12 Chic And Practical Ways to Decorate Kitchen Countertops

Decorating kitchen countertops is made easy with these practical and stylish ideas. Discover tips for creating functional yet beautiful spaces in your kitchen.

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WHITE KITCHEN COUNTERS WITH A PICTURE IN THE CORNER

Kitchen countertops are some of the hardest-working spaces in your home, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be pretty, too! With just a few thoughtful decorating choices, you can create a kitchen that looks warm and welcoming while still being functional.

My kitchen countertops, if left unchecked, are magnets for mess and mayhem. They can be a dumping ground for the overflow of our lives. So, keeping them cleared of everything unnecessary is a must! I also want my kitchen to be attractive and decorated with items that have meaning and bring beauty into our lives.

Let’s talk about my favorite ideas for decorating kitchen countertops to make them both useful and beautiful.

Start With A Clean Slate

1 DECORATING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS-countertop bar

Before you begin decorating, clear off your countertops and give them a good wipe-down. A clutter-free surface instantly makes your kitchen feel fresher and more organized. This is also the perfect time to rethink what really belongs on your counters and what can be stored away.

Keep It Functional And Beautiful

Kitchen counters need to work for you, but that doesn’t mean they can’t look stylish at the same time. Instead of cluttering your counters with decorative objects that don’t serve a purpose, use everyday kitchen accessories that are both pretty and practical. A wooden cutting board, a ceramic utensil holder, or a glass jar filled with cooking spoons can double as useful tools and lovely decor.

Be Smart About Appliances

1 DECORATING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS-small appliance in pantry and not on countertops

Appliances are essential in the kitchen, but too many on the counter can make the space feel cluttered. Here are some smart ways to handle them:

  • Limit what stays out – Keep only the appliances you use daily, like a coffee maker or toaster.
  • Use stylish storage – If you have a blender or stand mixer that you love and use often, consider a designated countertop space or a pretty tray to make it look intentional.
  • Tuck away what you don’t use often – Store less frequently used appliances in cabinets or a pantry to keep counters looking clean.

I converted a panty into a small appliance storage area and moved my pantry into a secondary pantry just off the kitchen.

Group Items To Create A Curated Look

Decorating Kitchen Countertops- tray with a crock of utinsels, salt and pepper shaker, oil dispenser, and a thyme plant.

One of my favorite tricks for keeping countertops looking neat and intentional is using trays or baskets to corral small items. A pretty tray can hold a soap dispenser, a scrub brush, and a candle near the sink, while a lazy Susan or tray can gather oils, salt and paper shakers, and other seasonings near the stove. This keeps everything looking organized and attractive instead of cluttered.

Add Natural Elements

1 DECORATING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS-herbs near the sink

A touch of nature always makes a kitchen feel fresh and inviting. A potted herb plant, a vase of fresh flowers, or even a bowl of bright lemons can add a beautiful organic element to your space. I think my kitchen has more life, with little pots of herbs growing near my sink.

Use Decorative Storage Solutions

1 DECORATING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS-1 glass canisters on a white kitchen counter

If you like to keep items you often use out on the counter, opt for storage that is both attractive and functional. Glass canisters for flour and sugar, ceramic jars for coffee and tea, or a pretty salt cellar make everyday essentials easy to access while adding charm to your kitchen.

We keep bread in a white breadbox with a wooden lid on the counter. It’s attractive and useful at the same time.

Create A Focal Point

1 DECORATING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS-large container of hydrangeas as a focal point on a kitchen counter

If you have the space, a single statement piece can make your countertops look beautiful. Try a decorative lamp, a large wooden bowl filled with fruit, or a large urn of real blooms, faux flowers, or branches to add interest and personality to your kitchen.

Incorporate Different Textures

1 DECORATING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS-peaches in a blue and white bowl on a contertop

Mixing materials is a great way to add depth and warmth to your kitchen decor. Layer wood, marble, and metal to create a collected and curated look. Lean a wooden cutting board against the backsplash, drape a linen tea towel over the edge of a tray, or place a small woven basket near the sink to add texture and warmth.

Coffee Station

1 DECORATING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS-coffee station

If you love coffee, setting up a coffee station is a must! Keep your coffee maker, favorite mugs, and coffee essentials together on a tray or in a corner of your counter. Add a decorative canister for coffee beans or pods, and tuck in a seasonal accent like a small wreath or a candle to make it feel extra special.

