Kitchen styling: our top five tips

Sometimes when you’re scrolling through pictures of kitchens or flipping the pages of an interior design magazine, you come across a home that looks perfect – yet it’s not always easy to pinpoint exactly why. Well, more often than not, it comes down to the art of kitchen styling. 

Interior styling is basically ‘dressing’ a room so that it looks as good as it possibly can while still being functional and expressing your taste. This includes things like adding new textures to a room, clever storage solutions or statement lighting. Here are out top 5 tips to get your kitchen ready like it’s going to be photographed for the pages of a magazine.  

Make use of soft furnishings 

Soft furnishings in the kitchen are just as important as solid materials and components, as softer elements like upholstery, cushions and rugs can elevate your kitchen and tie the whole design together. 

For cushions and seating, avoid light colours or delicate velvets that will stain and mark easily. Instead choose darker or patterned fabric with a tight knit that will be easy to clean when spills eventually happen. Leather is another good option, and the patina can look beautiful over time.  

Rugs are probably not the first thing that spring to mind when styling a kitchen. But despite the risk of grease stains and red wine spills, rugs can be useful for zoning, adding colour and a little cushioning underfoot in a space where you spend a lot of time on your feet. 

Mix textures and materials 

Mixing materials and textures is a tried-and-true way to add depth and character to your home. And the kitchen has many opportunities for using different materials. Instead of matching the finish on fixtures, try mixing metals, such as pairing stainless appliances with black cabinet handles and a bronze faucet. A sleek marble countertop would pair beautifully with a butcher block island, while warm wood or cork floors provide a contrast to sleek Nordic-style cabinets. 

Style your sink 

It might seem a little odd to focus your energy on the sink, but it’s one area that can easily look messy and disorganised as most of us will have brushes, sponges, dish and hand soap hanging around there. So, why not turn this area of the kitchen into a stylish arrangement with a few easy steps? 

Simply start with a base such as a tray or trivet – you could choose something bamboo for a natural look, or a metallic base for a more sophisticated look. 

Next, look for soap products in unique packaging or dispense them into soap pumps that coordinate with the design of your kitchen. Add interest with an indoor plant or candle, and you can also add texture with an item such as a natural bristle brush. 

Less is more in your kitchen 

A kitchen is a space that is heavily used, but it doesn’t have to look cluttered. Keeping bench tops clear of unnecessary things keeps it looking elegant and minimalist.  

Removing everything from your kitchen counters and assess what are essential only items – think the kettle, toaster or coffee pot. Then work out what you’d like to be on display, perhaps knives or pots and pans, and elevate them off the counter tops.  

A pegboard, metal rail with S-hooks or floating shelves can all be put to work to store utensils, spices and knives, within reach but out of the way. 

And what about the humble microwave? If you’re not able to store it out of the way or in a butler’s pantry, consider investing in a combination oven which gives you the power of a microwave and an oven in one – a saviour for bench space. 

Display art 

A print or a framed picture can be all it takes to elevate an ordinary kitchen to something special. If you don’t have the wall space to hang a large picture, choose a smaller print and rest it on the countertop or a shelf for a contemporary look. 

About NEFF  

NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to creative meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.  

Learn more about NEFF here.