Is your kitchen decor scheme feeling a little flat and unremarkable? Believe it or not, your countertop styling (or lack thereof) may have a lot to do with it. Not to fret, today I am sharing 10 kitchen counter ideas to instantly elevate your space…
With the kids now finally back to school from winter break ( I was seriously getting close to losing my sh*t these last 48 ish hours), I am so happy to be sitting here in glorious silence writing my first blog post of the new year! While I love my boys, the constant blare of SpongeBob on the TV along with sporadic fist fight outbreaks were slowly but surely losing their novelty.
Given that my kitchen counters are pretty much the only space in my house NOT still adorned in holiday decor (hopefully I can get the motivation to store it all away soon), I thought today would be the perfect time to discuss countertop styling and how crucial it is to the most hardworking room of the home.

Even if your counters are cheap a$$ laminate like mine, you’d be amazed at what some decluttering- along with strategic styling can do.
So before you attempt any of the ideas I am about to share, I would first advise clearing off your counters so that you are working with a blank canvas. Put away as many small appliances as you can (especially what you don’t use on a daily basis), and let’s get to decorating!
1. Everyday Decor-

Ok…so I know I just said to declutter your worktops, but what I probably should have said: hide away the ugly, clunky stuff to make room for something that brings a moment of frivolous “pretty” to an otherwise utilitarian space.
Whether its a mini lamp or a framed piece of art that makes you happy, we should always make space for a little bit of personal expression and beauty.
Tip: Be sure the scale of your decor works for counters. The artwork I used on my countertops here is a small 8×11 piece. If you don’t have space for decor, consider displaying some fabulous salt and pepper mills (which you will surely notice if you keep on scrolling!)
2. A Bowl of Produce-

To bring a sense of life and color to a neutral kitchen, a decorative bowl of produce works wonders. And while a bowl of lemons or limes are a very practical choice, as you will see from many of the examples I am going to share, artichokes are super hot right now .
Tip: Given my island is a different color than the surrounding cabinets and counters, I intentionally went with a black bowl to tie in the black of my kitchen island with the perimeter. When choosing the colors of your counter decor, be mindful of this little hack to create better cohesion.
3. Decorative Canisters or Jars-

In addition to displaying your produce, another super practical item to keep handy on your counters are food staples like dried beans, pasta, flour or grains. Just be sure your vessel of choice is a matching set or the look will become cluttered/chaotic.
4. Wood Cutting Boards-

Not only do wooden cutting boards serve as a food safe surface to prep your fruits and veggies on, they are one of my favorite pieces of decor as far as kitchens are concerned. Why?…
They are such a simple and cost-effective way to add texture and warmth to a cold, sterile kitchen. Hell.. even if your kitchen is warm and gorgeous like this inspo from Amy Koehn, a cutting board is always nice to have nearby.
5. Utensil Holder-

Another easy way to add warmth and texture to a flat kitchen is to display your collection of wooden utensils in a utensil crock. Even the vessel itself is a great opportunity to add dimension and character to your countertops (think stone or pattern).
6. Artisanal Vases and Pottery-

To keep on with the theme of textural layering, if you have the countertop space, artisanal pottery in a weathered stone finish can add beautiful depth to your kitchen (which often consists of mainly only shiny/sleek surfaces). Pottery creates not only an added layer of texture, but a sense of old world charm. This space by Mullen Design Co. is sooo chief’s kiss!
7. Cookbooks-

Whether displayed in a stacked grouping or on a decorative stand, cookbooks are a practical kitchen staple that can also serve as art- providing another layer of texture, color and personality. Here in this gorgeous space designed by Samantha Gleave, a cookbook on display makes her sleek, marble-dominate kitchen feel more welcoming and warm.
8. Oil Bottles-

Speaking of welcoming and warm, there is something about displaying beautiful food items that makes a kitchen feel so incredibly yummy and inviting. No only that, but it’s one less thing taking up valuable pantry space.
I am in love with these sleek, aesthetic olive oil bottles which Brooke Morales Home cleverly displays in a kitchen countertop vignette with other practical yet beautiful spice vessels.
Tip: Corralling all of these smaller items on a wooden board keeps the styling intentional and not merely unorganized clutter.
9. Aesthetic Soap Dispenser-

When handling food, hand washing is a must of course! Just be sure to be mindful of the soap bottle you are placing next to your sink (fabulous dispensers only!) and take a cue from this gorgeous number from Bide Studio.
10. White Space-

Just as important as the actual decor, be sure you are designating some moments in your styling for your eyes to rest (AKA white space). In this incredible work of art by Amber Interiors, notice that that not every square inch of counter space is decorated. Let your decor breathe!

And there you have it- 10 countertop decorating ideas to take your kitchen from blah to beautiful.
Even if you have nasty laminate counters like me, implementing some of these ideas will make a difference in the way you feel about your space (I promise!)
Thank you so much for stopping by and spending some time with me this week! If you found this post helpful, it would make such a difference to this small business of mine if you could share it on Pinterest (or even with a friend)…


Now get out there and design some good vibes along with a fabulous life.
Wishing you a happy new year! xoxo

Lilly
Wednesday 15th of January 2025
Thank you for the information. I always look forward to your newsletter and posts Erika!! <3
Designing Vibes
Wednesday 15th of January 2025
Thank you so much for the kind words, Lilly! You just put a big smile on my face. Have a great rest of your week. :)