Other Stations

Creating small, dedicated stations on your countertops makes everyday tasks easier and keeps things looking intentional. Here are a few ideas:

  • Baking Station – A pretty crock with wooden spoons, a glass jar of flour, and a rolling pin.
  • Tea Station – A decorative box of tea bags, a honey jar, and a lovely teapot.
  • Smoothie Station – A stylish blender, a small bowl of protein powders, and a glass jar of reusable straws.
  • Snack Station – A woven basket with healthy grab-and-go snacks like granola bars or fresh fruit.
  • Breakfast Station – A tray with cereal containers, a sugar bowl, and a coffee cup for quick mornings.

Keeping these areas contained helps prevent counters from looking cluttered while making daily tasks more enjoyable!

Keep It Seasonal

One of the easiest ways to keep your kitchen decor feeling fresh is by switching up small seasonal touches. A pumpkin in the fall, a bowl of pinecones in the winter, or fresh flowers in the spring and summer add just the right amount of seasonal charm without overwhelming your kitchen.

The easy way to do this is by adding a small vase of seasonal flowers to a coffee station or a larger arrangement or vignette to an island in the kitchen. Find a counter space that would work for adding decor and change it up seasonally.

Use The Right Scale And Balance

1 DECORATING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS-dishcloth on the edge of a sink

When decorating kitchen countertops, less is often more. Keep a good balance by choosing a few well-placed items rather than overcrowding the space. The goal is to make your countertops look curated and inviting while still giving you plenty of room to cook and prep.

I hope this post has inspired you to refresh your countertops with ideas that are both practical and pretty! A well-styled kitchen makes everyday tasks easier while adding beauty to one of the most used spaces in your home. Whether you’re setting up a cozy coffee station, adding fresh greenery, or simply keeping things organized, small changes can make a big impact.

What kitchen counter decor ideas will you use in your home? I’d love to hear how you plan to style your countertops!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my kitchen countertops look nice without replacing them?

To refresh your kitchen countertops without a full replacement, consider affordable updates like applying a fresh coat of paint, using adhesive PVC film for a faux marble look, or installing a refinishing kit. Regular decluttering and a deep clean can also transform the appearance of your countertops dramatically.

What are some functional yet decorative items I can place on my kitchen countertops?

Incorporating functional but decorative items can enhance both the aesthetics and utility of your kitchen countertops. Consider using stylish canisters for storing baking essentials, a chic dish rack, or an attractive utensil holder. Placing a small potted herb like basil or mint adds greenery and is handy while cooking.

How do I decorate my kitchen countertops seasonally?

Seasonal decorations on your kitchen countertops can add a festive touch. For autumn, consider small pumpkins or a vase of fall-colored flowers. Winter might feature a bowl of pinecones or evergreen sprigs. For spring and summer, fresh flowers or a bowl of fresh fruit can brighten the space.

1 DECORATING KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS-close up of hydrangeas

6 Best Kitchen Organizing Tips – Discover the top strategies for creating a functional and attractive kitchen space that works for you.

Spring Kitchen Decorating Ideas – Freshen up your kitchen this spring with light and airy decorating tips that bring the season inside.

8 Cozy Ways To Warm Up Your Fall Kitchen– Infuse your kitchen with the warm scents and comforting decor of fall for a cozy seasonal update.

Easy Summer Kitchen Ideas And Tour – Brighten your kitchen with vibrant summer decor ideas and get inspired by a detailed tour.

Enjoy Making These Dishes In Your Kitchen

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Chili– Enjoy this creamy chili full of Southwest flavors that’s sure to be a family favorite. It’s the number 1 recipe on StoneGable.

Easy Strawberry Cobbler From A Box Mix – A simple yet delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Streusel Topped Banana Nut Bread– offers a delightful twist on the classic banana bread with its crumbly, sweet streusel topping that adds a crunchy texture to the moist and flavorful bread.

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Happy decorating, friends…

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148 Comments

  1. I have actually gone so far as taking photos of my kitchen counters to see how they look and then tweeking them to my satisfaction. My husband says I’m anal, but I call it particular! Just a hint about keeping your kitchen sink clean. A relative of mine eats dinner later, sometimes around 7:00 PM, then either gets the dishwasher started later, or doesn’t start the dishwasher at all. Then the next day the kitchen sink gets dumped with dirty dishes all day. This results with a big mess when trying to cook the next night’s dinner or walking into a messy kitchen after working all day as well as not having clean dishes to use!! Why not take 10 minutes to empty that dishwasher at night so you have a clean slate the next day?

