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Do you struggle to decorate kitchen countertops? \u00a0It has been a question that has popped up from a lot of readers. \u00a0In fact, I’ve been asked so many times that I decided this post should be part of my blog series, Simple Decorating: Easy Steps to Creating a Home You Love.<\/strong><\/p>\n You probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen. \u00a0Because of my full-time teaching job and various other specifics of our family schedule, I don’t cook a whole lot during the school year. \u00a0And yet, somehow, I STILL spend a lot of time in my kitchen!<\/strong><\/p>\n However, I view kitchen decorating kind of like bathroom decorating. \u00a0While I want it to look pretty, I need it to function incredibly well for my entire family. \u00a0At the same time, I also want to make it as easy as possible to clean. \u00a0The less clutter, the better.<\/p>\n The real trick…you’ll understand what I mean…is getting everyone else in the family to buy in on the plan, right?!<\/strong> \u00a0It isn’t even possible to explain how fast the homework piles and random water bottles with mismatched lids can accumulate unless you’ve been there, done that. \u00a0Haha!<\/p>\n I’ll dive more into specifics throughout the post, but here are some frequently asked questions and my answers.<\/p>\n Keep reading to see examples and tips for using these simple kitchen counter decorating ideas!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Wide-Angle-of-Kitchen-scaled.jpg” alt=”Custom Kitchen Island with scale & plants in front of electric stove & custom wood hood vent.” title_text=”Wide Angle of Kitchen” admin_label=”IMG kitchen wide angle 1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”How can I decorate my countertops?” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/View-of-Dining-Room-scaled.jpg” alt=”Looking past the herringbone pattern of the kitchen floor tiles, the vintage farmstyle wood table is set for dinner.” title_text=”View of Dining Room” admin_label=”IMG view of dining room” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”what should I display on my kitchen counters” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Here are 15 items that you can easily use to decorate kitchen countertops in a functional way:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Table of Contents DRAFT” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Laundry-Room-scaled.jpg” alt=”Looking past the 12 foot custome Island into the laundry room off the kitchen, with both hinged doors open.” title_text=”Laundry Room” admin_label=”IMG view of laundry room” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”BLOG TITLE” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Robyn-Prepping-Food-scaled.jpg” alt=”Robyn enjoys cutting up snacks while a bowl of fresh grapes sits on the white vintage scale.” title_text=”Robyn Prepping Food” admin_label=”IMG Robyn prepping food ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”functional over pretty” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When I am going to decorate kitchen countertops, my number one rule is that I don’t put decor in the kitchen that is not also functional.<\/strong><\/p>\n Confession:<\/strong> Sometimes I break my own rule. \u00a0It’s okay. \u00a0The point is, that almost all<\/em> of your kitchen decor has a functional use.<\/p>\n For example, my pretty candle or vintage framed artwork are certainly not “functional” in a kitchen. \u00a0My huge scale on the kitchen island is not used for function. \u00a0However, literally everything else in the kitchen plays a functional role. \u00a0Plus, my scale often\u00a0holds<\/em> a functional piece. \u00a0That’s close enough, right?!<\/p>\n Pro Tip: Consider making about 90% of your kitchen decor also functional, useful pieces.<\/strong><\/p>\n At the same time, it is important to choose functional pieces that also blend with the aesthetic of your home and are pleasing to your eye.<\/p>\n Do you need a bowl to hold fruit? \u00a0Choose a favorite vintage basket or bowl that you just love!<\/strong><\/p>\n Do you use cutting boards often in your meal prep? \u00a0Incorporate those into a pretty kitchen vignette where they are easy to access.<\/p>\n Is coffee a really important part of your lifestyle? \u00a0Invest in a really pretty coffee machine and set up a corner of your kitchen with practical…and beautiful…coffee bar pieces.<\/p>\n Nothing kills a pretty aesthetic like junk.<\/p>\n Pro Tip: Declare the kitchen a junk-free zone. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n For example, my kids have a different place in the dining room where they are to stack homework and paperwork for me to look at.<\/strong> \u00a0They know that they are expected to properly take care of lunch boxes, water bottles, etc. so that we do not have a massive accumulation every day of “stuff” all over the kitchen.<\/p>\n Maybe your kitchen does need to be the landing spot; no problem. \u00a0Have a designated place in the kitchen where those things go. \u00a0For example, \u00a0basket for school paperwork and hooks or bins for lunchboxes and water bottles could be helpful.<\/p>\n In general, the point is to not allow your kitchen to become the dump zone for everything and everyone in your home. \u00a0It’s easier said than done.<\/em><\/strong> \u00a0<\/em>However, it can be done with patience, time, patience, and more patience.