Delving into interior design without professional help can be daunting. Even if you have solid ideas on how to decorate a kitchen and know what stylistic direction you wish to take, it only takes 15 minutes on Pinterest to shake up all your thinking. 

Let us do the work of narrowing your design options down for you. Many different home decor themes exist, but once you settle on one, you can let your creativity run free. Do you want your kitchen to match the rest of your house, or do you want it to stand out? Start with a solid plan and then play with materials and colors.

Neutrals 

One of the most simple kitchen decor ideas is to go neutral. Tones like white and cream give off a clean look that’s simultaneously welcoming and peaceful. If you favor modern or contemporary design trends, neutrals are a great option for a minimalist look. 

We love neutrals because they’re easy to design with. Paint the walls a crisp white or chic taupe tone and add a white subway tile backsplash. Upcycle old, dark, wooden cabinets by repainting them in a cream hue and refreshing the hardware. Gold, bronze, or matte black handles contrast well with neutral cabinetry. 

When following a neutral or white kitchen theme, you’ll have plenty of options for dishware, linens, and furniture. Pick up neutral-colored plates and bowls and beige kitchen towels. Choose pieces made from white or light-colored wood for seating and stay within the simple, refined theme.

ArchiVIZ - stock.adobe.com

Rustic 

If you live in the suburbs or the country, a rustic kitchen could be the way to go. We like to think that good design reflects its environment, but if you live in the city and still love rustic vibes, we won’t judge you for “doing you.” 

You can achieve the farmhouse kitchen look by going maximalist, not minimalist. Stick to heavy dark wood for furniture items, and pepper the space with vintage wall art and appliances. In this maximalist theme, you don’t need to stash every item in your kitchen behind a cabinet door. Leave colorful kitchen accessories, bowls, and heavy wooden cutting boards on display.

If you’re starting from scratch and giving your kitchen a full makeover, install a rustic-style backsplash with repurposed tiles and have a farm sink installed. It will be big enough to hold all of your dishes after a dinner party, and it brings a touch of nostalgia to the space.

Galina Zhigalova - stock.adobe.com

Modern 

If you’re looking for an elegant kitchen decor solution, go sleek. This may not be the right move if you have a ton of kitchen counter decor or accessories; the idea is to let the design of the space speak for itself without using decorative items to spice it up.

In modern kitchen design, it’s best to choose clean marble and granite countertops in neutral colors or black and white tones. For cabinetry, opt for flat surfaces without molding or carvings. Light woods, matte black, and high-shine plastic kitchen cabinets contribute to a sleek look. We also recommend removing any hardware like drawer or cabinet pulls to maintain the subtly chic design of the space.

patchareeporn - stock.adobe.com

Café style 

Putting together a café-style space is one of the easiest, most satisfying small kitchen decor ideas. Call to mind the tiny tables and chairs of charming sidewalk bistros of Paris or bar-style seating in the tight coffee shops of New York. These images are the perfect starting point to gather inspiration.

When designing a small kitchen, look for space-saving appliances and furniture like apartment-sized refrigerators and bar stools. And take advantage of vertical space. Use several levels of floating shelves to make the most of the wall space without causing the small space to look cramped. A moveable or convertible kitchen island or cart can serve as storage space, prep and cooking space, and seating area. 

For decorations, we recommend finding inspiration in the minimalist vibe and neutral accents of your favorite coffee spot or the colorful, kitschy design of quaint cafés. If you opt for the former, consider installing a trendy focal point like a felt board for displaying your grocery list or favorite motivational quote. If you opt for the latter, pick up dreamy kitchen wall decor like travel posters or vintage advertisements for food and drink.

schepniy - stock.adobe.com

Tips that make all kitchens look great 

Stay on theme

‍Try not to mix architectural or design styles. Gather photos of what you’d like to achieve and stick to the plan as you decorate your space. 

Add a plant

‍Plants look great in any kitchen. A pop of green makes a room look more alive, and plants also help filter the air. Choose more reserved, sleek plants like fronds and cacti for modern spaces. For homier kitchens, try hanging plants or even dried floral arrangements. 

Do decor, not clutter

‍Select the items you wish to display with care. Choose the right objects to show, even if you’re going for a maximalist kitchen look. This could include cookbooks, serving bowls, and aesthetically-pleasing utensils and kitchenware. Avoid leaving out tupperware, dishes that could better be stored elsewhere, and any objects that break the color scheme. Experimenting with your light fixtures can also dramatically change a room’s vibe.

If you’re starting a big kitchen makeover and need to stock up on the basics, Gopuff is here to help. Gopuff is the quickest interior design assistant you could possibly find. You can order everything you need in seconds and have it at your door in a matter of minutes.