    1. CarolbinTX says:

      I like to get into this habit too! And, I prefer to put away my dishes when they are warm (much like I like to fold my clothes out of the dryer warm – this drives me nuts at my daughter’s house with 10 baskets of clothing waiting to be folded)! However, my dishwasher has the absolute longest normal cycle EVER! It must run 4 hours! I’m nodding off to sleep when it’s in the last quarter! If I don’t put them away after that interminable cycle runs, I put them away first thing in the morning while the coffee is brewing! I’ve been trying to eat earlier…we can do that now that we’re semi-retired!

      1. As I get older reach gets smaller so arranging the things I use most is more more essential. Like you only the essentials are truly essential.

  2. Sheila Allen says:

    I noticed no bread box? I have one but our bread never makes it into it. Wondering if you keep yours in your pantry or have another idea on where to keep it? I have chips and crackers in a drawer and thought about putting it in there so I can away with the bread box?

    1. Hi Sheila, I don’t have a bread box. I keep breads and bagels in the freezer. Crackers and chips in the pantry. Hope this helps.

  3. Your kitchen is WONDERFUL. But what about those of us who live in an older kitchen and no renovation in sight. I can see that when you redid your new kitchen you were able to think about the placement of every single thing and how to create storage. Many of us do not have such an option. I have a small 1930 kitchen which was the original part of a cottage that is my Maine home. Storage is completely inadequate. I must have my stand mixer, blender, toaster, coffee machine, compost… on the counter. I don’t know how to make that look nice. Where do you store produce that should not be refrigerated like tomatoes, citrus, bananas, avocados, potatoes, onions… these are also on my counter top in baskets… sigh. It’s nice to look at your photos and dream.

    1. I had a small kitchen at one time too. So small I needed all the countertop space for food prep. I stored my appliances in the basement. And I did not have a toaster. I used my oven to bake toast. My daughter still does this. As you can see citrus is on the counter. Onions are on the floor of my pantry closet as well as potatoes. I don’t like avocados and bananas usually sit next to the coffee station.

  4. There are very few things we disagree on, Yvonne, but this is one of them. I don’t understand the current obsession everyone has with keeping kitchen counters devoid of kitchen tools and then decorating the same counters with all sorts of objects. I could never imagine putting the toaster oven in a cabinet. In a kitchen with limited storage I can see no reason to try and hide the things we use everyday.
    In a recent post on Facebook about light fixtures someone had the gall to tell me to clear off my countertops. While we all love beautiful kitchens I enjoy using mine but my kitchen is small and my space very limited. That means that from time to time the counters are covered from one end to the other with food, pans and items drying from being hand washed. The reality is that we all don’t have pantries and laundry rooms to absorb the messiness of daily living.

    1. Margo, please don’t be offended. Of course, kitchens get messy with cooking. They are supposed to! And I remember the comment on THE DECORATING PANNEL, but I don’t think that person meant anything bad. You had asked a question and although a bit off-topic the commenter gave you a suggestion. Sorry, you were offended! This post is meant to help you inspire! My advice may not be your thing but it also may help others.

        1. Hi LouAnn, search for it on Facebook. We no longer are administrators, but there is a very active community.

          1. Hi Yvonne
            Could you please give me the particulars of your countertops? And the finish?
            Thank you
            Lou

          2. Hi Lou, the countertops are Quartz Calacutta Trevi, with a 3 cm beveled edge. They have a polished finished. Hope this helps.

  5. SHAUNA CHAPMAN says:

    I am new to your site and I have to say how much I love your style of decorating. Your kitchen would be my dream kitchen! I have found myself returning to neutral colors in my own home with little pops of color here and there and I really found your living room something to aspire to. Thank you for all of the tips and pictures!!

    1. Welcome to the StoneGable family, Shauna! We are so glad you found us! Thanks for the lovely comment!

  6. Mary Anne says:

    I’m with you on the less is more! I do have a large kitchen , but only keep coffee station area, crock with knives and white mixer out. The island always has flowers (right now a white artificial orchid) candle sticks for night time ambience! I can understand those with small kitchens not having places to store small appliances. I just know that even when I lived in a little apartment, smaller homes, I’m still a minimalist at heart! Thank you for your lovely post!!

    1. One of my dear friends has a very small kitchen. You can’t believe how much she cooks and has everything streamlined! She has a table set set up in her garage with her small appliances. It’s amazingly organized!

