The kitchen is undoubtedly the most difficult room in the house: it multitasks as a work area, a play area or even a living room for some. But just because it’s a workhorse doesn’t mean decor has to fall by the wayside. In fact, many interior designers recommend functional yet aesthetically pleasing items in your kitchen to enhance your space and your smile
“Functional decor is essential for a well-equipped, modern and practical kitchen,” says Artem Kropovinski, chief designer and founder of Arsight. “It breathes life into a room, adds character and, most importantly, tells the story of its occupants.” That got me thinking.
My kitchen is quite compact (read: small), which means I’m further limited when it comes to displaying decor on my counters. I thought that if anyone knew which objects best combined function and decor, it would be interior designers — like Kropovinski and Alison Wilkinson, interior designer and founder of Wilk Design Workshop. The duo shared their seven favorite discoveries that make any kitchen feel magazine-worthy.
Wall hooks are a practical way to hang aprons, towels, shopping bags and more. A simple hook, however, doesn’t have to lack personality and style. Kropovinsky loves the Schoolhouse Thomas Hook for its minimal yet tasteful vibe that fits almost any design theme and color palette. If you want something a little more whimsical, go for the IKEA FJANTIG chair-shaped hooks, which come in a set of three. (FYI: IKEA is full of cool pieces that double as storage.)
Indoor plants are practically a given when decorating your home, but have you thought about adding a small herb garden to your greenery? Kropovinsky recommends keeping a collection of fresh herbs, especially in this indoor MINEGROW grow light garden; they not only add liveliness and vibrancy to your kitchen, but also “go beyond being an ornamental,” doubling as an ingredient for your favorite recipes.
4. Multicolored kitchen appliances
Incorporating colorful appliances into your kitchen gives it a chic look that really adds character to your kitchen, says Wilkinson. She loves the Alessi Plisse Toaster which has a unique pleated design that adds texture and color to an empty, unused corner of your kitchen. The retro-style Aria fryer also lets you quickly cook your favorite foods while adding a mid-century modern touch to your counters (plus vibrant colors!).
5. Vases (and other decorative containers)
According to Wilkinson, fresh flowers in your kitchen are essential for adding color and fragrance while lifting your mood. Of course, you’ll need a boat to display all that beauty. She likes the Iittala Aalto vase, a work of art in itself, even worse when filled with hydrangeas in summer and greenery in winter. Bonus: It comes in two different sizes.
Kropovinsky, on the other hand, finds these Laurel Pots from Farmhouse Pottery to be both useful and beautiful, featuring a lovely laurel wreath design that brings a little farmhouse charm to your kitchen. They are available in four sizes so you can keep utensils, herbs and more easily accessible on your counter.
A dish rack may seem like an everyday kitchen item that you wouldn’t pay attention to when it comes to design. With the Alessi A Tempo stainless steel dish rack, Kropovinski says, you can combine utility with modern elegance (who knew you could arrange dishes so artfully?). If you’re looking for something just as stylish and functional at a more affordable price, we like the Yamazaki Home Tosca Dish Rack.