The Popular Decor Piece To Always Have On Your Kitchen Countertops

Have you every wandered past your kitchen countertops and felt like something was missing? You've got your standard useful items and some decor for a stylish finish, but there's an element that's lacking and you can't put your finger on it. That one very simple addition could elevate your entire cooking space, bringing in a splash of color and helping to create a more inviting ambiance. You may not believe that this accent comes from the produce department in your local grocery store, but it turns out that a bowl of citrus is many designers' and celebrities' favorite decor piece to keep around the house. Adding one to your kitchen will elevate your countertops without a lot of effort. A bowl of these delicious fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, etc.) will brighten up your space, add texture and dimension, and allow you to have easy access to fruit for snacking, cooking, or making cocktails.

This addition is all about style. There are major benefits outside of design and decor — some right fruits may give off a nice aroma, for example — but this is one hack you want to try simply because of the aesthetic accent it provides. You can alternate the fruit you use as often as you want, too. This simple decor trick to elevate kitchen countertops is no big secret, but it somehow still comes as a welcome surprise to anyone who needs a little extra flair in their cooking space.

When you search through any celebrity or design expert's kitchen posts across social media, you're likely to find a bowl filled with citrus in at least half of them. In fact, Meghan Markle has a large citrus display as a focal piece on her kitchen island, which can be seen on her Instagram and throughout her Netflix show, "With Love, Meghan." This is because of the natural luxury a bowl like this can bring to your space. The colors add an interesting pop that still feels natural and functional, and by mixing up a variety of limes, lemons, grapefruits, and oranges, you're also bringing in texture and dimension thanks to the rinds and varying sizes of each fruit. During the warmer months especially, a bowl of citrus will introduce a nod to spring and summer themes, all without having to shell out a ton of cash for seasonal items. By adding this one thing to your countertops, you're building a kitchen that feels more intentionally styled.

The fruit isn't the only accent, though. The bowl that you keep it in is also an important element that will bring even more style to your space. Depending on your palette and kitchen theme, you could opt for a ceramic bowl painted with shades found throughout your cooking area or a mesh bowl that allows the fruit to shine. These are two of the most ideal materials, as they allow airflow to the fruit to help keep it fresh.You could also opt for a pedestal like Meghan Markle's, elevating the fruit and creating some fun height variation in your decor.

If you really like the way the citrus brightens up your kitchen and want to incorporate it year-round, there are ways to do this so it fits every season. Spring and summer are easy — just toss some fruit in a decorative bowl or on a pedestal and allow it to create the warm weather aesthetic it's known for. Fall would be a good time to use more oranges and add elements like cinnamon sticks, faux autumnal leaves, or mini pumpkins. For winter and the holidays, include evergreen sprigs or dried versions of the same fruits. These could be added to the bottom of a glass bowl as a base, then topped with edible fruits for functionality.

Change out your bowl or stand to a more seasonally appropriate theme to match your other decor, and you've got a way to keep your kitchen fresh and interesting with the simplest ingredients and supplies. If you aren't eating all the citrus you're keeping around, dry out some for the aforementioned decor and consider swapping to faux fruit. You can find some good realistic pieces online or at craft stores so the finish is still stylish. This trend also helps keep kitchen counters clutter free — with one piece of functional decor stealing the show, you won't have to rely on unnecessary accents that take up your useable counter space.