<\/p>\n I just kind of jumped over all of the other steps and went straight to the pretty stuff. \u00a0Haha! \u00a0Let’s take a little step back…<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Basket-With-Pears-scaled.jpg” alt=”Wicker basket with fresh greeen pears sit on the kitchen island ready for hungry after-school appetites.” title_text=”Basket With Pears” admin_label=”IMG basket with pears” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”1. step one: declutter and clean” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The very first thing that I recommend doing is to do a very thorough declutter and deep clean of your kitchen. \u00a0Leave no drawer or cabinet shelf unturned.<\/strong><\/p>\n I get it; it isn’t the fun job. \u00a0However, it feels sooooo good to get it done! \u00a0Call in some family help on this first step, if at all possible.<\/p>\n Your kitchen will immediately feel more beautiful just by being completely cleaned<\/strong>. \u00a0If your family helps, it may help them have a better understanding and appreciation for keeping a clean and organized home. \u00a0(That’s always my hope, anyway. \u00a0Haha!)<\/p>\n Pro Tip:\u00a0<\/strong>The feeling of knowing that everything\u00a0behind closed doors and drawers<\/em> also looks clean and tidy will free up your mind to be creative when you decorate the visible parts of your kitchen.<\/strong><\/p>\n At the same time, you may unearth some favorite pieces that you can now display as functional decor.<\/p>\n Over on this post, I share ideas for deep cleaning and decluttering your kitchen<\/strong><\/span>.<\/a> \u00a0Even though the post is geared toward preparing your kitchen for the busyness of the holiday season, it definitely applies year round too!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/View-from-Family-ROom-scaled.jpg” alt=”Looking into the kitchen from the family room with heavy chippy white coffee table in the foreground.” title_text=”View from Family ROom” admin_label=”IMG view from family room” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”2. step two: work zones ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Before you can know what items to display in your kitchen decorating, you really need to know how your kitchen is going to work for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n Carefully think through each section of your countertops, the adjoining cabinets, walkway space, and appliances. \u00a0Consider the activities that already typically take place in designated zones.<\/p>\n For example, this is small and silly, but I always prep my kids’ school snacks for the week in the exact same place on the kitchen island. \u00a0Don’t ask my why, but I guess it’s just part of the routine. \u00a0How annoying would it be to have a decor piece there that was always in my way?<\/p>\n Pro Tip: Your kitchen decor is there to make your day more beautiful, not to be\u00a0in your way<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you want to get really detailed, take sticky notes and jot down these zones<\/strong>. \u00a0Next, place the sticky notes around the kitchen in each zone. \u00a0Then, live with it for a couple of regular days. \u00a0See if your zoning is accurate or if you need to readjust.<\/p>\n Once you have well-established work zones, you are ready to actually put the right kinds of functional decor in each zone. \u00a0You can dress up your kitchen countertops with confidence<\/strong> that your decor will work for you, rather than against you.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Coffee-Bar-Zone-scaled.jpg” alt=”Coffee bar set on concrete countertops with vintage drawers in background.” title_text=”Coffee Bar Zone” admin_label=”IMG coffee bar zone” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”3. step three: slowly add back decor; what can I decorate my kitchen with;SINK ZONE” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While this will vary somewhat from home to home, based on the functions you use the most in your kitchen, there are some basics that most of us probably use.<\/p>\n First, start with your sink area. \u00a0What products do you want to have out all of the time? \u00a0Then, choose pretty containers to place beside your kitchen sink. \u00a0I like to use a small pedestal to keep mine corralled neatly. \u00a0A little tray would also work great.<\/p>\n Here are some ideas for functional decor for your sink area:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pedestal-with-Soaps-beside-Sink-scaled.jpg” alt=”Cute Wood pedestal with ironstone vessel holding brush, with neutral colored soap dispenser beside.” title_text=”Pedestal with Soaps beside Sink” admin_label=”IMG pedestal with soaps beside sink” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”COOKING ZONE” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You will want to think through and carefully consider any decor in your cooking zone. \u00a0Here are a few questions to ask yourself:<\/p>\n In my cooking zones, I like to have very little “decor”. \u00a0In fact, I do not have any decor in these zones that are just for decor sake.