How to Style Your Kitchen in Unexpected Ways

A backdrop to daily routines, the kitchen deserves to be styled with thoughtful vignettes that make it as beautiful as the moments spent within it. While we’re huge fans of timeless kitchen details like displayed breadboards and oversized branches, there’s always room for a touch of unexpected expression. This can come in the form of shape, palette, or pattern, all using essential decor elements that, in our opinion, belong in every kitchen. These changes are small but mighty, refreshing the tone of your kitchen without major updates or renovations.

Without further ado, we present our guide to styling your kitchen with four easy updates.

No. 01 | Tabletop Lighting

No. 02 | Leaned Artwork

No. 03 | Topiaries & Faux Greenery

No. 04 | Wool or Vintage Runners

No. 01 | Tabletop Lighting

Table lamps go a long way in creating an ambient feeling in the kitchen. It’s a pleasantly unexpected addition, brightening every corner with warmth and purpose. Lean into this unexpected update by choosing a shape and material that complements the finishes of your kitchen.

Situate the lamp in pantries or at beverage stations, showcasing the intention behind your styling. You can also style small table lamps within kitchen shelving by using them as a clever bookend to a stack of your favorite cookbooks.

No. 02 | Leaned Artwork

Is there anything dreamier than artwork in the kitchen? In our opinion it’s one of the best ways to add charm to the space, acting as a natural transition from living spaces to the more utilitarian places in the home.

Lean small pieces in the pantry, style alongside your favorite serveware, or add medium-sized pieces into kitchen shelving vignettes.

No. 03 | Topiaries & Faux Greenery

Faux greenery brings so much life to the kitchen. It feels like a subtle detail, but its impact is unmistakable. From the material of the pot to the realistic leaves, it adds texture and dimension. Likewise, it brings height to the space that draws the eye upward and warms the room.

Situate a topiary next to serveware or style it in the pantry next to breadboards for a touch of breathability and liveliness.

No. 04 | Wool or Vintage Runners

We could wax poetic about runners for paragraphs but suffice it to say: rugs in the kitchen are an absolute must. Runners complete the look of any kitchen, incorporating a sense of softness that makes the space feel welcoming and homey. Plus, they add pattern and palette.

Choose a wool rug for natural resilience and durability or opt for a vintage rug to lean into the natural wear within the kitchen.