10 Tricks Designers Use To Accessorize Kitchen Counters

How many of us struggle to keep kitchen counters free of clutter, let alone looking nice? They tend to be a bit of a drop zone for the family, so they end up covered in random items. So, does decorating countertops with accessories exacerbate the problem?

It doesn’t have to!

In this post, I will show you how to decorate kitchen counters, share my favorite kitchen counter decorations, and show you how to accessorize a kitchen counter with functional items so you can have the gorgeous kitchen you’ve been dreaming of!

Without further ado, here are my best kitchen counter decorating ideas.

1. Contain the Clutter

The secret to stunning kitchen countertops lies in the art of clutter control! Kitchen counters are magnets for random items, from keys to mail to loose change.

With a few smart strategies, you can reclaim your kitchen worktops and ensure enough counter space for beautiful decor.

First, identify the culprits. What items consistently end up on your countertops? More than likely they are “junk drawer” type items. Then, create dedicated spots for these items…

• Keys can go on hooks or in a charming bowl.
• Mail can go in a stylish letter holder or paper tray.
• Receipts can go in a decorative basket.
• Chargers and other devices can live in a charging station.

By giving each item a specific home, you keep kitchen counters clear and make space for decorative elements.

2. Find Storage for the Bigger Essentials

Now that we’ve tackled the clutter, let’s talk about those larger kitchen essentials that can dominate your counter space, such as countertop appliances and other essentials like your kettle, toaster, microwave, and knife block.

If an item is essential to your daily routine, it deserves a convenient and accessible spot on the counter. However, if you use something less than once a week—say, your blender or food processor—it might be better off stored in a cabinet or pantry. This will free up valuable counter space for both functionality and decoration.

Think about how you use your kitchen so you can pick the most appropriate storage for each item. For instance, keep your knife block near your prep area, and the coffee maker close to where you store your mugs and coffee supplies. 

3. Elevate Your Kitchen Essentials

The items you use every day don’t have to be merely functional; they can also be beautiful and reflective of your personal style.

Look at your small kitchen appliances like your kettle, toaster, and microwave. If they’re mismatched or looking a bit tired, consider replacing them with coordinated or stylish versions. 

Next, focus on the smaller, everyday items. Things like utensil holders, soap dispensers, pepper grinders, and paper towel holders might seem minor, but upgrading these can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your kitchen. Choose pieces that match your kitchen’s color scheme or add a pop of contrast for visual interest. 

Here are some of my favorite kitchen essentials within an extra special design element:

4. Upgrade Basic Hardware & Fixtures

Swap out unattractive (or basic) light switch plates that line your countertops for stylish ones. These items can either add to the design, or detract from it. Also, consider adding a picturesque faucet to elevate the design.

5. Organize with Trays

Trays and lazy Susans are an absolute game-changer when it comes to kitchen counter organization and decoration. They’re a great way to group items together, so your countertops don’t look cluttered and haphazard. You can almost treat them like vignettes.

Plus they give every item a home and it’s super easy to move everything at once when you need to wipe down the counter!

Source trays that complement your kitchen’s aesthetic, whether that’s sleek, modern trays in materials like stainless steel or marble for a contemporary kitchen, or rustic wooden trays to add warmth and charm. The right tray can tie your countertop decor together and make everything look intentional and stylish.

6. Decant Your Staples into Pretty Containers

Your kitchen counters aren’t going to look at all stylish if you have branded bottles of soap or washing-up liquid all over the place! Treat yourself to some stylish containers to instantly transform even the most mundane items into beautiful accessories.

​If you don’t already, make sure you have beautiful matching canisters for tea, coffee, and sugar. Find a stylish soap dispenser or soap tray. Upgrade your salt and pepper shakers. And get some beautiful bottles for your other essentials like olive oil.

This simple swap can make a significant difference in your kitchen’s overall look, transforming everyday items into decorative elements.

7. Use Storage Items as Decor

Instead of cluttering your kitchen counters with purely decorative items, opt for beautiful, stylish storage that serves a practical purpose by housing your kitchen staples while enhancing your kitchen’s aesthetic.

• Cookie jars can add charm to your counter and can be used to store snacks or other kitchen essentials.
• Fruit bowls can make for stunning countertop centerpieces.
• Cake stands aren’t just for cakes; use them to display pastries or even to organize small items like coffee supplies.
• Glass jars are perfect for storing dry goods like flour, sugar, pasta, and dog treats.
• Utensil holders can come in interesting designs and vibrant colors to add a pop of personality to your kitchen.
• Baskets are perfect for storing napkins, tea towels, and other linens. 
• Tissue boxes can be stylish as well as practical if you take the time to find a nice one.

8. Create Little “Stations”

Creating small “stations” on your kitchen counters is a fantastic way to add both functionality and visual interest to your space. These stations act like practical vignettes.

You could put together a mini bar, grouping together your favorite bottles, a set of chic glasses, and a stylish cocktail shaker on a decorative tray. 

Make your own coffee station with your coffee maker, a canister of coffee beans, mugs, and a sugar bowl on a tray. Include a small jar for stirrers and a container for your favorite sweeteners. 

A snack tray is another good idea, particularly if you have children. Use a decorative tray to organize an assortment of healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars, so that there’s always something for them to eat within easy reach. Add a small bowl of fruit or a jar of cookies for an extra treat.

9. Add Unexpected (Purely Decorative) Accessories

Look at your kitchen counters and see where they could do with a little extra decor. Here are some ideas for decorative pieces you could use:

• Plants and fresh flowers are a must-have for any kitchen.
• Decorative plant pots, from jugs and vases to painted glass bottles add a splash of color.
• Cookbooks can serve as artwork, whether you stack them, display one on a stand, or prop some against a wall.
• Cutting boards​ can be layered against the wall to create a nice display.
• Artwork like art prints and family photos can personalize your kitchen space.
• Candles are an easy way to bring a bit of elegance to the room.

10. Give the Countertops or Backsplash a Makeover

If you want to really transform your kitchen counters, start with the counters themselves. Before you decorate kitchen counters, there are times when the counter itself is in desperate need of a makeover.

Go for a timeless classic in your material of choice. Whether you prefer granite, marble, quartz, or any other material, choose simple, light colors without too much design if you want your decor to pop. Or go for a bold veining look if you keep very few items on your countertops and simple styling.

This step sets the stage for all your kitchen decorating ideas. Opt for a finish that complements your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, whether sleek and modern, rustic and cozy, or somewhere in between.

More Inspiration to Decorate Kitchen Counters:

As you can see, it’s possible to have kitchen counters that are both stylish and practical. The key is finding beautiful ways to store things to keep your counters organized and add some style to them. Whether using stylish containers or trays for organization or incorporating decorative items like plants and artwork, there are countless ways to personalize and beautify your kitchen.

GET INSPIRED | Follow my Stylish Kitchen Accessories board on Pinterest

I hope you’ve found these ideas helpful for styling your kitchen counters. Here’s to your beautiful kitchen makeover! I hope you manage to achieve the perfect balance between practicality and style!

Shop Must-Have Kitchen Countertop Accessories

Decorate kitchen counters to be pretty and practical with these finds!

Find these and other great options here on my Amazon storefront! (Affiliate links)

• Mini Brass Lamp (Cordless)
• Marble spoon holder
• Oil dispenser
• Gold & glass picture frame
• Soap pump
• Clear food storage container & gold lid
• Marble rolling pin
• Marble salt & pepper shakers
• Cookbook holder
• Glass ribbed cake holder
• Black marble & wood chopping/serving board
• Gold & wood handled serving spoons