Kitchen Decor Ideas To Inspire an Enviable Remodel

Kitchen decor has so many components that there’s no shortage of ideas for the heart of your home. There are many things to plan and consider before being happy with the way a kitchen looks.

Kitchen Decor Ideas

It’s often hard to make decisions. Do you want a marble countertop or one made of wood? Or something else? Everything has to be in sync even if you’re choosing to mix and match different styles, materials, finishes, or colors.

Inspiration can come from anywhere so don’t rule out any kitchen decorating ideas.

In a rush? Jump to the most important kitchen decor headlines:

Wood Materials for Kitchen Decor Ideas

When it comes to decorating your kitchen, the types of materials you use go a long way toward defining the aesthetic and the general vibe.

Wood Materials for Kitchen Decor Ideas

Many different kinds of wood are used in cabinetry:

  • Red oak: Red oak is heavy and dense with an open wood grain. It’s often paired with light-colored granite countertops for a traditional look.
  • White oak: White oak originates in the eastern United States and southern Canada. This heavy wood has a pale ashen color. 
  • Hard maple: Hard maple cabinets are more expensive than soft maple cabinets, but have much better durability. It’s a smart choice for the kitchen.
  • Hickory: The hardness of hickory can be difficult for woodworkers to manipulate, but it’s a popular choice for kitchen cabinets anyway. It has a warm, rustic appearance.
  • Cherry: Cherry wood has a naturally deep, reddish hue that pairs well with modern kitchen designs. Cherry is one of the more expensive luxury hardwoods, but still cheaper than exotic options like teak or mahogany.
  • Birch: Even though birch is a medium-density hardwood, it is still a good option for kitchen cabinets since it is scratch-resistant.
  • Ash:  The surface of Ash is very smooth compared to other wood grains. It’s easy to clean, which makes it popular. Ash is light in coloring so paired it with modern fixtures to keep it from looking dated.
  • Pine: Pine is a softwood that is moisture-resistant, making it a smart choice for kitchens in humid environments. It’s also good for custom carpentry and millwork in cabinets.

Kitchen Countertop Types

There are several kinds of kitchen countertops you can use as a foundation for your kitchen. Each one has advantages and disadvantages.

Kitchen Countertop Types

Some are more durable but expensive, while others are cheaper and easier to source, but may not last as long.

Here are some of the types of countertops you’ll encounter:

  • Laminate: Laminate is one of the cheapest types of countertop, but it also comes in a wide range of different color and pattern options to fit many different residential styles. While affordable, laminate scratches easily and doesn’t hold up to wear and tear well compared to other materials.
  • Marble: Marble is one of the most expensive countertop materials, and is often found in luxury kitchens. It offers unique beauty since all marble countertops are natural and look one-of-a-kind.
  • Stone: Countertops come in several types of stone, including quartz and granite. These offer some of the aesthetic benefits of marble at a fraction of the cost. Some stone countertops may be susceptible to scratches, however.

Decor Ideas for Counters

Your kitchen counters are one of the first things your houseguests will see, so make sure that they dazzle onlookers.

Kitchen Decor Ideas for Your Counters

Decorating kitchen counters is about using open spaces and curating accent pieces to make your counters look decorated and not cluttered.

Follow these tips for a dazzling result:

  • Make decorations functional. Decorating with containers such as flour canisters and fruit bowls adds a personal element while adding storage. 
  • Keep clutter at bay: Keep small appliances and accessories off the countertops as much as possible. Use organizing tools to keep your countertops clear of miscellaneous items.
  • Organize counters into stations: Place decorative cleaning items around your kitchen sink for dish time. Keep spices organized in one spot on your countertops.
  • Go with quality over quantity. It’s better to decorate with a few well-chosen items than to overload your countertops with cheap knick-knacks.

Decor Ideas to Accessorize Your Counter

When it comes to adding a personal touch to your kitchen counters, it comes down to the accessories you’re choosing.

Ideas to Accessorize Your Counter

Here are a few ways you can add unique accents to accessorize your kitchen counters:

  • Add some greenery. Cut flowers or a few pots of fresh herbs can freshen up any kitchen. Remember that greenery counts as a neutral in a color palette.
  • Use trays and butcher blocks to group items. Grouping purely decorative items on a serving tray or butcher block can help keep decorative items from cluttering the countertop.
  • Keep it personal. Include your favorite cookbook or some family photos.
Exposed Beams kitchen decor ideas

Kitchen Decor Accents

As the heart of your home, you’ll want to make your kitchen a welcoming space. Adding the right decor can make your kitchen design look refined.

