Creating an easy-going, lived-in style in a kitchen is not always easy. These schemes need to be functional, and when space is at a premium, the decorative pieces are always sacrificed first. But how can you strike a balance between form and function?
This beautifully accessorized neutral kitchen proves it's easier than you might think. At first glance, it may seem as though the shelves and countertops have been filled with decor, but it's actually a stylish curation of everyday kitchenware used as decor, elevated to look more aesthetic.
It's a space that perfectly executes a relaxed feel and effortlessly layered decor, and luckily is also so easy to recreate the look as many are the pieces have been sourced from designer Amber Lewis' store, Shoppe Amber Interiors. Here's a deep dive into the design and the pieces you can easily get your hands on.
We may have seen a rise in colorful kitchen color schemes this year, but neutral spaces will always have a place, especially when they are as timeless and elegant as this design. Warm beige cabinets and walls contrast beautifully with the white marble kitchen countertops, backsplash, and floating shelf.
Carrying the stone up the walls and into a floating shelf is a hallmark of luxury design, and instantly gives this space a sense of elegance. It's a very classic aesthetic, with brass hardware in a mixture of styles to create effortless interest. Plus, there's a subtly vintage feel here that adds to the space's appeal.
The kitchen floor tiles are another striking feature that is perhaps unexpected, but incredibly effective. The checkerboard pattern featuring a white marble and a warmer neutral hue not only creates an on-trend yet timeless feature, but it also helps to tie together the different tones throughout the kitchen.
But what really makes this space stand out is the decor. From the elevated functional kitchen essentials to the curated display pieces, it strikes the perfect balance of practical yet lived-in style.
There's a truly curated mix of elevated kitchenware and timeless decorative pieces throughout the space, but it's been styled in a way that feels effortless. It looks like a kitchen that is loved, lived in, and crafted overtime.
From the open shelving filled with a mix of tableware, kitchen essentials, and decor, to the countertops that are carefully styled with a kitchen counter lamp, books, and cooking essentials, it's a lesson in decorating a kitchen without it feeling overcluttered.
Shop the look
Love this look? I've put my sleuthing skills to the test to give you the lowdown on all the pieces in this kitchen that make it feel elevated and chic. From the sculptural bar stools around the island to the smaller, unexpected accessories, these nine pieces are key to this kitchen's stylish finish.
Bonus, all of these pieces are in the Shoppe Amber Interiors Memorial Day sale.
People often underestimate how impactful the right bar or counter stool can be. In this kitchen, the Cade Bar & Counter Stool in a dark wood adds a curvaceous feel that instantly softens the hard lines of the island. Plus, the upholstered seats, which have 25 different color options to choose from, look oh so comfy.
Kitchen lighting doesn't have to be just functional. In fact, introducing the Emery Picture Light above a shelf, like in this kitchen, not only creates mood lighting, but also creates a more cozy, lived-in feel. Layered lighting is a huge kitchen trend this year, and a picture light is an unexpected yet utterly stylish addition.
Salt and pepper mills are an essential in any kitchen, and simply choosing a more luxurious design goes a long way to elevating your scheme. In this kitchen, these wooden mills double up as decor on the countertop. The mill with the round top is for salt, and the more square top is for pepper.
The beautiful artwork on the shelf caught my eye immediately – it's by artist Hannah Winters, and it really adds height to the kitchen shelving. In this scheme, it looks really striking in the wooden frame, helping to bring in more natural textures. You could also lean it on your countertops, or even hung on the wall will look just as stylish.
I often talk about using functional kitchenware as decor, and that's exactly the approach that has been taken in this scheme. You might have spotted this dark wood serving platter on the floating shelf, layered with a larger board. It looks timeless, brings in a natural texture, and is easily in reach when hosting.
When I spotted this pot on the windowsill, I was convinced it must be vintage thanks to the beautiful patina on the surface. However, it's actually this Scalloped Nursery Planter from Shoppe Amber Interiors, which has a live moss finish to give it this time-worn finish. Pared with the scalloped edge, it's perfect for potted herbs.
If you're wondering what the small ceramic item stacked on top of the cookbooks is, it's the Mowli Stoneware Soup Crock. Made from clay and glazed to look like a vintage piece, it proves that a unique cooking accessory can be the perfect way to add charm and interest to your scheme.
It's usually those small essentials that can bring down the look of your space, especially when it comes to the items you need to do the dishes. But in this kitchen, the pot brush has been upgraded to this wooden design, stored on a wooden tray next to a ceramic pot. It's a simple swap that makes a big difference.
Wondering why the windowsill is this kitchen looks so much more curated than yours? It's all thanks to this woven tray. When you have a few different items on display, like the pots in this example, it can look messy and cluttered. But simply placing them on a tray instantly makes them look more curated and intentional.
This space proves that with the right decor and stylish, you can create a chic kitchen that feels luxurious and lived-in. Don't forget to mix in a few vintage kitchen pieces to balance old and new. Something as simple as vintage hardware or even lighting can add a characterful detail.
