Somewhere between cold and impersonal and disorganized and cluttered lies our perfectly-styled kitchen counter. The things we need closest are accessible; it’s easy enough to wipe down at night, but it still speaks to our tastes.
Keep reading for ways to style your kitchen counters with less trial-and-error, just enough effort, and stunning visual value.
Home Chef Station
The height of function that’s incidentally aesthetic. Create zones on either side of your workspace with tools of the trade.
A simple tray or small serving board creates a zone for seasonings, vinegars, and oils. A block of knives, a vase of most-loved utensils, and a few classic cookbooks round out the other side.
Layer Upon Layer
Try this for minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired, ultra-contemporary, and even some builder-grade kitchens. Spaces that essentially serve as a “blank slate” are ideal for textured layers of décor that can be swapped out at a moment’s notice.
Use items from the same color palette, mixing functional and decorative, to style a new tableau.
Clean Coordination
A few objects that complement the counter and backsplash serve a cohesive style without creating clutter.
A simple, shallow bowl and cutting board are low-key partners to a wood countertop, while greenery acts as a non-competitive companion to a tile backsplash.
Relatively Retro
If you’ve put enough thought into styling open shelves, take it to the next level–the one directly below it. A combination of open pantry styling with vintage finds adds purpose and personalization to the kitchen counter.
A Modern Classic
Fresh remodels call for a dash of well-practiced style. Ground your upgrades in the present moment with modern countertop classics. Try spotless apothecary jars, acacia wood bowls, and a single, easy-maintenance potted plant.
For a quick and easy arrangement, work in groups of three.
Objets d’art
Small, functional pieces of art can take effort to acquire, but are worth it if you want a design that’s hard to replicate. Cookie jars and vases that take on the design of other objects, one-of-a-kind artisan bowls, and more add a splash of character to remodels.
Speaking of splash, a custom tile backsplash with unique finishes and arrangement makes the perfect backdrop for your countertop gallery.
Really Romantic
The best cottage or French country style kitchen looks effortless and undone. Dress countertops, windowsills, and open shelves with vintage floral dishes, pastel stoneware, and a few real blooms.
Pepper in some delicate linens and keepsakes for a kitchen that’s as much a cozy safe haven as it is a work zone.
Find more inspiration at The Designery
From professional style advisors to experienced contractors, The Designery is here for your remodel. Custom storage and organization, quality cabinetry, premier countertops, and much more are waiting at a location near you.
How to Style Kitchen Counters FAQ
How can I update my kitchen counters without replacing them?
Old or outdated countertops can get a facelift from fabricated overlays. However, these cost-effective solutions aren’t as durable as replacing countertops altogether. They also do not have as much genuine appeal as a solid quartz or granite countertop.
Styling counters with meaningful objects, as well as your best kitchen tools, can draw the eye away from counters you don’t like. Hang copper pots, prop up attractive trays and serving boards, and add herbs and plants until you can swing a new counter.
What looks good on a kitchen counter?
For a fast upgrade, fill your favorite serving bowl with produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a timeless countertop decoration that stays in season. Lemons, apples, squash, and even pumpkins and pineapples create the best countertop cornucopia.
How to decorate kitchen counters in 2025?
The natural veining and speckling of quartz and granite have taken over, especially with the range of intentional design options seen in engineered quartz. Use the subtle accents of natural stone to help style kitchen counters. A brass pitcher on top of gold veins or a stone mortar and pestle atop granite, for example.
How can I decorate my kitchen counter without clutter?
To avoid cluttering counters as you style them, start with three objects and see what you can accommodate from there. Choose at least one functional item, such as a cutting board. Also, incorporate more natural materials, like wood or stone.
Avoid adding too many plastic objects, and do not make counters a “drop zone” for keys, mail, and other items that compete with styling.
