Styling kitchen countertops can be a huge challenge. On the one hand, you want your kitchen counter to be perfectly decorated and beautifully styled. Still, on the other, you don’t want your limited counter space to feel cluttered or decorated with items that conflict with practical functions, like preparing food.

When decorating kitchen countertops, we like to keep it simple. Here are some creative ideas for kitchen counter decorations to create clutter-free, clean, and elegant countertops.

Great Ideas for Kitchen Counter Decorations

1. Fresh Flowers

Flowers are one of the most common kitchen counter decor ideas and are popular for a good reason. A vase of vibrant flowers adds a “pop” of color to any kitchen, and the fragrant blooming buds can envelop your kitchen in a sweet aroma. For something more practical, consider keeping a few small vases with fresh herbs on the kitchen island to add to your favorite recipes.

If you don’t want to worry about the hassle (or added cost) or purchasing new flowers each week, faux greenery is a great way to decorate kitchen counters. Pop some sprigs of eucalyptus into a vase or string strands of greenery along the top of your kitchen cabinets or open shelves.

2. Attractive Appliances

Now hear us out — cluttering your kitchen with unattractive small appliances, like blenders, pressure cookers, and toasters, isn’t a good idea (regardless of how much you use them). These kitchen tools and everyday items can be an eyesore and are better stored in the pantry or kitchen cabinets. 

However, choosing a few attractive appliances to display on your kitchen countertops is an excellent use of functional decor, especially for a small kitchen. For example, many people place a stand mixer, like a KitchenAid, in the corner of their counter or put a sleek stainless-steel toaster oven on display. We’re a fan of creating a coffee station with a stylish coffee maker or espresso machine on the counter with coffee beans, syrups, sauces, and mugs on display.

3. Delicious Food

Some amazing ideas for decorating kitchen countertops are as easy as displaying the food you’ve already made. Here are some super simple ideas:

• Bowl of Fruit — Add colorful fruit, like apples, bananas, and oranges, to a fruit bowl on the countertop. You’ll probably eat healthy with all the fruit in easy reach, too, which is a bonus!
• Cookie Jar — Keep cookies or other treats in a jar on the kitchen island for a sweet treat (and adorable decoration!) that visitors, especially kids, will love.
• Bread Boards — If you’re a bread-baking enthusiast, invest in a beautiful breadboard or small tray to display your latest loaf on the countertop.

4. Cooking Corner

Consider displaying all your cooking essentials, like cooking utensils, cutting boards, olive oil, salt and pepper shakers, and other frequently used herbs and spices, on a wooden tray on your countertop.

Not only does this cooking tray serve as countertop decor, but when you head downstairs to cook dinner or wake up to scramble some eggs for breakfast, you’ll have all the essentials you need within arm’s reach for food prep.

5. Beautiful Cookbooks

Do you find yourself referring back to a specific cookbook time and time again when you need meal inspiration? Consider purchasing a cookbook stand to display your favorite cookbook!

Not only is a cookbook stand functional and practical (it makes the instructions easy to read when your hands are otherwise occupied with chopping, slicing, and dicing), but a well-designed cookbook is one of the best accessories for decorating a kitchen counter.

6. Practical Cleaning Items

Before overhauling your kitchen decor to spruce up your countertops, think of small changes you can make that won’t break the bank.

For example, you probably keep a bottle of soap by the kitchen sink, right? Consider upgrading to refillable soap dispensers with a stylish pattern or design. They’re better for the environment and can add beauty to your kitchen. Similarly, you can keep dish soap in an oil dispenser on your countertop. Not only is it more stylish, but you’ll use less soap while doing the dishes. It’s a total win-win!

Another thing to think about — do you have a prep space on the kitchen counter with a cutting board, knife block, and utensil holders? Try swapping out plastic cutting boards with a high-quality wooden board that will last for years, and upgrade mismatched utensils for a matching set for a cohesive look.

Get Inspired with More Kitchen Counter Decor Ideas with THE STAGING COMPANY

You don’t have to invest in new countertop materials, install a backsplash, or replace all your existing appliances to create a beautiful, new-to-you kitchen. Implementing these great tips to decorate your kitchen counters (along with a thorough, deep clean) will add undeniable style to your kitchen with relative ease at a fraction of the cost!

One of the best ways to ensure your kitchen is well decorated is to hire an interior decorator, like our team at THE STAGING COMPANY. We offer professional interior decorating services for homeowners, home builders, and vacation rental owners in Texas and Florida — and we’d love to work with you on your kitchen decor design and other interior design needs.

Contact us today to get started!