      1. Hi! I absolutely love everything you do!! Your kitchen is gorgeous. I do have a couple of questions. Where is you get you kitchen chairs and also, is the top of your table white washed?
        Thank you
        😊

        1. Hi Kelly, Thank you so much. The chairs are from Wayfair but I don’t see them on their site anymore. The tabletop is not whitewashed. It’s a light wood.

    2. I’ve lived in 4 homes. Our first home had very limited counter space and I felt it was so important to keep them free of appliances. They took up my prep space. I housed them in the basement. That was when I was young and did not mind running up and down the stairs!

  7. I have nothing on my counters but my Keurig. All other appliances are in the appliance garage. All cooking utensils are in a drawer beside the cook top at easy reach. I like my counters clear and shiny. The view out the wall of windows is my decoration. I do keep a vase or pitcher of fresh flowers on the island. I live in a great room house and the kitchen can be seen from the dining & living room. When looking towards the kitchen, one only sees the lovely garden beyond with no clutter to distract. I really don’t see the sense in “decorating” or “staging” a kitchen. Having trays is a good idea for corralling the pieces that must stay out because of lack of space but if you have a big enough kitchen store it.
    Another excellent post Yvonne!

    1. There are a lot of people who don’t have the beautiful view you do Joanna. So a little bit of beauty in the kitchen is necessary for the senses!

    2. Your kitchen is so beautiful! I have a large family and currently use two (non-matching) stainless steel bread boxes. On holds a couple loaves of bread and the other has buns wraps, etc. I’ve searched all of Pinterestdom and no one has bread boxes on their counter. What’s a girl with no pantry to do?

      1. Do you have a drawer or cupboard shelf? You could put the breads in a basket on the self. However, if you like your bread boxes, use them!

  8. Barbara Edwards Armacost says:

    Your kitchen is so beautiful!! Each piece compliments the other. I would be interested if you have any good air fryer recipes – I seem to be at a loss right now. Thank you.

    1. Oh, I LOVE my Air Fryer, Barbara! I’ve had two. The first one I gave away. But my Instant Pot Vortex Plus is AMAZING!!!! I use it all the time. You can see it here:https://amzn.to/3pzavtM

  9. Lovely ideas, Yvonne, a fresh departure from your style at Stonegable, but equally creative.

  10. It all looks very nice. Good ideas. I would very much like to see a picture of the drawer with the salt pig and butter dish as well as the pop-up bar and cabinets or whatever with all the glasses and gadgets needed.!

    1. I’m finishing some organizing in my kitchen and I’ll make sure to include these elle.

  11. Maxine Hamann says:

    I am.with you. No cluttering counter unless I am cooking. only appliance is.coffee pot! Always something seasonal and have a long stainless shelf in front of sink with large windows…perfect for herbs. orchids..etc..my mom was the same about clutter and now my daughter is too…I have a lot of counter top and think I will copy your wooden bread boards..I have some old ones of.my moms..keep posting

  12. Carol Benchouia says:

    Ah, the battle of the toaster on the countertop! I am the only one in the family that feels it needs to be put away. Seriously, I’ve considered converting my formal dining room into a huge walk-in pantry!

    1. LOL! I know what you mean! My daughter does not have a toaster but uses her oven! The toast is delicious and crispy!

  13. My smallish kitchen has an appliance garage to house the toaster, can opener, bread and crackers. I love it and it takes up very little space. The other thing I do is keep a large soup terrine close to the back door so hubby can drop off keys, change and all the other various items (golf tees) than accumulate in his pockets. It’s going somewhere, I might as well make it pretty. As I have view all the beautiful kitchen this week, I’m surprised at the amount of unnecessary clutter. It’s made me reevaluate what I leave out even before I read your post today. I’m going to edit a few other areas on this bitter cold day in Tulsa. It will help me stay warm.

    1. Good for you Patty! Clutter blind is a real thing! The best way to see what our home really looks like is to take pictures and then look at them closely!

  14. Would love to have more storage for my toaster etc.. By the way , what is a salt pig?

  15. Hi! I just did my spice cabinet too. Like you I used all glass jars and new labels. In stead of the “stepped” organizer, I bought turntable from The Container Store (I’m short, so getting thing up front is important for me). I feel like this is a work in progress. I still need a few more jars and there are spices I just don’t use. You are so right — time and money!

  16. Mary Jane Brinck says:

    Just beautiful. You always give me such great ideas! How tall are your ceilings and how wide is the counter where the kitchen sink is located? We may be building a retirement patio home and the builder grade kitchen will be the best I can do…..
    Just wondering the difference in dimensions. Thanks!

