Give Your Kitchen An Expensive-Looking Upgrade With This Charming Addition

An upgrade that gives your kitchen a high-end feel that is still warm and inviting is the best of both worlds. It requires the perfect balance of old-school charm and personality that can't come with new appliances or a fresh coat of paint. This interior design touch-up is a classic look. Dare we say by the book — literally. A kitchen library is what the room is missing. An elegant display of your culinary literature will instantly add an opulent charm to the space.

A kitchen library is a simple, inexpensive upgrade yet it gives the room a homey, regal look. Plus, shelving is always a great opportunity to add character to a space by showcasing what you love. Now is the time to dust off those recipe magazines in the junk drawer or if you're short on literature, search the thrift stores for collectible vintage cookbooks worth buying.

A book collection is often synonymous with prestige and refinement, so it's no surprise that a kitchen library could create an upscale look. It blends into the old money and quiet luxury aesthetic, with its historical ambiance, timeless appeal, and quality charm. However, it can complement any interior design style, and there are several ways to make it your own with different bookshelves, like distressed wood for a rustic vibe or shiny metal for an industrial one. Even the book arrangements can make a difference. Switching between vertical and horizontal stacks could add dimension, while organizing by height or color can create a clean look.

Your kitchen library can also feature more than just cookbooks and culinary magazines. Trinkets like framed recipe cards, an heirloom apron, vintage glasses, and silver cutlery fit the aesthetic and won't feel out of place in the kitchen. Plus, they break up the monotony of rectangular books while showing off more of your personality. These simple adjustments make your kitchen feel cozy, but with a custom design. And there are various ways to upgrade the heart of your home with a library.

A kitchen library doesn't have to just be a traditional bookcase either. There are several decorative ways to store your favorite cookbooks that still have a posh feel. For starters, try your kitchen island. It's a unique place for your library that creates a custom look. Simply line up the books inside a door-less cabinet. It works best for smaller collections or if you prefer the library to be a charming pop instead of the focal point. Similarly, your library can be elegantly veiled behind glass doors on wall cabinets or freestanding cupboards. This fits perfectly with a clean, modern aesthetic and keeps the collection away from kitchen messes.

To make it the star of the show, place your collection on open shelving. Your books will be front and center, like a true library. You can also experiment with different bookends like planters, framed pictures, and coffee mugs. A library is also a great way to utilize empty space above wall cabinets. Up there, your collection won't be at risk for food splatter, and it doesn't impede limited storage. Just add a few bookends to keep the literature in place and you'll have personalized décor that makes your kitchen (and you) look more regal.