Kitchen counters are the location where most peoples experience both the beginning and the end of there day. Kitchen counters are the locations where people often perform a variety of tasks, from dropping homework on the counter to preparing a meal. However, kitchen counters can often become the location of clutter that coat the countertops and takes up valuable space in the kitchen.
However, with the right ideas and with a little effort, any person can transform there kitchen counters from chaotic spaces to quiet and beautiful areas that reflect the personality and the home itself. Layering objects that earn there keep on the counters with other objects that please the eye can accomplish such a transformation. By looking at the counter spaces with a fresh perspective, there are a variety of ideas that can be used to enhance the space and bring character to the kitchen that does not require any sacrifice of the space that is necessary to prepare meals.
Each of these ideas will add character to the kitchen, but none of the ideas will require any effort from the cooks or will take up the precious preparation space that is allotted to those cooks in the kitchen.
Simple Ways To Decorate Your Kitchen Counters
1. Use Countertop Vignettes
One of the first ideas that can be considered includes the use of vignettes on the counter spaces instead of the placement of random objects. By placing three or five objects in various heights on the counter space, the cooks will draw the attention of the kitchen to those objects.
The best counter spaces include a variety of heights, textures and materials for the objects that are layered on the counters, but they will also leave some space between each of the objects for breathing room within the kitchen. This will help to ensure that the kitchens do not often look too chaotic and filled with visual noise.
2. Install Narrow Trays
Another idea includes the installation of a narrow tray on the counter space.
Counters can use wooden trays or marble trays that are around twelve inches in width and eighteen inches in length. These narrow trays can include items like olive oil, salt cellar, pepper mill and spoon on the counters. The tray will help to contain the drippings from the counters, will define the area in which the cooks must place there essential kitchen items and will make the items look more curated instead of abandoned.
The trays work best on stone and butcher block countertops. The wooden trays will protect these countertops, and the added warmth will enhance the counters. The counter owners will have to remember to wipe the trays from under the wooden tray to ensure that no crumbs accumulate.
3. Introduce Greenery and Herbs
Another idea is to introduce greenery to the counter spaces, but to ensure that the herb is positioned at a height that will not obstruct the cooks’ lines of sight. Herbs like rosemary and thyme can be placed in a terracotta planter with a saucer to ensure that the water will not stain the countertop. For non-edible plants, succulents or a snake plant in a black pot can be used.
The living element will soften the countertop and provide the cooks with a connection to the rest of the kitchen and the rest of the house. The kitchen should ensure that any planter that is used is no larger than six inches in diameter. These herbs will be used whenever the cooks prepare food for dinner.
4. Display Propped Art
Another idea is to introduce art to the kitchens, but prop it against the wall instead of placing it on the counter. Art such as a small watercolor of lemons, an antique print or a favorite postcard can enhance the kitchen without taking up any countertop space. The art will be leaned against the backsplash to occupy the vertical space of the countertop instead of the countertop itself.
A slight tilt of the art will add dimension to the countertop while leaving the countertop from looking too flat. These pieces of art will be rotated seasonally from winter to summer. During the winter, an art print of a snowy landscape can be added.
During the summer, abstract art will enhance the kitchen space instead. The art should have a simple frame to ensure that the cabinets of the kitchen do not compete with the wood finish of the cabinets.
5. Incorporate Textiles
Another idea is to introduce textiles such as linen runners or dish towels that are displayed in a shallow basket on the countertop.
The linen will absorb the sounds that are made in the kitchen and will soften the countertop’s edges. Additionally, the linen will allow the cooks to have something to display when they are drying there cooking utensils. Countertops should use linens in colors that reflect the colors of the kitchen’s backsplash.
A subtle stripe or embroidery on a linen runner will look more elegant than a plain white dish towel. The cooks will use these textiles in the kitchen to enhance the space when company comes over to the home. The textiles will need to be laundered regularly so that the linens will always look great on the countertops.
6. Add Vintage Kitchenware
Another idea is to introduce vintage kitchenware that also serves a function in the kitchen. An example of such items can include copper molds, antique measuring spoons or a ginger jar that contains wooden cooking utensils. These items have a history and the kitchen has a connection to each of these items.
They can be displayed in areas in the kitchen that will catch the light or can be displayed within reach of the cooks while they are preparing dinner. These kitchen items have a patina that develops with time that is lacking in kitchen appliances that are bought new. Cooks should limit the number of these items to one or two pieces to ensure that there is no clutter in these areas of the kitchen.
These items should not be bought from a flea market to enhance the kitchen counters.
7. Display Statement Cutting Boards
Another idea is the use of a statement cutting board that is displayed upright on the countertop when it is not in use. Countertops can use marble cutting boards, acacia cutting boards or end-grain maple cutting boards to display there differences in color.
The cutting board can be leaned against the wall with the cook’s favorite knife in the kitchen. The cooks will keep the cutting board clean and ready to use. The cutting board will contribute to the countertop as a part of the kitchen’s skyline.
This idea will work best in kitchens that are minimalist in there use of cookware and appliances. Cooks should use cutting boards whose edges have become soft from years of use. The knife marks on these cutting boards will tell the story of the meals that were cooked and the snacks that were shared with the children.
These marks will give the kitchen its soul.
8. Add Accent Lighting
Light is another idea that can be used in the kitchens. A small cordless lamp with linen shade can be placed on the countertop.
The small lamp will be moved to the area of the kitchen where the cooks need the light to focus on there cooking. Battery-powered lamps will eliminate the cords from the countertop and allow the cooks to move the lamp according to there needs. The cordless kitchen lamp will provide an intimate atmosphere to the kitchen when it is needed.
It will enhance the vignette created in that area of the kitchen.
9. Use Aromatic Elements
One last idea is to use an element that smells wonderful in the kitchen. A dish of whole lemons, cinnamon sticks that are tied with twine or a candle made of bees wax can be introduced to the countertop.
These elements will enhance the kitchen and the cooks will feel comforted by its presence. The cooks should replace the whole lemons in the dish before they become too soft with water. The spices should be rotated to ensure that they do not become stale.
These additions will cost little in the kitchen, but they will enhance the experience of the cooks and the people that enter the kitchen. These ideas for enhancing kitchen countertops will transform the counters from chaotic locations to quiet and beautiful spaces that are perfect for the cooks and the individuals that live in the kitchen. The kitchen counters will be enhanced in ways that will ensure that people will want to remain in the kitchen while it is in use and that the counters will continue to serve as the heart of the home.
Once people experience the effectiveness of these ideas, they will not want to use any other type of decor for the countertops. The counters will become a place of reflection on the lives of the individuals that live in the home. One idea can be used this week to enhance the countertop in the kitchens.
The cooks should clear the countertops, ensure that the counter is shining and then place a few objects in the kitchen that make them feel happy. Once these objects are in the kitchen, cooks should adjust the placement of the objects to ensure that they feel that the objects belong in the kitchen counters. Once this idea is used, the cooks will feel confident in making the other changes.
The kitchen will begin to feel like the heart of the home again. The kitchen is the location where people will cook, clean and connect, and it is the location where the kitchen counters should be.