    1. The ceilings are 9.5 feet tall in the kitchen. I think the countertops are pretty standard. Hope this helps.

  17. While I like the idea of moving small appliances off the counter into cabinets to reduce clutter, two of my roller drawers (in solid maple from a high end kitchen specialist) have fallen down after three years–one from canned goods (for only two of us!) and one from my crockpot. Never again. For those contemplating renovations, stationery shelving measured for height for your appliances is the way to go.

    1. I think there are different drawer systems for heavier things you want to put on a shelf. You might want to check them out.

  18. I place a small rimmed cookie sheet under my 4 slice toaster, and slide it in an under counter cabinet. The tray collects the crumbs and it makes it so easy to slide in and out.

  19. Yvonne — LOVE this post! Your kitchen looks immaculate! There are several items I would love to buy: the small white milk container (holding the snapdragons in front of the bread boards, the bread boards themselves 🙂 and the pitcher and small cake pedestal. Can you please share your sources? I absolutely LOVE, LOVE that small white milk container and have not been able to find one yet!!

    Stay warm!

    Julie

      1. Emily Davis says:

        In the picture of the coffee station, where did you find the two round containers?

        1. Hi Emily, I found them locally. Sorry, I don’t have a source for you!

          1. Love the containers so much! I just order the tray, so perfect! Would you be able to share where you got the cutting boards from?! Love your kitchen so much! Thanks for your time and sharing it with me!

  20. Kathy Menold says:

    Yvonne,
    Even with a large kitchen I find there are times I question myself about having to many things on my counters I like to use large glass jars for my baking staples and on another counter keep dried fruit and cereals in other glass jars. We have a coffee station and coffee.and train canisters next to pot. On a large buffet I keep the cookie jar,dog biscuit canister and a jar of snack crackers. Everything is well balanced and neat and my appliances are in cabinets when not in use. Anyone who comes into my kitchen knows it is the kitchen of a cook and my grandchildren would be very disappointed if no cookie and snack jars. A seasonal vignette is created in another area on tray as you taught me and the magic of three utilized throughout the kitchen. Kitchens should be unique to their users and variety is what keeps the world interesting.

  21. This has inspired me to take another look at my countertops, and remove a few things! We use are toaster often as well. It’s functional, but not pretty. Do you have a source for the canisters, and tray that corrals them? Thanks so much Yvonne!

  22. Cecilia from Georgoia says:

    In an open floor plan I feel it imperative to keep a clean and neat kitchen. Albeit, life does happen and the kitchen counter is the first place an armload of stuff ends up! I appreciate your suggestions and love your new kitchen. After Christmas I like to strip my counters and change what I have on them. My sweet brother installed a lift that allows me to hide my KitchenAid mixer and still have it at an easy reach. I wipe my countertops down every night so that helps me from collecting a lot of stuff.

    1. I would love to a mixer lift! Maybe I’ll ask Bobby to install one. Thanks for the great idea!

  23. I love the backsplash in your kitchen. What is it called iris squares of tile?

    1. Sally Seja says:

      I luv your backsplash, I finally saved enough money to do mine. I’m struggling with what color would work in my kitchen. Where did you get yours?

      1. Hi Sally, we worked with a kitchen company and we found this Calacutta Marble tile locally.

  24. Deb Floerke says:

    Wish i had all your cabinets to store stuff but i dont. Beautiful pull outs. I have about 1/4 of your counter top space. Maybe i just hang on to too much stuff in cupboards. Junk it!!

  25. I agree with decluttering your countertops.My kitchen is not overly big so I’m always trying to keep it free of unnecessary items.I have a cabinet with pullout drawers and the toaster goes there !I also like a little pretty on the counter, makes me happy !

  26. Carolyn Rice says:

    Just wondering since you said the color paint for your walls is BM’s “Simply White,” and that it blends perfectly with your cabinets, what color were your cabinets painted? Beautiful kitchen. So tastefully done.

    1. All our walls, trim and cabinetry are all Simply White. The walls are flat and don’t refect much light and the rest is semi-gloss which is light reflecting! So the colors look a bit different and always look nice together.

      1. No wonder I identify with your posts! When we built new a couple of years ago, I went SW Pure White flat on all the walls, same color on the trim in eggshell, & had the cabinet company paint all the cabinets the same color with a light caramel glaze in the crevices. I love it. Simplify, simplify!

