Could Lack of “Counter Appeal” Be DESTROYING Your Kitchen Aesthetic?
When it comes to attractive homes, curb appeal is a must. It’s the first impression that your home needs to signal to neighbors and passersby that you have impeccable landscaping taste. However, there’s another trend that’s emerging for interiors—and it’s possible to achieve in nearly every home. Counter appeal is taking over kitchens everywhere.
We’ve all seen them: gorgeous, sleek countertops with perfectly placed ceramic bowls, sculpted wooden boards, gleaming copper cookware and bottles of oil and vinegar that look fresh out of a Barefoot Contessa set. It draws you in and turns any kitchen into a showstopper.
“The kitchen is truly the heart of the home, and your countertops are where daily life unfolds,” Audrey Scheck, founder of Audrey Scheck Design, says. “Whether you’re cooking, entertaining, or gathering with loved ones, the key to achieving a well-styled countertop is keeping it both practical and visually appealing.”
Why pay attention to counter appeal? Well, if you’re trying to sell your home, the kitchen is the most important room for you to consider. One of the main things pro stagers focus on is the condition of the countertops, so it’s a great area to style. But even if you’re not about to list your space, a beautiful countertop can bring you joy every day. Counters can be clutter magnets, so being intentional and authentic about what you choose to display can help you feel grounded and centered in your own space.
“Keep only the essentials—and make them beautiful,” says Shannon Slattery, Director of Design at Eisen Design House. “Your countertop should feel curated, not crowded. A rule of thumb is if it’s going to live out in the open, it should be beautiful or essential. Ideally, both.”
Ready to maximize your counter appeal? Below, five designers share insider tips on how to master the look.
Think About the Countertop Material First
The first thing you need to think about is the surface you’re working with. In decades past, countertops weren’t designed as a style feature, says Olma Fuentes, founder and principal designer of Deni + Dove Interiors. They could be made from “dull, uninspiring materials” and were meant as utilitarian spaces.
“Today’s countertops have undergone a major glow-up and are now fashioned from more elevated materials—think rich soapstone and gorgeous marble featuring intricate veining,” Fuentes says. “As statement pieces in their own right, people are paying more attention to what goes on them and how those objects are curated.”
As you pick out and place your countertop decor, remember not to hide the beautiful material that you select. As Slattery suggests, design for maximum contrast. “A white marble bowl on a white marble counter disappears,” Slattery says. “But a matte black, smoked glass, or warm wood will hit the right note.”
Embrace the Rule of Threes
Whether you’re lucky enough to have a sprawling kitchen or just a small sliver of surface area, remember that the way you space your decor is crucial. Slattery swears by placing three objects together as a rule of thumb. “Odd-number groupings create a sense of rhythm and balance,” Slattery says. “I usually style with a trio. Something tall, something grounded, and something sculptural to round it out.”
Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors, also lives by the rule of threes, and she takes it a step further. Focus on color and material, and group like objects together. Don’t forget the positioning, either. “Placing a collection of objects in the corner or middle of a countertop helps break up the expanse and adds visual interest,” Jones says. “I place objects close to the backsplash, so the majority of the countertop is still usable.”
Your Kitchen Type Matters
Whether you want your kitchen to be an entertaining showstopper, a gathering place, or a dirty kitchen for sequestering all the hard work, they each deserve an individualized approach. Know your type, Slattery says, and style it accordingly.
“For a chef’s kitchen, style with elevated but functional essentials—a sculptural oil decanter, beautiful salts, a handsome knife block,” Slattery says. “For a more styled space, I lean into layered cutting boards, vintage cookbooks, and an elegant fruit bowl.”
Trays Are Your Secret Weapon
If you have a bunch of different objects you’d like to gather in one neat place, remember how powerful a tray can be. It’s a great way to combine fashion and function. “For instance, a small tray–rectangular or round–can neatly hold a bottle of olive oil, a salt grinder, and perhaps a special vinegar or condiment, while also protecting the countertop from any oil rings or drips,” says home stager and interior designer Terry Mainord. “On a larger kitchen island, a bigger tray can accommodate a vase of seasonal flowers or branches, along with glassware, a pitcher, or a stack of plates, making them readily available for meal service.”
Creative-Yet-Intentional Decor
Try your best to strike a balance between functional and decorative objects. Remember to keep it minimal, too—you need space to cook, after all! No one’s saying you have to put away your gadgets forever, but take time to track down objects that make you happy to be in the space. Jones loves to build a “counter story” around carefully curated canisters, fruit bowls, and utensil holders.
“I’m loving the trend of decorative table lamps in kitchens, they bring such a warm, cozy vibe to a space,” Jones says. “Oversized vases with large branches or florals are a must-have—they add an organic element that makes a kitchen feel more welcoming and lived in. I also love displaying handmade ceramic bowls on the counters, some of them hold garlic or fruit while others are purely for decoration.”
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