking utensils into a harmonious and put together look. Selecting the right material of the tray that would be a great way to complement your kitchen design — be it a wooden one adding warmth and that rustic touch or a metallic and marble one that exudes classy sophistication. Decorative trays can be useful to display personal items such as cookbooks, adding a little potted plant or even a collection of spices to finally show off one’s taste or giving an elegant touch to each and every day-to-day thing with much more ease.
Vary the height and size of the objects to be set on the tray to create interest and depth. For instance, you can use a tall vase of fresh flowers and then combine it with short round canisters for an eye-catching and dynamic arrangement. The other great thing about decorative trays is that they are pretty easy to update seasonally or when trends change — just swap out what is on the tray to reflect holidays or use autumn-themed decoration in fall and bright florals in spring.
Along those lines, versatility makes trays a great choice for any person who loves refreshing their decor without a total makeover. Ultimately, decorative trays are a means of keeping your items on the kitchen counter organised and making a stylish statement about the kind of taste you enjoy.
Countertop Decor #2: Displaying Cookbooks
Cookbooks can also function as tools on the countertops and add a little decor to your kitchen space. Of course, it goes without saying that displaying your favourite cookbooks showcases your interests in cooking but it also adds some style to your kitchen decor. A curated selection of colourful or beautifully designed cookbooks can be appealing enough — inviting family and friends around to share in the exploration of new recipes.
You can arrange them in many ways — stacked horizontally for that laid-back casual look or vertically placed in a snappy bookend for a more organised presentation. You can also incorporate a cookbook stand to add visual appeal and put your favourite recipes at easy access. Choose the stands in wood, metal or acrylic that go along with the general look of your kitchen.
Add some personality with cookbooks that speak to your journey of cooking or have been passed down through the generations, telling a story in and of itself to add ambience to your kitchen. Mixing different frame sizes and textures can add visual interest especially when combined with other countertop decor elements like fresh herbs or decorative trays. Also, it is nice to put a few cookbooks right next to the area where you prepare food to facilitate experimentation or play with different kinds of recipes since these books encourage inspiration and guidance.
You can switch out seasonal cookbooks — holiday cookbooks during holidays, summer grilling during the summer. This way, your decor will stay fresh and you will have access to relevant recipes. Finally, placing cookbooks among the decor on your kitchen counter not only adds functionality but also reveals your character and culinary interest.
Countertop Decor #3: Showcasing Art Pieces
The use of art in kitchen counter decor can make the space into an exciting and stimulating area. The addition of this sometimes comes in the simplest of forms by merely using decorative cutting boards for active pieces of art. These will come in a wide variety of design styles — from intricately carved to boldly printed and can be leaned against the back-splash or hung on the wall when not in active duty.
The containers for staples like flour, sugar or even coffee are also colourful and artistic, making practical storage striking display elements. On a different note, small sculptures or vases artfully shaped may serve as the centrepiece by holding fresh herbs or flowers. These living aspects add beauty to the space, infusing a specific odour and colour that would change over time and seasons and elevate the sensations being evoked while cooking.
Food literature connoisseurs can display a few volumes gracing a stylish stand not only as useful cookbooks but also as a work of art provided their covers are brilliant in colour or sport attractive designs. Framed art or prints set above the countertop also tend to work well — hang something small which speaks to your personal style or culinary passion. Besides, ornamental trays could be utilised to display kitchen utensils and sundries for serving as a creative platform. A tray laid out with some special items such as handcrafted ceramic salt and pepper shakers, a few types of artisan oils or some vibrant fruits can create one more beautiful focal point.
Finally, under-cabinet lighting can be introduced in order to enhance the artwork and decor — casting a warm glow that draws attention to your carefully curated pieces. Overall, art in the form of kitchen countertop decor serves as an avenue for the expression of one’s self through the keeping of functionality within this space and allowing for an inviting atmosphere that fosters creativity with cooking.
