Kitchen Counter Decor In 4 Easy Steps

The majority of homeowners, designers, and builders agree that the kitchen is the most important room in a home, so making it look its best is super important. Whether you have a freshly remodeled kitchen or one that may need some updates, you can make your kitchen stand out with simple counter decor.

I like having a clean, clutter-free kitchen, but since we have an open-concept home, the kitchen needs to have some counter decor, or else the entire open-concept area would look plain. Plus, we bought our home from flippers, and it is very clear that they put most of their time and money into the kitchen and designed it to be the focal point. I’ve found that including some simple yet functional counter decor that ties into the same color and decor style of the rest of our open-concept space makes the area look more cohesive and complete.

So, if you’re wondering how to decorate kitchen counters, here’s how I approach kitchen counter decor to create a functional and beautiful space.

Step 1: Keep the work zones clear

You probably have specific spots in your kitchen where most of the action happens. For me, that’s the counter space near my cooktop and the counter next to my sink. In these areas, countertop decor needs to be minimal so it won’t get in the way.

I used to have a tray with cookbooks, a candle, and a picture of my husband and me on vacation in the open space next to the sink. The trouble was, since that open counter space is where we would also put our drying mat after washing dishes, it constantly got in the way or wet. So, I simply moved the counter decor to a part of the kitchen that doesn’t get used very much, and honestly, it might not look as good there, but it makes life a lot easier.

Step 2: Combine functionality and style

Some areas of the kitchen need to be both functional and pretty. For me, that’s where the coffee maker is. One of the latest kitchen design trends is to create defined spaces throughout the home, but its especially true in the kitchen. So, creating a coffee or tea station is an excellent way to add decor to your kitchen.

Creating a functional coffee bar is easy! You could get a mug holder tree to hold your favorite coffee mugs and place it next to your coffee maker. Then add a seasonal plant or floral arrangement. Done!

Or, you could do something a little more elaborate by placing coffee mug and canisters containing coffee, tea bags, and sweeteners on a decorative tray to allow for easy access to your morning drink of choice.

Step 3: Create decorative spaces

Not every countertop in your kitchen has to be purely practical. In areas that don’t see much action, you can focus more on style. For instance, to the right of my cooktop, I arranged:

• Decorative tray
• thrifted photo
• fruit basket
• container holding utensils
• small wooden cutting board
• candles – can never have too many candles

Grouping items like this creates a polished look without taking up too much valuable counter space.

Step 4: Decorate functional areas thoughtfully

Let’s be real: your countertops will always need to hold some purely functional items, like appliances you use every day. The trick is to make these areas look intentional.

Here are some ways to style functional items:

• Soap Dispensers and Sink Accessories: Use a small tray to corral dish soap, lotion, and scrub brushes.
• Utensils by the Stove: I keep a pretty canister of wooden spoons, spatulas, and tongs near the stove.
• Oil and Vinegar: Display your olive oil and vinegar in glass or decorative bottles on a tray.

My number one tip: keep counter decor simple

Keep kitchen counter decor simple! Filling every inch of your counters will make your kitchen feel cluttered and stressful. Instead, focus on a few key areas and keep decor grouped together.

Ideas to Try:

• Create a coffee or tea station with your coffee maker or tea kettle and accessories.
• Use trays to group items by the sink or stove.
• Add seasonal touches in small baskets or bowls.

Here’s some shoppable kitchen counter decor inspo:

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All items from Amazon

Bamboo cutting board ,

Tray

Salt and pepper shakers

Sugar bowl

Floral artwork

Kitchen dish towels

Bowls

Hand painted candles

Plant

White vase

Talavera utensil jar

Brass tray

Cookbook

Decorative cactus

Candle

For even more kitchen counter decor inspo, head over to my Pinterest board!