This Simple Styling Trick Instantly Makes Any Kitchen Look Chic

Growing up in a family of artists, there was art tucked into every corner of my childhood home. No room was without something beautiful leaning or hanging on a surface, but nothing felt precious—it all felt lived in, organic, and a reflection of our family and my mother’s beautiful taste. Every time I go home, I’m still inspired by the home I grew up in, and one thing that I especially love is how my mother has spent just as much time collecting art for the kitchen as she has for the living room or dining room.

After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and should feel inviting! Much of my childhood and adulthood has been spent sitting at the kitchen table or perched on a stool, helping my parents cook, and admiring their rotating collection of treasures. In my opinion, a truly stylish kitchen should be warm and not just utilitarian. And designers agree! Read on for some gorgeous examples and tips for adding art into your own kitchen.

Create a High-Low Vignette

“One of the core principles of our firm is that life is better with art,” says Shawna Kalish of Alden Design Studio. “And because we live so much of our lives in the kitchen, it deserves the same depth and character as the rest of the home; art invites both beauty and meaning into the everyday.” She says she loves the high-low contrast of placing vintage oil paintings right on the counter, where their texture and detail can be appreciated up close.

Use Art to Fill an Awkward Space

“This project enhanced the client’s treasured antiques while pairing with a fresh take on a French Country chef’s kitchen,” says Robin O’Neil of Robin O’Neil Interiors. “Art is personal. It should reflect the owner, be scaled to the space, and be hung where it can be seen & appreciated. In this case, it filled a tiny niche, and it is getting the attention it deserves.”

Create a Space Just for Art

Amanda Hickam, owner of Harper Harris Design: “I absolutely love including art in kitchens,” says Amanda Hickam, owner of Harper Harris Design. “A kitchen is not typically a space where one considers placing art, and that’s exactly why I think it works so well. It livens up the space, creates interest, is an opportunity to showcase the homeowner’s personality, and also gives the ability to change up the look without much effort.”

In this kitchen designed by Harper Harris Design, they removed the upper cabinetry on either side of the window to open up the space and make it feel larger. Instead of opting for open shelving, they created space especially for art!

Play With Scale

Kristen Fagelman of Kristen Fagelman Design says that art in kitchens is one of her favorite ways to elevate a space, when it’s done thoughtfully. “I love a small piece of art on a shelf next to the range or even leaning casually on the counter,” she says. “Also, larger pieces can look beautiful on a vent hood if they match the mood of the kitchen. ”

Lean Art on Open Shelving

“Don’t hesitate to add great art into the kitchen; it personalizes the space and can add charm or whimsy,” says Nancy J. Ruddy, founding principal of CetraRuddy. “The kitchen isn’t just for cooking. As we all know, the kitchen, while being the heart of every household, has become a social activity area in homes. Decorating these spaces with items that represent lifestyle turns a cooking area, with all its chrome and high technology, into a room that is nurturing and inviting.”

For this home, she added open shelves to the kitchen, which provides an opportunity to add elements that create warmth and interest. “Don’t just put dishes and spices, but add artwork, antiques, ceramics, and photos on the shelves that provide texture and color. Here, we designed wood shelves that provide the warmth of natural materials.”

Mix Art With Utilitarian Pieces

“We love adding artwork to a kitchen, but it’s a tricky design move and has to be done in the right way,” says Jennifer Jones, Principal Designer of Niche Interiors. “The key is to be intentional with your art selection – the piece should complement the finishes and feel like a natural extension of the space rather than a bold, bright statement,” she says. “Leaning a painting or framed lithograph on a floating shelf mixed with other utilitarian kitchen objects is a great option. Simply hanging a piece on an empty wall also does wonders to add personality to a space.”

Consider Beautiful Servingware as Art

Elissa Morgante, co-founding partner of Morgante Wilson Architects says that the kitchen is an ideal space to remember that art comes in all shapes and forms. “In this project, the homeowners’ collection of colorful serving ware also serves as a piece of artwork, with prominent arrangement on floating shelving keeping these beloved pieces on full display and further contributing to the eclectic, artistic feel of this one-of-a-kind kitchen.”

Add a Picture Light

“We love art in the kitchen to add personality to the space,” says Paul McManus, President at McManus Kitchen and Bath. “If you add a picture light over the artwork, it not only enhances it, but it makes a great mood light or night light in the kitchen!”