Here are some tips for decorating your home kitchen once the basic elements are in place:

  • Consider setting up a coffee or tea station. A coffee station for morning beverages is ideal for bringing people together. Gather supplies such as tea bags or coffee tins together in a basket to display them in an organized way.
  • Don’t forget the artwork. Artwork gives your kitchen a personal feel. It can also reinforce existing aesthetics.
  • Try a statement object as a focal point. It’s better to reduce the number of decorations on your kitchen countertops. Choose a single unusual statement piece to contrast the spartan surfaces in the rest of the room.
  • Use accent colors. Light-colored neutrals make a kitchen look spacious and clean, but can tren toward boring. Spice things up with an accent color or two or a bright rug.

Must-Have Items for Kitchen Decor Ideas

Home decor will vary depending on your personality, but there are a few general items that just about everyone can use.

Must-Have Items for Kitchen Decor Ideas

Here are some of the must-have kitchen items you should consider including:

  • Cut flowers: A bouquet of cut flowers can elevate any interior, and the kitchen is no exception. Rotate in new cut flowers regularly to keep the kitchen looking bright.
  • Lighting: Every kitchen needs good lighting. Be sure you have ambient light sources as well as task lights.
  • Cutting boards: Cutting boards come in a wide range of styles and materials. Since they lie flat on the countertop, they can also help section off a space.

40 Kitchen Decor Ideas 

1. Espresso and White

Expresso and White Contrast
Colors and finishes are combined in a simple but elegant way

Espresso and white is a classic combination of colors that looks equally good in rustic designs and modern kitchen setups. Contemporary touches like open storage, a mirror, and industrial pendant lights add a glamorous vibe. The marble counter incorporates both colors and pulls the room together.

2. Glass Front Cabinets

Glass Front Cabinets kitchen decor ideas
Glass cabinet door inserts allow a peak inside.

The Motra collection by Christopher Peacock is for traditional homes that want to look clean and a bit modern. It has iconic features such as glass-front cabinets, marble counters, and solid wood surfaces. Marble on the backsplash and countertops showcases its unique pattern and is ideal for cooking.

3. Ceiling-Mounted Shelves

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Ceiling-mounted shelves allow you to store more pots and pans while also giving you a place to hold nice glassware. Choose hardware for your ceiling-mounted shelves that match the hardware in the rest of the kitchen for a unified look.

4. Above Island Storage

Above Island Storage kitchen decor ideas
Use shelves above the island for storage

The best place for ceiling-mounted shelves in the kitchen is above the kitchen island. This location also helps the shelves further divide the kitchen’s functional sections, like the cooking space. Bar chairs along the island add seating and a place for people to eat.

5. Glass or Bottle Rack

Glass or Bottle Rack kitchen decor ideas
Add a glass or bottle rack above the kitchen island.

A glass or bottle rack is another common use for ceiling-mounted shelving. Placing your wine collection on the kitchen bottle rack is a fun way to show off the label art on your favorite brands. 

6. Marble Countertops

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Marble countertops are an expensive upgrade, but they can be well worth the investment. These bring tons of equity to your kitchen’s value and can increase overall property value. 

7. Golden Accents

kitchen decor ideas with Golden Accents
The little details have a big impact.

While too much gold can look garish, a touch of here and there can be the perfect accent for a refined aesthetic in your kitchen. Gold looks good with other decorating neutrals such as white marble and warm toned wood.

8. Industrial Features

Industrial Features
Modern kitchens pair with industrial features for a factory-like look

Industrial features are a common motif in modern kitchens. They’re a good match for contemporary architectural features like loft layouts and vaulted ceilings. Adding a fresh organic touch like a bouquet of flowers can keep things from looking too harsh.

9. Raw Concrete and Smooth Finishes

Raw Concrete and Smooth Finishes
Play with contrasts and combine raw concrete surfaces with smooth and delicate finishes

Another thing you’ll see in contemporary kitchens is a contrast in textures. Raw unfinished concrete can look foreboding alongside the smooth finishes of hardwood and stainless steel. However, some good lighting and a graceful touch like this sprawling floral centerpiece, help textures accentuate each other.

