Whether you’re a Julia Child-esque gastronomic expert or are just getting your sea legs at the stove, the kitchen is, without a doubt, the heart of the home. The bad news? It's also usually the room that’s the most expensive to redesign. But just because you don’t have an HGTV-sized budget doesn’t mean you can’t give your cooking space a fresh new look. We’ve found some beautiful and practical kitchen decorations that will give your space an instant upgrade. And once you’ve kicked your cooking space up a notch, you can spruce up the rest of your home with these 50 Amazing Home Upgrades for Under $50.
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1 | This tiered hanging basket
Urban OutfittersEven in kitchens with ample counter space, hanging baskets can be a great way to cut down on tabletop clutter by taking things vertical. Use it to hold non-refrigerated produce, store dry goods, and showcase succulents.
2 | This wooden utensil rack
AnthropologieFreeing up space in your kitchen's cabinets and drawers is as easy as finding a better solution for storing your utensils. This intricately carved rack does just that, with the added bonus of livening empty wall space in your kitchen.
3 | This floral tablecloth
NordstromThere’s absolutely nothing wrong with showcasing a beautifully-crafted table au naturel, but adding a bright table linen is an easy way to elevate the vibe of a kitchen in seconds. Consider this richly-hued floral print, which is playful, yet poised.
4 | This earthenware vase
TargetFlowers always tend to end up in the foyer, but any kitchen counter or table can be instantly spruced up with a stylish vase, like this earthenware piece, which is subtle enough to let those brightly-colored blooms shine.
5 | This French wine region print
Uncommon Goods
The first step of gathering wine knowledge is being able to swirl a glass, sniff it, and convincingly say, “raspberries and autumn!” The second involves knowing a bit about terroir, and having this print hanging in your kitchen will serve as the perfect cheat sheet.
6 | This Art Deco storage canister
NordstromFans of Miami Beach architecture, rejoice! These sturdy stoneware canisters will keep coffee or any other dry goods fresh while refreshing the look of your kitchen. And for more ways to liven up making coffee at home, check out The 25 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers.
7 | This handmade woven bowl
Urban OutfittersBesides being a gorgeous table topper for fresh fruit and produce, these bowls are ethically handmade by a cooperative of women in Rwanda, meaning you'll feel as good about buying them as your table will look with them on it. They’re also shallow enough to make for an eye-catching wall ornament!
8 | This thoughtfully crafted cutting board
The GrommetWhile functionality is the main focus of most cutting boards, having one that’s also beautiful enough to live in plain sight is a major perk. This piece is specially crafted with vertically-aligned wood grain to promote hygiene and longevity, making this handmade board an attention-grabbing addition to any cooking space.
9 | This fashionable table runner
AnthropologieTraditional tablecloths are great for hosting, but they also hide the beautifully-designed table you paid for. This table runner is the perfect accent that will draw the eye without obscuring what’s beneath. It can also instantly dress up a kitchen island, countertop, or buffet display. And if you're hosting friends, check out these 25 Outdoor Party Essentials Under $25.
10 | This kitchen utensil jug & set
NordstromA good kitchen rule of thumb is that anything functional that moonlights as décor gets priority on your counter. This gorgeous piece by Nambé includes a set of carved acacia wood utensils and an alloy display jug that will elevate your countertop in an instant. And if you’re looking for more functional storage around the house, take a look at these 20 Gorgeous Pieces of Storage Furniture That Will Save You So Much Space.
11 | This kitchen runner rug
TargetThe kitchen floor is usually the very last place anyone thinks of when it comes to interior design, but a sturdy rug is an easy accent piece that can instantly make a working space feel more comfortable and lived in. This carpet from Target has also has a skidless latex backing, which can be a great way to combat bare kitchen floors that become too slippery when wet. And if you’re looking to score more bargains from the Bullseye, check out these 20 Target Home Décor Items That Will Make Your Home Look Like a Million Bucks.
