Top 8+ designer-approved kitchen ideas that make a big impact—no reno required

I’ve always been a tinkerer. I come by this honestly, because my dad cannot sit still. Whenever he visits my home, the man can’t resist replacing a lightbulb, power-washing the front steps, re-painting a door, or pulling up weeds in the yard. He works so hard that my neighbors have even noticed that he seemingly never stops. (Dad, if I haven’t said it enough, thank you.)

I do my own version of this too, but it’s more of a move-things-around habit. On a random Tuesday in between, say, dinner and my kids’ soccer practice, I’ll decide to rearrange the furniture in the living room or install a gallery wall. I find that this time of year is especially vulnerable to these sorts of projects because the cold weather forces so much more time indoors and being face-to-face with our aesthetic frustrations.

Lately, I’ve turned my attention to the kitchen. There are a few larger-scale things I’d love to change—I’ve even written about some of them here—but seeing that I’m probably not getting around to those expensive endeavors anytime soon, I’ve bridged the gap in the short-term with a few quick fixes inspired by the many projects we’ve featured in the pages of Country Living. Although the homes we feature span a broad range of country styles, there are a few common factors that I’ve found consistently bring warmth and soul to the home’s most hardworking space.

Here are just a few of those kitchen spruce-up ideas that have made a difference for me in case your tinkering tendencies are also out in full force.

Artwork

Artwork, A Tray to Corral Odds & Ends, A Pot or Plate Rack (Or Both!), A Sweet Little Lamp, Seat Cushions , Café Curtains , A Collection , Freestanding Furniture , Something Quirky & Unexpected

best kitchen decor ideas flatware hardware

This is probably my favorite affordable kitchen game-changer, and I know a lot of designers would back me up on this. There’s something about a piece of artwork—preferably vintage or antique—that beautifully offsets the sleeker elements of a modern kitchen. Personally, I love a faded landscape painting tucked on an open shelf but you can also prop it on the counter or even hang it on the hood. Find a few of my favorite sources for vintage art here.

A Tray to Corral Odds & Ends

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white shelves in farmhouse kitchen with glass cannister and sundries

I have a weird thing about counter clutter, and grouping thematic items together goes a long way toward bringing order and a sense of calm. (Magazine stylists frequently use this trick.) For example, if you have a coffee maker, mugs, and beans on your countertop, it may be more visually satisfying to group those items together as a coffee “station” atop a larger tray. It’s not groundbreaking but it helps.

A Pot or Plate Rack (Or Both!)

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macchia kitchen detail

If space allows for it, both of these decorative elements can have a big impact without calling for a reno. I will always love a good pot rack that showcases a pretty collection of copper. (Note to self: Add a collection of copper to my antiquing list.)

Artwork, A Tray to Corral Odds & Ends, A Pot or Plate Rack (Or Both!), A Sweet Little Lamp, Seat Cushions , Café Curtains , A Collection , Freestanding Furniture , Something Quirky & Unexpected

Mississippi Farmhouse makeover takeover kitchen hanging plate rack

In my Mississippi farmhouse, we added a sweet pine plate rack that helped break up the other newer-feeling materials.

A Sweet Little Lamp

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yellow british style kitchen

Let’s face it: Harsh overhead light can be a real bummer. If you want a little more ambience, a petite lamp tucked away in a corner can have a such a homey effect. Our Design Director Maribeth Jones incorporated a vintage bouillotte lamp into her charming yellow kitchen (pictured here) and she will tell you that come evening it really ups the cozy quotient. (Note the artwork on the hood, too!)

Seat Cushions

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Marynn Udvarhelyi Texas House Kitchen

There aren’t quite as many opportunities to embrace textiles in the kitchen as there are in other rooms, but a little fabric can go a long way toward helping a room feel more designed. Case in point: The gingham cushions on the barstools in this Texas house by Wildflower Home make this kitchen feel a lot more memorable. (I also love those cabinet cutouts!)

Café Curtains

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Misssissippi Farmhouse Makeover Takeover Kitchen Sink

On a similar note, café curtains are another opportunity to bring in pattern, texture, and softness to a kitchen, and they happen to be having a bit of a moment. Sink skirts will also forever have our heart.

A Collection

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vintage copper molds

Nothing can compete with a space that feels truly personal, and a collection is a great way to layer in that character. I’ve seen countless kitchen collections on display through the years, including but not limited to copper molds, plates, cast iron skillets, cow creamers, cutting boards, silver trays, baskets, and so many more.

Freestanding Furniture

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Davis-farmhouse-kitchen

The unfitted kitchen trend shows no signs of stopping and I sure hope it doesn’t. By strategically incorporating freestanding furniture into the kitchen, you bring in the opportunity for a variety of finishes and a heaping helping of patina. This mix-and-match approach can also help a kitchen from feeling dated or specific to one moment in time. If you don’t have room for a whole cabinet or hutch, perhaps there’s room for a butcher block or even a freestanding piece placed atop the counter.

Something Quirky & Unexpected

Artwork, A Tray to Corral Odds & Ends, A Pot or Plate Rack (Or Both!), A Sweet Little Lamp, Seat Cushions , Café Curtains , A Collection , Freestanding Furniture , Something Quirky & Unexpected

hudson valley kitchen

Yes, please! There’s no need to take our homes too seriously, and who doesn’t love a good conversation piece? The world is your oyster, so to speak, so go with whatever feels right. A few thought-starters: An antique bust (shown here), a quirky found sign, a cheeky needlepoint, a weather vane, a sheep figurine...

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