10. Wooden Countertops

Wooden countertops are another way to lighten up a grim industrial aesthetic.
Wooden countertops lighten up a grim industrial aesthetic.

Multicolored tones in the wood bring in pattern and texture, but the smooth finish mirrors the smooth textures elsewhere. Edison bulbs and a metallic backsplash add even more industrial appeal. The grayish blue cabinets add some spice.

11. Fitted Bar Stools

Fitted Bar Stools
Make sure barstools fit and look nice in the context

It’s important to make sure your bar stools are fitted to the height of your countertops so that guests are comfortable when they sit to eat or drink.

Most countertops are built to a standard height, but the height of your stools will also depend on the thickness of your countertop and how far it sticks out from the bar.

12. Contrasting Contemporary Design

Contrasting Contemporary Design
This contemporary kitchen has a design based on contrasts and harmony

Contemporary design in kitchens doesn’t mean you have to decorate in stainless steel. This modern kitchen uses dark wood cabinets to help soften the look of the metallic backsplash. A handful of candleholders provide soft accent lighting, even while you’re cooking. 

13. Natural Wood Finish

Natural Wood Finish

Most wood finishes used in the kitchen have a glossy finish, but this design leaves the wood of the lower cabinetry raw to show off the wood grain.

Keeping the other cabinet fronts plain helps draw the eye back to the natural wood finish and the metallic backsplash.

14. Beautiful Black Marble Countertops

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While white marble is one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops, black marble can also be a dramatic choice. Paired with stainless steel and a natural wood finish, it’s very dramatic.

15. Rustic Wood Bar

Rustic Wood Bar
Solid wood countertops are charming but require more maintenance.

For a rustic kitchen vibe, a thick butcher block-style wooden countertop makes a great focal point. While a big unfinished wood slab looks sharp, these types of countertops have to be oiled and well maintained.

16. Combine Different Materials

Combine Different Materials
It’s fun to combine different materials and finishes.

Combining different materials in your kitchen is a smart way to interject style into without adding a bunch of knick-knacks to your countertops. Clear surfaces with high-quality materials create a much better impression with houseguests.

17. L-Shaped Bar

L-Shaped Bar
This bar has an L-shape.

A marble backsplash can look elegant and you can match it with the counter or complement it with a wood countertop bar.

18. Compact Open Kitchen

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Compact kitchens can be a challenge to design since they require a lot of functionality in a small space. You can make the most of a small kitchen by using open storage for tableware and keeping the floor plan as open as possible. Clearing out clutter also plays a big part in keeping the space tidy and useful.

19. Open Kitchen Shelves

kitchen decor ideas Open Shelves
These are always practical in the kitchen.

Open shelves look best in a contemporary kitchen where the items stored in plain sight are well-organized and minimal. Too many items on open shelves can make your kitchen look like a grocery store display.

20. Built-in Appliances

Built-in Appliances
Built-in appliances make kitchen look sleek and modern.

It takes a lot of planning to come up with the perfect storage configuration for your particular needs. You must also figure out how to integrate other smaller details that aren’t necessarily storage-related.

For instance, maybe you could opt for kitchen pocket doors. They’re very practical and sleek and they’re great for small spaces.

21. Marble Accent Decor Ideas

Marble Accents
Don’t use rich material like marble in excess.

Marble makes your kitchen look upscale, but using too much can come off as gaudy. Instead, try to use marble in just a few places rather than as an entire countertop to bring a touch of class without breaking the bank.

22. Kitchen Dining Table

Kitchen Dining Table
Instead of an island, opt for a dining table in the kitchen

Kitchen dining tables are an eye-catching centerpiece if you don’t have an island. The color and finish of the table make a huge impact on the overall look of the room. Choosing a wood grain or shade that complements the cabinetry is best. 

23. Task Lighting

Task Lighting
Use task lights to highlight key areas in the kitchen.

In kitchen remodels, it’s important to make sure you have appropriate linds of lights so that people can perform tasks in the kitchen as well as see the decor. Task lighting is underneath the upper cabinets and helps illuminate the countertop space where you’re prepping and cooking.

24. Drawer Dividers

Drawer Dividers
Use dividers in drawers to keep your utensils organized.

