Furnishing and decorating your kitchen is just as important as any other space in your home. Just as you would in a living room or bedroom, adding finishing touches such as pops of colour, retro ceramics, or a beautiful fruit display can really bring life and personality to your kitchen.
Décor and furnishings in the kitchen should always have a purpose, because nothing will kill your kitchen mojo quite like a cluttered benchtop. To avoid creating a messy space, it’s best to consider functionality when choosing what to display. This also means creating clever storage and display solutions, so everything that lives in your kitchen has a dedicated home.
Creating a functional space doesn’t mean sacrificing personality. Think colourful kettles, unique salt and pepper shakers, or beautifully designed containers that are just as pleasing to look at as they are practical to use.
Once we’ve found a home for our kitchen utensils, spices and everyday necessities, we can start thinking about those purposeful finishing touches. A sleek vase with a branch or flower arrangement, a collection of your favourite cocktail glasses, or a few carefully chosen decorative pieces can add warmth and character without overwhelming the space.
Shop our top picks:
Le Creuset Stoneware Olive Jar
$64 (usually $80) at Le Creuset
Beautiful on the countertop and functional by design. This Mediterranean-style stoneware jar keeps your favourite olives and antipasti stylishly stored and ready to serve.
Vintage Cherry Print
$49 at Papier HQ
Painting your cabinetry can be a difficult task – simplify with hanging an art print.
Tufted Runner
$60 at Kmart
Clinical is out, warm is in. Soften the edges of your kitchen space with a runner rug.
One Armed Wall Light
$599 at Mr. Ralph
Make your cooking experience more enjoyable with a warm-toned light.
Icon Chef Magnetic Knife Block
$165.99 at Chef’s Complements
A sleek home for your knives. Provides easy access with a slim silhouette.
Artisan Stand Mixer
$899 (usually $1,099) at KitchenAid
A game-changer for amateur cooks and pros alike, investing in a machine that can do it all while looking beautiful on the countertop is a win-win.
Emma Bridgewater Tin Caddies
$89.99 at Kiwi Family Kitchen
Add some pretty farmhouse spirit to your kitchen with these hen-decorated caddies. Crafted in a timeless blue and white, reminiscent of Chinese porcelain.
Jacaranda Round Bowl
$152 (usually $302) at Ecc Outlet
A beautifully displayed fruit bowl will never go out of style. Follow your kitchen’s colour palette for a purposeful look, or mix a variety of colours and shapes for a relaxed, unstaged feel.
Benedita Bow Salt & Pepper Shakers
$28.76 (usually $41.09) at Anthropologie
These salt and pepper shakers will give your meals the sweetest finishing touch.
Cortez Vase
$41 (usually $59.95) at Freedom
Add interest and warmth in the form of this mouth-blown glass vase. Finish the look with a dried or fresh bouquet.
Hahn Wall Rack
$164.99 at Chef’s Complements
Channel rustic farmhouse charm by displaying your favourite pots and pans to create a relaxed, lived-in kitchen backdrop.
Smeg 50s Kettle
$272 at Harvey Norman
A retro-inspired classic with modern functionality, the Smeg 50’s Style Kettle adds a stylish pop.
Acacia Chopping Board
$112 (usually $140) at Le Creuset
This chopping board is warm and full of character with its natural wood grain, while offering the finest quality. Prop it up against the wall to create visual interest.
Yara Ranges Whiskey Decanter
$182 at Malt + Brew
Create a classy countertop display with your favourite spirits.
All Day Tray
$149 at The Inside
Anyone for breakfast in bed? This all-day tray is ideal for serving and creates the perfect base for a kitchen display between uses.
Kitchen Organiser
$33.99 at Mighty Ape
No more scattered spices and sauces claiming your bench space. Keep your space neat with a sleek and simple storage rack.
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