        1. YES! We live in a very open home with high ceilings so it made sense to paint it white.

  27. These are wonderful ideas, thank you so much. I always love everything you post. Totally fabulous

    Please send me your post. I keep not getting them. Thanks!

  28. Love love your backsplash in kitchen

      1. Where did you purchase the basket weave backsplash ? Or what brand is it ? I ve been to Lowes and Home Depot . They have one Calcutta gold but it is not the same ? Help I need asap . Thank you .

        1. Hi, we got it from a local stone shop. It is calacutta gold. The stone on our order is called Soci SSH 270 Calacutta marble basketweave. Hope this helps. Our grout is ultra-white.

  29. CarolbinTX says:

    Keeping kitchen counters decluttered is a 24/7 job for me! It just never ends! In fact, The only time I feel truly gratified is after spending an entire day cleaning and organizing and then insisting on take-out for dinner! I just cannot keep up! My next DIY in there is creating a cabinet space for the trashcan and recycle bin.

  30. Nan, Odessa, DE says:

    I see you found the blue print cups for the canisters. Ha! Ha!
    The white is beautiful!

  31. You always give me such great ideas. We’re in the beginning stages of planning to remodel our kitchen and I wondered about your sink and faucet. What is the sink made of? It looks like the faucet is one that has a sensor to turn on the water. If that’s the case, how do you like it? Thanks!

    1. Hi Sandy, the sink is a composite sink from Blanco. A composite sink is a joy! It’s made of ground granite and other materials. It does not stain and is antibacterial. The faucet does have a sensor. I love it! When I am cooking and have messy hands I just wave a hand in front of it or on the top and get water. Hope this helps.

      1. I have been following your blog for a longtime now, and just yesterday, I really noticed your kitchen sink. You said that it doesn’t stain, even to coffee? Also, do you have a problem with the sink scratching at all? What do you use clean it?

  32. Treva Del Bene says:

    Hi Yvonne,
    Thank you for your lovely posts. I always find them helpful and inspirational! Your kitchen countertops are beautiful! Can you send me a link for them or tell me where you purchased? How do you like them? My husband & I are starting a kitchen remodel soon out here in California.
    Thank you so much!
    Treva Del Bene

    1. Hi Treva, our contractor got them from a local company. They are quartz and called “Ultra White”. Hope this helps.

  33. Rossmeri Montalvo says:

    Thanks for sharing this, Yvonne.

    These are some amazing ideas you shared here. It will be very helpful.

  34. Your clutter-free counters have inspired me. I’m was intrigued by your storing butter in a drawer. Could you provide some more information about what you use fir storage and the lack of refrigeration?

    Thank you

    1. I have never put my butter in the frig. We go through it pretty fast and I don’t like spreading hard butter from the frig. I have a drawer next to my stove and the butter dish with its lid fit perfectly in there. Hope this helps.

  35. Where did you get the lovely wooden tray?

  36. Do have recommendations for organizing a kids station? Snacks homework etc. ?

    1. Keep all kiddo’s things together in a basket or bin and bring them out when needed. And refrigerated items kids can eat on a low shelf.

  37. Diana Mullins says:

    Where do you put your bread? It seams like it’s out everyday, sandwiches, cheeses, toast, etc

    1. Great question, Diana. I have a drawer just under the area I prepare food. Breads, cookies, and other perishables like that are convenient when we need them.

  38. Love your kitchen! You always have many great ideas! Where did you get the pots for your plants that you have in your kitchen?

    1. Hi Linda. Thank you for your lovely comment. Sorry, I don’t have a source for the pots. I found them locally!

  39. Thanks so much this was great. I am a clutterer but I’m getting a new kitchen, this post was just in time!

  40. Christine says:

    I’m new to your site and loving it! Thank you
    Wondering where your trays on counters are from Thank you

  41. Good morning Yvonne!
    I would love to see your husbands pop up bar at work!

    1. What a great idea! Next time we have family or guests over I’ll do a little post about his pop-up bar!

  42. Could you please tell me where you purchased the kitchen canister set? Its beautiful.

  43. Thank you for these tips! With these updates, I’ve been trying to find a way to decorate my kitchen and counters without it looking too cluttered. I just ordered a wood tray and a breadboard, and I can’t wait to get them and decorate with some spring flowers as well!

