Decorating a kitchen can often seem daunting—after all, there are so many things to consider. From paint colours to lighting to hardware, you're faced with the challenge of considering many micro and macro details that co-ordinate and function well together in the most hardworking room of the home.
Whether you’re making small updates to your existing kitchen, or embarking on a big renovation project, our insider tips and recommendations are designed not to overwhelm you, but to inspire you to take a unique approach to kitchen decorating which adds character while infusing a playful charm.
1. Painted Furniture
Painted furniture is a gorgeous way to deck your kitchen with colour, individuality and style. Moving beyond greys and magnolias can be a brave move for most, but it can be truly transformative for your space. Delve deep into the colour palettes that you are drawn to, and incorporate them into your kitchen furniture. Paint is quite forgiving, and with a bit of effort it can be easily changed or updated if the colour isn't right, so don't be afraid to get it wrong the first time around.
Colours like Lulworth Blue, Breakfast Room Green, and Nancy's Blush by Farrow & Ball add beautiful pops of colour without overwhelming the space. Try these shades on chairs and dining tables, then enhance them with patterned, textured seat pads for a stylish look.
Painted furniture can also be used to create a cohesive colour story throughout your kitchen. Try painting open shelving units or a freestanding pantry cabinet in coordinating colours to tie the whole look together. For a more subtle approach, paint just the interior of glass-fronted cabinets to add an unexpected splash of colour that peeks through.
Pictured: Farmhouse Fiddle Back Chair in Nancy’s Blush
2. Mix and Match Chairs
Create visual interest by mixing different chair styles and colours around your kitchen table instead of using matching sets. Try placing a dining bench on one side and various chairs on the others to play with heights and proportions. This approach offers a practical advantage too—you can select seating that suits each of your family member's needs - one person might prefer a chair with armrests, while another might be more comfortable on a dining stool.
For a cohesive look, select chairs that share design elements. With a traditional wooden dining table, avoid plastic contemporary chairs as they'll clash—but you can still choose modern designs like our Windsor Dining Chair if they're made from similar materials. Another popular approach is picking the same chair style in different colours, creating a playful yet harmonious arrangement.
Pictured: Refectory Pine Dining Table with an assortment of chairs around it. Our Windsor Dining Chair and Fiddle Chair are in the foreground.
3. Layer With Lighting
The right combination of lighting can elevate a kitchen, giving your space an expensive, established feel, so don't be afraid to invest a little extra in your lighting. Consider a mix of table lamps, wall lights, picture lights, and pendants for a layered look. If you have spotlights, you can add interest by swapping them for flush ceiling lights that add dimension, just as interior designer Uns Hobbs has done in this playful kitchen.
Pictured: Uns Hobbs Surrey Project Kitchen, featuring our Shaker Bar Stools, Beech in a medium oak matte finish
Table lamps in kitchens can be divisive—people either love them or hate them. We're firmly in the "love" camp, as they make stylish additions to any kitchen. When placed in corners, they provide both upward and downward illumination, unlike pendant and wall lights which typically only direct light downward. For maximum impact, choose a table lamp with a decorative base. Our Helen Bobbin Table Lamp exemplifies this perfectly—its ornate 17th-century Bobbin design makes it an ideal statement piece for your kitchen revamp.
Pictured: Helen Bobbin Table Lamp
4. Incorporate A Chopping Block
A chopping or butcher's block is a robust, freestanding kitchen station with a solid wooden top designed for food preparation. This classic piece of furniture has become a rare sight in modern kitchens, making it a delightful conversation starter. It's versatile enough for any kitchen size—serving as a mini island where there isn't one, or complementing an existing island in larger spaces.
Our Eton Chopping Block offers both style and function, featuring a spacious storage drawer and shelf below. Its thick, end-grain oak chopping board is specially designed to maintain knife sharpness.
To add character, consider painting this piece in vibrant hues like Sudbury Yellow or Red Earth—or opt for the sophisticated depth of Hague Blue.
Pictured: Eton Chopping Block, painted Hague Blue
5. Decorate With Artwork
Artwork that reflects your personal taste is one of the best ways to adorn your walls with character and charm—adding that vital ingredient that makes a kitchen truly personal: soul. When selecting art for your kitchen, opt for several smaller pieces rather than one large statement piece. This approach enhances the kitchen's existing elements without drawing all attention to the artwork itself.
When choosing art, consider vintage botanical prints, food-themed photography, or abstract pieces that complement your kitchen's colour scheme. Frame your artwork in simple, classic frames that won't compete with the kitchen's existing features. For added protection against kitchen moisture and cooking residues, opt for pieces behind glass and position them away from direct heat sources.
Pictured: Painting by Lucie Gray - handpicked by creative founder Alicia Wainhouse