How to decorate a kitchen island
Looking to take your kitchen decor to the next level? These tips and tricks will show you how to decorate a kitchen island to transform your kitchen.
I have wanted a kitchen island for the longest time. One thing I struggled with the most was how to style it. A kitchen island naturally draws the eye when you walk in the room and I wanted it to look cute, while still be able to use it. It’s so practical when your cooking and preparing meals in your kitchen, but it doesn’t have to just functional. There are so many cute ways to style your kitchen island while keeping it clutter free and organised.
It can be hard to know how to style you kitchen island, it’s the focal point in your kitchen and for practical reasons, you’ll want the surfaces to be clear when your cooking. Whether your looking to add a pop of colour to your kitchen or make a statement with seasonal decor, you’re going to love how these ideas will transform your kitchen.
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This post is all about how to decorate a kitchen island
1. Lighting is key
Lighting can make or break the aesthetic of a room, when styling a kitchen island the majority of people opt for pendant lighting. With so many choices it not hard to see why. Three or one in the middle always works well for balance, but it will depend on the size of your island. I highly recommend using a dimmer switch to create ambience. You may want different levels of light depending on what your doing. If your entertaining you may want softer lighting, but if your reading you may choose a brighter light.
Shop pendant lights
2. Add height
Adding height to you decor create intrigue. One way to achieve this is by using tall vases, risers or smaller items such as condiments. By adding different heights to your decorating it makes a statement and is more visually appealing. Place taller items toward the back and smaller items at the front for more of a cohesive look.
Take a look through your kitchen to see if you have any cake stands or pedestals that you could use in your decor to add height. This keeps everything in one place and keeps it tidy.
3. include barstools
When it comes to styling one thing that can get overlooked are bar stools. You’ll want them to be both stylish and comfortable. After all if your entertaining, you’ll want your guests to be comfy.
With so many different styles one thing to check, is the height of your bar stools. You’ll want to leave enough room for you or your guests to sit comfortably. Also if possible try it out in store to see if it feel good to sit on.
shop bar stools
4. decorate with flowers
Let me just say how much I love fresh cut flowers. They instantly give a room a pop of colour and put a smile on my face. Deciding on which flowers or plants you want to style your kitchen island will depend on you colour palette.
If your wanting a muted contemporary space, then I recommend white flowers or stems such as eucalyptus. For a more rustic farmhouse kitchen opt for dried grasses such as pampas. Wanting to make a statement? Why not add some tulips or carnations depending on the season.
5. choose woven baskets
I use woven baskets so much when decorating. They are so easy to incorporate when styling your home especially if your wanting a more contemporary or rustic vibe. When you’re considering which basket to use, think about the size and colour palette of your kitchen. You’ll want one wide enough to place decorative pieces such as a candle or vase.
6. Add a chopping board or tray
An easy way to uplevel your kitchen island is placing your decorative pieces on a tray or wooden chopping board. This instantly makes everything look more cohesive and put together by drawing the eye to one focal point. I feel once you have this as a starting point, you can decorate your chopping board or tray with candles, flowers or condiments, to finish the look.
7. incorporate a herb garden
Herb gardens not only look aesthetically pleasing but they are also have functional benefits. Bringing elements of nature into your home gives creates a balance of calm and focal point to your kitchen.
If your thinking about adding a herb garden, choose herbs that you can use regularly. Mint, basil, thyme, chives and coriander are perfect. Herbs are generally low maintenance. They are happiest with good sunlight and regularly watering. Just don’t overwater them, the soil should be damp not too wet.
8. include seasonal decor
Another fun way to style is to add seasonal decor. Changing it up each season keeps it looking fresh and organised. During springtime, you can add some spring flowers or some decorative accents. For summer a large bowl of lemons looks really nice. In the autumn months combine brown and orange tones to create a beautiful fall display, I love including decorative pumpkins or cinnamon sticks tied with a ribbon. Finally my favourite season to decorate, Christmas. Use a winter runner to add a warm touch and then place a vase or bowl with baubles. You could also make a festive floral display by using holly or snow covered pinecones.
9. decorate with a tierred tray
One of my favourite ways to decorate is using a tiered tray or cake stand. I always change it up for the seasons to keep it fresh and cohesive I with the rest of the kitchen. Make sure you don’t try to add too many items as you don’t want it to look cluttered. A few candles and a picture frame or a couple of small glass jars and condiments can look really cute.
10. Display your cookbooks
Looking for a simple yet stylish way to style your kitchen island, try adding a few cookbooks to your decor. This is such a great way to add height and intrigue without going overboard. Choose one or two and place them at an angle. then add a vase on top or a candle to finish.
11. Don’t overcrowd
Sometimes less is more when it comes to kitchen styling, you don’t want it to look cluttered. Add a few decorative touches such as a simple vase with flowers or a simple fruit bowl or jar to display fruit not only looks appealing but is also practical. When adding decorative touches, group in odd numbers, threes or fives is more aesthetically pleasing and not too overwhelming. Remember you want it to complement your kitchens aesthetic.
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This post is all about how to decorate a kitchen island
(Related post: Kitchen Countertop Decor Ideas To Elevate Your Space)
