1. Add Patterned Shades
Window treatments can elevate any space. Designer Lauren Lothrop Caron used Roman shades in Darby Rose fabric by Jasper and brass accents in her kitchen. Dainty pendant lights and a small painting add extra coziness.
2. Show Off a Mug Collection
Molly Yeh's farmhouse kitchen features a walnut pegboard displaying her East Fork Pottery mugs. This functional art piece also holds tools like a cookie cutter and scissors, and decorative objects like a tiny vase of flowers.
3. Dedicate a Wall Niche
If kitchen decor space is limited, use a nearby wall niche. In a North Carolina beach house, designer Barie Benson's open shelving in a wall niche hosts colorful objects, adding character to the breakfast nook.
4. Opt for Blues and Whites
A blue-and-white palette brings cheer to a room. Designer Shannon Roberts used floral wallpaper, light blue cabinetry, striped curtains, and a blue-bordered rug in a Savannah, Georgia, kitchen. Paintings and brass accents complete the look.
5. Lay Out Multiple Rugs
Designer Isabel Ladd's Kentucky kitchen features two patterned rugs for a maximalist aesthetic. Intricate wallpaper covers the backsplash to the ceiling, while a neutral pendant light adds softness and makes a statement.
6. Create a Floor-to-Ceiling Gallery Wall
Designer Rudy Saunders crafted a unique feel in his studio apartment with a floor-to-ceiling gallery wall extending into the kitchen. The fridge is covered with tennis green and white striped contact paper to blend in.
7. Make Book Cubbies
In a kitchen by designer Nicole Dohmen, cubbies built into the island display books while keeping them out of the way. A vibrant table lamp and purple planter near the range add a homey touch.
8. Try Ledge Shelving
Simple ledge shelves can display cookbook covers, making them more accessible. Joanna Saltz's New Jersey kitchen by designer Jean Stoffer features ledge shelving for her extensive cookbook collection.
9. Give It an Outdoor Bistro Vibe
This deVOL kitchen has an outdoor bistro feel with wrought iron window boxes, patterned wallpaper, and an earthy palette. The olive green Smeg refrigerator blends in near the arched windows.