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Payton-Baking-in-Kitchen-scaled.jpg” alt=”Payton baking in kitchen with ingredients spread out on kitchen island.” title_text=”Payton Baking in Kitchen” admin_label=”IMG Payton baking in kitchen” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Ninja-Grill-Plated-Food-scaled.jpg” alt=”Freshly plated mill cooked in the Ninja Grill, with bread crate in the background.” title_text=”Ninja Grill & Plated Food” admin_label=”IMG Ninja grill and plated food ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”PRETTY ZONE” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We will call this the “Fresh Zone” because there are several different ways you can approach this part of decorating your kitchen. \u00a0Even if you have a small kitchen, reserve a small zone for a pretty spot.<\/strong><\/p>\n In this pretty spot, consider a vignette including some accessories that make your kitchen feel welcoming, calm, and fresh. \u00a0For example, a vase with inexpensive grocery store flowers<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and a favorite candle are always great options. \u00a0Add a pretty dish with freshly washed and rolled up kitchen towels, ready for use, to finish up this pretty space in your kitchen!<\/p>\n Essentially, you are following the same steps as you would to style an accent table. \u00a0You can find my fail-proof formula for coffee table styling over on THIS POST!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Cloche-with-Desserts-scaled.jpg” alt=”Glass cloche on white bass with white chocolate desserts. Gray Bunny sits behind it.” title_text=”Cloche with Desserts” admin_label=”IMG cloche with desserts” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Tray-With-Bunny-scaled.jpg” alt=”Grouping of gray bunnies in vintage crate.” title_text=”Tray With Bunny” admin_label=”IMG tray with bunny” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”how to decorate a kitchen island countertop” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Decorating a kitchen island countertop is another popular question I often receive. \u00a0Depending on the main purpose of your kitchen island, you will want to treat it as one (or possibly more) of your zones.<\/p>\n Do you prep food on your island? \u00a0Do you do actual cooking there? \u00a0Is it more of an eating area?<\/strong> \u00a0Perhaps it is homework and laundry station like it is at our house!<\/p>\n How you decorate and stage your kitchen island will probably partially determine its use too. \u00a0I find that have a pretty centerpiece helps define the zones on our kitchen island.<\/p>\n For example, I have a large scale in the middle of our long kitchen island.<\/strong> \u00a0This creates a nice statement piece and also allows me to add a pretty vignette on the scale, whether it is a plant, vase of flowers, or even a candle.<\/p>\n On one side of the scale, the island is used more for snack and cold food prep because it is right beside the refrigerator. \u00a0On the other side, it is more often used for baking because it is beside the oven. \u00a0Having the large scale in the middle allows for a pretty space and also gives definition to the large, otherwise open countertop.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/robynsfrenchnest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Scale-with-Candle-Pitcher-scaled.jpg” alt=”Vintage heavy white scale with candel and potted plant.” title_text=”Scale with Candle & Pitcher” admin_label=”IMG scale with candle and pitcher” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” module_alignment=”center” max_height=”750px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”how to decorate a small kitchen” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”16px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHow can I decorate my countertops:<\/em><\/h3>\n
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What can I display on my kitchen counters?<\/i><\/h3>\n
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How to Decorate Kitchen Countertops – Easy Tips and Ideas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How do you dress up kitchen countertops?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Here is my number one rule:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What should not be placed on kitchen counters?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Step One to\u00a0Decorate Kitchen Countertops: Declutter and Deep Clean<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step Two to Decorate Kitchen Countertops: Know Your Kitchen<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step Three to Decorate Kitchen Countertops: Slowly Add in Functional Decor<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What can I decorate my kitchen with?<\/em><\/h3>\n
Start with the Sink Zone.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Cooking Zone<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Here are some functional decor items that could be useful in the cooking zone:<\/em><\/h3>\n
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Fresh Zone<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How do you dress up kitchen countertops?<\/em><\/h3>\n
To create this cozy spot in your kitchen, try following this formula:<\/em><\/h3>\n
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Here are some staple items that I use in my fresh zone:<\/em><\/h3>\n
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How to decorate a\u00a0kitchen island countertop?<\/i><\/h3>\n
Here are a few tips to decorate a kitchen island:<\/em><\/h3>\n
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How to decorate a small kitchen?<\/em><\/h3>\n