Be sure to include design features that make the kitchen more functional and organized. Black wooden drawer dividers provide a pop of contrast against the white cabinets and help keep your flatware looking neat.

25. Dark Walls

Dark Wall Colors with kitchen decor ideas
There’s no need to avoid dark colors in the kitchen.

Dark walls aren’t for every kitchen since they can make the space feel smaller than it actually is. In fact, in larger kitchens, dark wall colors can make it feel cozier and can add a dramatic pop of color to neutral kitchen fixtures.

26. Jewel Tone Floors

Jewel Tone Floors
Add an unexpected touch of color to the kitchen with colored floor tiles

This design choice might not be for everyone since it’s very bold. However, this striking mauve tile floor really pops with the variety of other neutral materials in the room such as beige crockery and dark wooden cabinets. Of course, you could always try a bright rug.

27. Metallic Countertops

Metallic Countertops
The kitchen is a space where metallic colors integrate well.

If you’re decorating the kitchen with jewel tones, metallic fixtures such as this patina coppertop counter complement more showy shades. At first glance, it looks like these two shades don’t match, but violet is actually the opposite of yellow (gold) on the color wheel. 

28. Black Cabinets

Black Cabinets
Think of the kitchen as more than just a purely functional space and give it a bit of glamour

Black cabinets are an unconventional choice, but black and metallic accents are a natural pair. This kitchen has random pops of jewel tones that contrast with natural elements such as the bamboo steaming tray and light-colored walls.

29. Unique Color Combinations

Unique Color Combinations
This is an interesting mix of colors, materials, and finishes.

This eclectic mix of colors, materials, and finishes in this kitchen design gives it a bohemian feel. When mixing multiple design elements together, keep to a theme so they don’t look too hodgepodge. Here, bright accent colors are toned down with metallics and dark neutrals to pull things together.

30. Wine Cooler

kitchen decor ideas Wine Cooler
Give your kitchen extra features such as a wine cooler

Wine lovers will want an open-faced wine cooler like this that allows you to easily organize and see what wines you have. This is better than keeping your collection in a wine rack because it’s a temperature-controlled space. It also keeps them close to where you are cooking.

31. Neutral Modern Design

Neutral Modern Design kitchen decor ideas
Neutrals are very versatile and adaptable.

Neutrals go well with a wide variety of kitchen styles, but they play especially well with industrial appliances, metallic fixtures, and other design elements in a modern kitchen. Try adding some greenery such as a few potted herbs to help break up all the beige and stainless steel.

32. Bar Extension

Bar Extension kitchen decor ideas
A foldable bar or table extension can make a kitchen island even more practical.

If you have a larger kitchen, a bar extension adds seating to the island. Adding a foldable bar extension allows you to put the bar away to make extra space for daily kitchen use. However, it still gives you the option to have chairs for extra guests when you need to.

33. Cool Gray Color Palette

Cool Gray Color Palette

For a contemporary style, try pairing dark woods with stark cool whites and medium to dark grays. This ashen palette makes the kitchen look sleek and modern, especially when paired with stainless steel fixtures. (via Sunny Side Up)

34. Exposed Beams

Exposed Beams kitchen decor ideas

If you want a traditional farmhouse-style kitchen, pair exposed wooden beams in the ceiling with copper pots and pans for charm. Wooden accent pieces like the bar chairs and the cutting board soften the luxurious feel of marble countertops. (via One Kind Design)

35. White and Metallic Accents

White and Metallic Accents kitchen decor ideas

All-white kitchens are common and stainless steel fixtures usually accompany all-white designs. Copper or gold fixtures are unexpected choices and repeating the material around the room helps emphasize the theme. (via Jennifer Maune)

36. Geometric Shapes

Geometric Shapes
Add a  big vase full of flowering branches.