  44. Bev Martin says:

    Yvonne,
    I’m laying in bed on a very early Sunday morning reading every single word about your kitchen remodel, and inspired by the photos. I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed an article as much as yours. Thank you for sharing every detail. It’s perfection! You’ve become my favorite designer to read daily. Love your inspirational words, as I too am a Christian. Keep up the amazing work. Blessings,
    Bev

  45. Angela McCrary says:

    I love your kitchen and I’m in the process of remodeling mine. Can you please tell me about your backsplash? What is the name and color of it?

  46. I love your grey and white canisters that are in front of the cutting boards. Can you tell me where you purchased them?

      1. I love the canisters in the coffee station. where did you get those? thanks

  47. What is the plant in the first photo?? Looks kind of like an olive branch with orange in it.

    1. I’m not sure. It was already planted in our yard when we moved in. Sorry I can’t help more.

  48. Your kitchen is beautiful! Thank you for sharing so many great tips! Would you mind sourcing where you got the extra large, white cookie jar with the wood lid? Thanks in advance!

    1. Hi Shelley, I found this canister at a local shop. I look to see if I can source it but with no luck. Sorry.

  49. Beautiful and inspirational.
    My toaster oven is out all the time it’s used all the time – some appliances live in my laundry room – like my bread maker and that’s where I use it. Bread stays in my microwave ?.
    What color is your olive oil container as there are 3 blues but yours is perfect.
    Thanks

    1. Thanks, Emily! I’m not sure which one. When I bought it it was the only blue.

  50. I love your blog!
    I moved to a planned community (from NH to MD) two years ago that has all-ages and 55+ neighborhoods. I love it! I have a beautiful white kitchen with lots of counter space, a pantry closet and pull out shelves inside the cabinets. And my sink (and dishwasher) are in the 8 foot island. My husband is in charge of emptying the dishwasher every morning while the coffee is brewing. He brings me a cup in bed every morning now that we’re both retired.
    I am truly blessed!
    I too like stations with items corralled but I’m a bit of a grandma-millennial so I like using a mix of vintage and new pieces. My stove top cooking utensils live in a vintage silver champagne bucket, the 3 canisters that live on my countertop (flour, sugar and tea) are white Mother of Pearl, with a beautiful vintage hand pound aluminum tray standing against the wall as their background. My toaster oven does live at one end of my counter but I have a lovely hand made serving piece that sits on top and pretties it up a bit. And at the opposite end of the kitchen, close to the fridge lives my trusty Vitamix for morning smoothies and all sorts of cooking assistance. Everything else small appliance wise lives in the pantry closet.
    I too love bringing in fresh flowers, herbs, greenery and berries from our yard to enjoy on our island. Right now I have cuttings from my Pothos rooting in a vase by the sink. Sometimes I will add a few flowers to my cuttings when available. That looks great and friendly on the budget when you’re bringing in from your garden or buying just a few stems.
    My next project is to figure out how best to store my spices because I’m short and getting the step stool out of the pantry closet every time I want something on the second or third shelf is getting old. I currently have everything set up alphabetically in vertical rows. Yes, I use all of these spices and go through them regularly to weed out anything old.

    1. Wow! Paulette you are my kitchen hero! Your kitchen sounds like the kind of place I would be so happy in! I LOVE your creativity and the way you infuse your kitchen with your personality.Thanks for sharing.

    2. Paulette, you can get spice inserts for a drawer. They lay at an angle so you can clearly see them. I put mine in alphabetically.

      1. I would love to have them too, but don’t have a long drawer near my cooking and baking station.

  51. This is a great article I really needed to see this. My counters are a bit cluttered right now ? and a change is needed. It’s been on my mind to declutter and this was the push I needed! Got to pick up a few things, a reason to shop.

    1. Hi Ida! I’m so glad. When your countertops are less cluttered it is freeing!

  52. Thanks Yvonne. Perfect timing as we are about to move into our next home and they tips are just what I need. I plan to add a bit of copper for warmth like a copper soup ladle and a copper tea kettle.

    1. Congratulations on moving into a new home, Lynette. Copper sounds like such a pretty choice.

  53. Great ideas. Your kitchen is beautiful.

  54. Yvonne,
    I just LOVE your kitchen! Your ideas excite me as my hubby and I continue to search for that right-size home.

  55. Beth McGuire says:

    Where and how do you organize your pet feeding station in the kitchen?

    1. Hi Beth, we are down to one cat. So I put his dry food in a large plastic cereal container in our pantry. He eats in our kitchen next to the banquette.

