I’m excited to share this kitchen that I styled months ago (better late than never, right?!) and some tips if you want to give your kitchen a fresh look.

I helped design this kitchen for a friends new construction home. It’s beautiful even without anything in it (see more on that here!)

I love the styling part just as much as the design part! I thought I’d create a little guide to styling your kitchen with some of my favorite items and tips.

Before I started this styling session, I took everything off the counters. My first tip to a well styled kitchen is to start with a blank slate. Here I was fortunate enough to have a butlers pantry to store some bulkier items that take up a lot of counter space (such as a toaster, etc.). In my own kitchen, I try to put these appliances off to the sides and as out of sight as possible.

Keeping the focal point, usually the center of the kitchen, as clean and clutter free is key!

Here’s a few tips to style your kitchen (with function in mind):

Create Vignettes

You’ll see throughout this post I created a few vignettes in different areas in the kitchen. If you struggle with creating vignettes, it helps to think in odd #’s. Sort and group in trios, and play around with what looks good.

I recommend starting with the items you use often (ie: fruit bowl or cutting board) while creating your kitchen vignettes, then add 1-2 decorative things next to those. The best vignettes are FUNCTIONAL and aesthetically pleasing.

Lean & Layer Cutting Boards

Leaning a couple charcuterie or cutting boards In different sizes and shapes adds style and warms up a kitchen. You can lean them on your countertops against a backsplash or behind your range.

I use our large wooden one (pictured above) MULTIPLE times a day. Its a great place to corral ingredients and prep food for each meal. This is especially helpful now that I’m packing lunches in the mornings! You’ll notice a couple different vignettes behind the range in this post but the one above is my favorite.

I love mixing white, marble and wood tones to keep it interesting. These are great for cheese boards and , serving appetizers too!

Use Bowls

White pedestal or footed bowls will never go out of style. They are a classic and nice to have on hand when entertaining.

I showed up to my clients house with 2 different sizes for her kitchen and saw she already owned one with beautiful beaded details! If you’re buying a new one, I recommend one with subtle details that make it unique.

Add Height!

Add something tall to draw your eye up!

I like to use tall branches or florals on kitchen islands as a focal point. Here, I used a tall lemon tree to highlight the gorgeous window and sink area.

Throw a Towel Over the Sink

Speaking of sink… A casually thrown hand towel over the sink is a useful and cute way to jazz up your kitchen sink.

Here’s a few cute ones (including my go-to towels at home. I’ve had these for over 3 years, use them almost daily and they still look new!)

PS. don’t you wish your kitchen sink could always be filled with fresh peonies? 😉 Trader Joes had the best selection this Spring and I may have bought them all!

Glass Dispensers to Reuse

I like to use glass hand soap and dish soap dispensers and refill them. Be sure to check the label before you buy them to make sure the labels won’t peel off easily when wet. I have found nice ones at Homegoods. I’ve also had luck with this one even after refilling it a few times.

Apothecary Jars

Glass jars and vases are another classic item (and functional!) that will never go out of style. In the corner, my client already owed a couple of tall glass jars. I recommend using them to hold things that you often cook with or use (ie: fill them with lemons, apples, spices, sugar, etc.!)

Kitchen Rug Runner

If you have the space, add a runner rug for some personality. Keep the pattern busy enough that small spills or messes won’t show!

I love Dash and Albert rugs indoor/outdoor rugs (we have 3 in our house!). The smaller ones can be rolled up easily and taken to the dry cleaners when needed (best thing ever!).

Get Creative with your Utensil Holders

Use a crock, vase or even a glass that you like. At home, I keep wooden spoons in a mercury vase that I used to use only for flowers. I love that it is on display everyday now vs tucked away in a cabinet!

Stack Cookbooks

Having a stack of cookbooks out has also helped me remember to actually USE them! I often go to the internet for new recipes but since we’ve started our tech free weekends, these cookbooks have gotten much more use. My favorites lately are Magnolia Table and past Home Chef recipes!

Use a Cute Cookbook Stand

This may encourage you to use cooking books to (at least it as for me!). Place a cute recipe holder on a stove top or on the kitchen counter.

Stylish Counter Stools

Stools are a great way to add style and character to a kitchen. These bistro style stools are one of my favorite – and they hold up well even in busy households filled with kids!

I shared a secret to scoring these stools and other furniture for less and more in this post in case you missed it!

Candles and fresh florals for a finishing touch!

A huge thank you to my dear friend for letting me design and style her kitchen! If you’re in the Chicago area and would like a little refresh, send me a message!