For a modern feel in your kitchen, include accents that have a geometric pattern. These can be contemporary pendant lights or glass panes in the upper cabinets. Emphasize these geometric patterns by choosing accent pieces and furniture with hard, inorganic lines. (via Decor Aid)

37. Unexpected Pop of Red

Unexpected Pop of Red

Neutral color palettes are always a good for a contemporary kitchen, but run the risk of having a bland feel. A dramatic accent, such as the red fridge in this kitchen, is a statement piece and a focal point that pops. (via Best Online Cabinets)

38. Floating Shelves

Floating Shelves kitchen decor ideas

In a small kitchen, floating shelves are a useful way to make the most of the space you have by allowing for extra storage, framed by the cabinets. This type of shelving is not suited for heavier objects, but are a good option for artwork, knick-knacks, or photo frames. (via Decor Insider)

39. Balanced Island

Balanced Island kitchen decor ideas

The island is a primary design element in your decor because it accounts for much of the flat surfaces. Place decor at each end of your island and avoid piling decorations at one end, or it will look haphazard or cluttered. (via My 100 Year Old Home)

40. Pot Rack

Pot Rack

Ceiling-mounted pot racks are another way to add storage to a compact kitchen. It’s also a way to show off your best kitchenware.

If you have a collection of heirloom cast iron or copper pans, this is a fantastic way to display them while also keeping them within easy reach. (via Architectural Digest)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?

The cost of remodeling a kitchen can vary wildly depending on the scope of the remodel, the size of the kitchen and the materials used. Custom features such as custom cabinetry are more expensive than pre-fabricated models. The average cost of a kitchen remodel ranges between $12,000 and $35,000. 

How Long Do Kitchen Remodeling Projects Usually Take?

Most kitchen renovations only take six to eight weeks time to finish as long as the materials needed are readily available. Of course, the time it takes also depends on the complexity and scope of the remodel. 

How Do You Choose Kitchen Decor Ideas to Match Your Design Aesthetic?

Choosing an aesthetic for decorating your home kitchen is a personal choice. If you’re not sure what decor you want, there are some things to consider to figure out your kitchen aesthetic. What is the architecture of the home?

The design of your home can help inspire the interior too. With regard to materials, what do you like? Marble or wood are design elements you can carry throughout your kitchen design. Including them in different parts of the kitchen can make the whole space feel unified.

What Features Cost the Most When Decorating a Kitchen?

The cabinetry, the countertops, and the flooring are the most expensive elements. These features have to be installed by professionals, so labor cost has to be added to the material cost. The specific materials also affect the cost, such as marble vs. laminate countertops. The type of major appliances you choose will also have a bearing on the cost.

Does Remodeling Your Kitchen Increase Your Home Value?

Remodeling your kitchen can increase your home value, especially if you update your kitchen to reflect a more modern style or if you improve the quality of the materials used.

Where Can You Get Supplies for Kitchen Decor Ideas Remodeling Projects?

Source supplies for kitchen remodeling projects from big box home improvement stores or lumber/construction suppliers. Some cities also have bulk distributors of building materials such as flooring or cabinetry where you can custom order materials for a kitchen remodeling project.

How Can You Use Kitchen Decor Ideas to Update Your Space Without Remodeling?

You can change up the look of your kitchen without undertaking a serious remodeling project in a number of ways. Try painting the cabinets, changing out your light fixtures or getting new blinds or curtains. Adding a rug can work too.

What Is a Good Counter Height?

The standard height for a counter height is 36 inches from the floor. This is such a widely-accepted universal standard for countertops that most out-of-the-box cabinets are built to specifications for a countertop at this height.

Are Kitchen Islands the Same Height as Counters?

Kitchen islands are typically built to be the same height as countertops (36 inches) which is good for most users. This gives the kitchen a unified look even if the materials in the island are different from those in the countertops in the rest of the kitchen.

Do Kitchen Cabinets Come in Different Depths?

Kitchen cabinets come in different depths depending on the type of cabinets you purchase. The depth can range from 12 to 18 inches. Twelve-inch cabinets are for regular tableware, while 18-inch cabinets are for storing larger items like cookware.

What Is the Most Common Drawer Pull Size?

There’s no set universal drawer pull size, but most drawer pulls should be roughly a third of the width of the cabinet they’re attached to. As long as you choose a drawer pull that is proportional to the cabinet and matches the rest of the fixtures in the kitchen, new hardware improves the aesthetics of your cabinetry.

Kitchen Decor: Conclusion

Many elements go into decorating a home kitchen, from major design features like backsplashes to more subtle details like accent pieces. Figuring out which materials and fixtures appeal to you is the most of the fun of coming up with a design.

Think ahead about your needs and preferences when planning your kitchen so that in time you will end up with one that you’ll love.