The Key Warning To Heed Before Buying Kitchen Countertop Decor

Counters are a key area to add a little allure to your kitchen if you want decorations to add a personal touch. And yet, having extra room on your counters feels like a rare commodity. Being able stretch your decorating muscles with extra counter space is an opportunity you shouldn't overlook. However, you want to make sure that you use the right decorations to make the most of it. There are some rustic kitchen decor items you should keep an eye out for at the thrift store, like antique pitchers and copper cookware, but before you buy these items you may want to stop and think about whether these are actually practical to have in your kitchen; especially if you were planning on putting them on your limited counter space.

Lauren Saab, an interior designer and founder of Saab Studios, spoke with Homes and Gardens to explain why these kinds of decorations should probably be avoided. "Items that do not support cooking, cleaning, or gathering are generally items that do not belong on kitchen counters. This would include mail piles that immediately turn a kitchen into a transitional space, rather than one that is intentionally designed." Additionally, she specifically calls out useless decorations. "Trays filled with decorative items that never get moved or replaced just accumulate dust and take up valuable counter real estate."

If you are avoiding items that look cute but just collect dust, what should you use instead? It's a good idea to find practical items rather than trinkets. However, appliances are generally frowned upon, as they're bulky and can quickly feel chaotic. Take a moment to think about the purpose of your kitchen. It is a space where you cook, clean, and sometimes gather, which is what you should keep in mind when it comes to deciding on what decorative items to use.

You want something that you will actually use, but without it being in the way or feeling cluttered. This does seem like a bit of a confusing statement when you think about it. After all, a series of small appliances fits the bill of useful and practical. At the same time, when appliances take over kitchen counters it makes the space feel smaller and messier. Plus, unless you splurged on some really cute appliances, they don't add any personality and aren't all that attractive.

However, these devices are necessary for most people. To maximize your space and reduce clutter, you will want to invest in storage solutions for your appliances. Look at ways you can add more space, such as utilizing the bare side of kitchen cabinets to maximize storage. Then, you can free up parts of your countertops for more charming — but still functional — decor.

Choose things like this popular decor piece which you should always have on your kitchen countertops -– a bowl of citrus. Not only does it add a burst of color, but it's practical in that it holds items you will actually eat and rotate out so nothing is collecting dust. Nate Berkus' unconventional kitchen countertop decor is brilliant, as it manages to be charming and functional. He suggests using a lamp. At first, this may sound silly, as there are usually plenty of lights in the kitchen, but sometimes a dimmer, calmer light is just what you need; especially if you're unwinding or gathering for a calm evening.

There are simpler solutions as well. Cookbooks are practical and functional while adding some charm. However, don't just grab any cookbook for the fun of it. Take the time to find ones that you will actually use on a regular basis so they don't just take up space. 

Additionally, a few cute storage containers can help to turn things you regularly cook with into functional pieces that have a bit of beauty to them. For example, soaps, coffee, and utensils are often tucked away, but you can change it up by placing them on the counter in aesthetic ceramics or glassware. If there are other items you regularly use, such as certain spices, oils, and dressings, you can keep them stored on a lazy Susan or in a cute little basket.