Countertop Decor #4: Including Herb Planters
Herb planters will not only add to enhancing the look of your kitchen countertop but also bring in extra functionality and some sense of nature into the cooking zone. Basil, rosemary, mint and thyme add the most colourful pop with varying textures to your countertops and fresh flavours to the food in your kitchens. Some pieces of ceramic pots or wooden boxes add the modern look to any kitchen style from contemporary to farmhouse.
Set the herb containers near the window where proper sunlight can enter through it — enabling it to grow well and accessible anytime for cooking. You will be able to create an appealing display by clustering pots of a variety of sizes and hue, adding depth and interest to your counter area. In addition, herb planters allow practicality with gardening, making it easy to snip fresh herbs while you are cooking and allowing a farm-to-table ethos in your home. Give it an even greater bit of style by labelling the pots with chalkboard tags or decorative markers. That way, it personalises each one of them, making the process of identification so much easier.
If space is a problem for you, then consider locating your herbs in a vertical garden or multi-level planter. This saves space upward while keeping your counters clean. But aside from aesthetics and functionality, the immediate presence of fresh herbs might spur a little more creativity into trying new recipes and flavours. Generally speaking, herb planters add beauty and functionality to your kitchen counter, enhancing the cooking experience while adding to the overall ambience of the kitchen, turning it into one welcoming and full-of-life space.
Countertop Decor #5: Incorporating Candles
Candles add that extra special function and aesthetic touch to kitchen countertop decor, bringing warmth and ambience into this area. Their versatility makes it possible to have them in various styles, sizes and fragrances to fit every possible type of kitchen design — whether rustic or modern. Having candles on the countertop can create such a cosy setting, especially during intimate gatherings or family meals.
If you want a stylish look, use uniform candles in stylish holders that complement your kitchen’s colour scheme. You can combine different candle heights and styles with holders from vintage to contemporary clear glass to add some visual interest for an eclectic style. Scented candles can also enhance the culinary experience by filling the kitchen with delicious smells that can evoke memory or set the mood for cooking and dining.
Opt for candles made from natural elements like beeswax or soy wax. These biodegrade and burn much cleaner than the traditional paraffin candles. This makes them a much healthier choice for kitchen environments where air quality is so important. Also, decorative candles are excellent means of observing time of year or holiday. Pumpkin-scented candles are indicative of fall, while fresh citrus scents brighten a summer kitchen.
To really make them pop, set candles on a decorative tray with other complementary elements like fresh herbs or small potted plants, creating a cohesive look. For safety, always keep candles away from flammable materials and never unattended. Placing candles in your kitchen makes it beautiful and adds warmth and friendliness to it.
Countertop Decor #6: Utilising Stylish Jars
Stylish jars are excellent — adding beauty to your kitchen counter while serving functional and aesthetic purposes. You can find these versatile containers in several materials, shapes and sizes to select types that will easily merge with the design of your kitchen. Alternatively, you could adopt the use of mason jars or old glass jars filled with dry beans, pasta or grains for a rustic outlook. It brings texture so these not only add that but will bring a homey feeling into the room.
Modern aesthetics using sleek, ceramic or metallic canisters boast a minimalist design. This can hold some essentials like sugar, flour or coffee which will keep them organised and at your reach while contributing to a clean and tidy countertop. Of course, clear glass jars remain popular — it is not only that one may see what is inside the jar but even the most ordinary things can serve as decorative elements. Fill them with vibrant fruits, coloured spices or even ingredients in layers for baking mixes to show off their beauty while encouraging a healthy kitchen.
Give the decor a little something extra with uniquely designed lids of jars — wooden, bamboo or metallic surfaces can add an unexpected twist. Grouping jars of different heights on a decorative tray adds that curated look and draws the eye, giving you a cohesive element in design. For added personal flair, tie handwritten tags or chalkboard labels onto the jars to give it that custom look.
This is how stylish jars will not only add visual appeal to your kitchen but also help keep things organised while keeping your countertop functional and aesthetically pleasing. From rustic charm to urbane sophistication, fashionable jars are the way to make a statement with one’s kitchen tidy and organised.