12 | This practical bar cart
Urban OutfittersDedicated liquor cabinets and wet bars can force your hand while hosting. This mobile unit brings the party wherever you want it to be, and can double as a great place for plant or cookbook storage when not in use as a cocktail, wine, or appetizer station.
13 | This modular wall organizer
The Grommet
Peg boards are a great way to organize, but they can be a little too shabby-chic for some kitchens. This understated system is clean and sleek, with customizable magnet containers than can hold utensils, supplies, and even plants.
14 | These rustic floating shelves
Amazon
If you've got beautiful kitchenware items you love looking at, why hide them behind your cabinet doors? These floating wooden shelves can hold up to 40 pounds each and will bring eye-level attention to some of your favorite high-design utensils, storage containers, cookbooks, and appliances.
15 | These simple window curtains
TargetMost interior designers will tell you that undressed windows are a major décor faux pas. These curtains are simple enough to work with practically any design scheme and will help bring character and texture to your kitchen. And if you’re looking to get more advice from some of the industry’s best, take a look at these 35 Pet Peeves Interior Designers Have About Your Home.
16 | This etched lazy Susan
Nordstrom Rack
Family feasts immediately become more manageable with a lazy Susan at the center of the action, but they’re also great for keeping things within easy reach on large kitchen islands. And unlike those of the unadorned variety, this etched piece will look just as good with nothing on it as it does when it's loaded with snacks.
17 | This sleek trash compactor
Joseph JosephDesigner trash cans may look great, but most are too small or lacking in functionality to be practical. Joseph Joseph has managed to combine both sleek design and innovative compacting technology, meaning this bin can hold up to three times as much as a traditional garbage can of the same size.
18 | This galvanized plant pot
EtsyKeeping houseplants alive isn’t everyone’s strong suit, but just because you have a black thumb doesn’t mean you should be denied having a windowsill garden above your kitchen sink. These stylish galvanized planters come with super realistic faux boxwood greens that will never have to suffer the wrath of your forgetful watering schedule.
19 | These under-cabinet strip lights
AmazonDark areas beneath cupboards can create a cavernous, uninviting look for a kitchen. These dimmable LED strip lights can help shed the light where it’s needed most and are customizable to fit any space.
20 | These farmhouse-inspired dishtowels
NordstromOne of the fastest ways to transform the look of your kitchen is to upgrade your textiles, but that doesn't have to mean shelling out for a pricey tablecloth. This dishtowel provides a bright pop of color whether it's hanging on a hook or cleaning up a spill.
21 | This magnetic spice rack
Uncommon GoodsYour loose bottles of spices cluttered inside a cabinet may be out of view, but it’s never fun having to spend ten minutes looking for cumin every time you need it. Luckily, this repurposed Napa Valley wine barrel neatly organizes your rack and keeps everything at hand.
22 | This glamorous wine rack
AnthropologieFree up cabinet space and show off your good taste in one fell swoop with this elegant wine rack. Handcrafted and made out of iron, this sturdy rack will showcase your collection of vino and add a regal air to your kitchen in the process.
23 | This antique citrus juicer
NordstromCertain antique products can put the “fun” in “functional décor.” Case in point: this hand-powered juicer, which will look great on your countertop and provide fresh orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime juice whenever you need it. And if you’re looking for more antique-style design ideas, check out 40 Old-Fashioned Home Items Everyone Should Have.
24 | These mini succulent planter magnets
EtsyBesides souvenir magnets and a sea of holiday cards, fridge doors receive very little design love considering how much space they take up. These 3D printed succulent planters are an easy way to add some life to your biggest appliance without the chaos of a photo-and-mismatched-magnet mosaic.
25 | This golden driftwood candelabra
Design trends may come and go, but the ambiance set by flickering candlelight will never go out of style. This organic luxe golden driftwood candelabra makes for a stunning kitchen table or counter centerpiece whether or not the wicks are lit. And for more great ways to elevate your space, check out the 30 Best Stylish Home Upgrades.
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