      1. Beth McGuire says:

        My cat is a messy eater – he’ll only eat canned food. He eats with his left paw and then shakes the left-overs off to spatter everything around him. He is relegated to a cube in my office. Too messy for the kitchen. LOL. The two dogs are dry food only. My 42 lb rescue eats a lot so I have a container on wheels. Just don’t know where to store it so it is both convenient and not an eye sore! I have a very small kitchen. any suggestions?

  56. This is about countertops. The home remodel TV shows make it seem like you are a second class citizen if you don’t choose quartz or granite countertops. Hang your head in shame if you even mention”laminate”!! This time around for the new kitchen we installed in our 1959 home, we chose upgraded laminate. Quartz was going to be $3,000 more for our little kitchen. I thought I just had to have a farmhouse sink and you need quartz or granite for this. I found another sink I liked which I just love now and always use a cutting board. We have built several houses and done a lot of remodeling, but I just love our little house.

    1. Hi, you said something in your comment that everyone should do- do what you love!

  57. Thank you for all your beautiful decorating tips Yvonne! I have a small kitchen & agree with you on only keeping the essentials I use everyday on the countertop. One of those is the coffee maker. Would you tell me where you got yours? I love the clean lines!

  58. Hi,

    Beautiful kitchen!!

    Can you tell me where the large farmhouse vase is from ?

    Thank you,

    Holly

  59. Michelle Dimitri says:

    Hi!
    I noticed that you have your knives in a crock. Is it special for knives? I have my knives in one of those blocks and I hate the way it looks.

    Love your blog!
    Michelle

  60. This is such a timely post for me to read as we’re about to replace our kitchen cabinets and countertop. If our current sink can’t be removed from the existing countertop, we’ll need to get a new sink as well. I noticed your sink’s divider is lower than the sides. I know the purpose is to make it easier to wash larger pans/cookie sheets. How do you like that? Are you still able to get deep- enough water in the “washing sink”?
    I’ll keep all your suggestions in mind as I reorganize our cabinets and drawers. One of the things I’m most excited about is that we’re adding a new counter and cabinet section. I have a vintage card catalog with 15 long drawers and I plan to put it on the countertop to use as a spice cabinet. The spice bottles will perfectly fit into the drawers. I can use any extra drawers for long utensils. As a retired librarian, this is something I’ve hoped to be able to do for years but our kitchen was never configurated to make this possible.
    Thanks for all the inspiration and ideas you offer.

    1. The new kitchen you are planning sounds wonderful! We do like our sink. We have never had a problem washing anything. It’s not a farmhouse sink but a more updated version. Have fun with your kitchen remodel.

  61. CarolBinTX says:

    I recently purchased something on Amazon that I thought was ingenious and I thought I’d share here. My daughter had nowhere to place her coffee maker that wasn’t under an upper cabinet. We were moving it all the time to prepare coffee. I found a bamboo tray that slides out from under the cabinet. You can make your coffee, the steam won’t touch/damage the cabinets, then slide it back under when your coffee is done and everyone has poured a cup! The name is ANBOXIT. I’m NOT an online shopper but these were nowhere to be found in brick and mortar stores. I read EVERY review and this was the best one. It has not disappointed! I’m going to buy one for my home.

  62. Love this! I have a question re the knives in the crock. How are they secure in there? I’m moving to a condo and have them in a drawer now but will need to put on counter.

  63. Your kitchen (and home) always looks lovely! Can you please share where you found the large wire wrapped vase on your island? Thank you for always inspiring us!

    1. Hi Debbie, I found this big container at a local shop. Sorry, I can’t find a source online for you.

  64. How do you like your Blanco kitchen sink? It’s granite right? Do you have trouble with it staining and scratching? How long have you had it? Is your the Truffle color? I am getting ready to redo my kitchen this fall and I noticed your kitchen sink today and liked the double farmhouse sink style, so I was interested in your comments on how you like it and/or what you don’t like about it.

    1. I love my Blanco Truffle sink. It is a granite and acrylic resin sink. The can handle pots and pan that have had boiling liquid in them. Mine has never scratched and these sinks have antibacterial properties. I love my sink! I clean it with a dishcloth and dish detergent daily and wipe it dry with a towel. You can use a non abrasive cleanser like, barkeepers friend on them. I’ve had a single farmhouse sink and this double one. I’m not bathing babies in a sink any longer, so I really love the double sink. Hope this helps. Here’s my sink; https://rstyle.me/+VN58jYu00977YvaqSpXNnA

  65. Your kitchen is so absolutely gorgeous! I love all your decorating photos, so inspirational. I’m working on creating this sort of look in my house too. Love it!