For home cooks and hosts, the kitchen is a room filled with possibilities. It’s where they go to create and be creative, so it needs to look and feel personal. But a standard kitchen doesn’t exactly exude personal style. Most homes come with a simple layout and designs that are more cookie-cutter than distinct. Put simply, a kitchen is arguably the most replicated design in homes.

But for those who enjoy cooking or for households where food brings the family together, having a unique kitchen is essential. Not only do personal touches make the space feel more welcoming, they can also add to the overall look of the home. Creating a uniquely stylish kitchen doesn’t have to be hard work. With a few adjustments and decorative items, you can transform your space into a dreamy kitchen that you or your guests will never want to leave.

Incorporate Different Textures

Bringing texture into the kitchen is easier than you may think. While most rooms utilize rugs and other textiles to add variation, texture in the kitchen is more about working with different materials and finishes. Burnished metals, brass fixtures, stone countertops, and wood finishes are some examples that seamlessly bring texture and warmth into the room. The cabinets and drawers are the best places to start. If they already have hardware, try swapping in a new material or different colors. Even if you don’t have handles and knobs, you can still give your cabinets a textural upgrade with a fresh coat of paint. A dramatic color change instantly makes them feel more modern and can enhance the nuances of the design.

Display Cookware

Investing in decorative and stylish cookware will go a long way in making your kitchen feel welcoming. Le Creuset dishes in bold colors or pots in metallic finishes are designed to be displayed. Making space to show them off doesn’t just upgrade the look of your kitchen—it also gives it a personal touch. If you’re opting for ceramic dishes like Le Creuset, stick to a single color and stack them on shelves above the countertops. Copper and stainless steel pots have just as much appeal when displayed together. For a more rustic look, try installing pot rails and hanging them on the wall instead of stacking.

Get Creative with Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are considered functional decor. While they are used for chopping veggies, herbs, and other items, they’re also a fun way to show off your style in the kitchen. In that vein, you should invest in a few different styles—think wooden or marble boards in various shapes and sizes. Placing them around the kitchen, whether lying on top of the counter or against the wall, creates a striking display.

Incorporate Greenery & Plants

Growing fresh herbs in the kitchen is a no-brainer for an inviting look. However, if your space doesn’t allow for much sunlight, you can use other plants or flowers to get the same feel. The key is incorporating a mix of colors and leafy plants to get that fresh look. Try filling a bowl with citrus fruits like lemons and containers of fresh, hearty herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Floral arrangements with herbal greenery, like eucalyptus and lemon balm, can also give your kitchen a fresh and natural scent.

Embrace Contrast

When it comes to the kitchen, contrast is one element that can take your space to the next level. Whether working with soft, neutral colors or utilizing a bold color splashing technique, adding contrast will make your kitchen stand out. Aside from the color palate, you can also add a backsplash to the wall that emphasizes the area and makes it more eye-catching. Vibrant-colored tiles or shelves can bring a nice amount of contrast with little effort.