Kitchen Accents - Southern Living

Photo: Lucas Allen

Raised Fireplace

This thoughtful homeowner had the kitchen fireplace raised to the height of the dining table so that everyone at the table can enjoy the view. Firewood is stored in the handy alcove below.

Photo: Erik Johnson

Fresh Herbs

Install a shelf or ledge under a kitchen window where you can grow your favorite edibles, and you will always have fresh herbs on hand for seasoning and garnishing.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn

Specialty Splurges

Make a kitchen uniquely yours by splurging on a specialized appliance. A built-in cappuccino maker was a convenient and personal touch for this coffee-loving homeowner.

Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman

Non-Sandard Hood

Disguise your stainless hood and add extra architectural detail by extending your cabinetry to cover the hood.

Photo: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Anne Turner Carroll

Dish Display

Use your favorite china or heirloom pattern as artwork. Repeating shapes create a nice visual rhythm.

Quick Cafe Curtains

Consider this clever alternative to cafe length curtains: Use curtain rings with clips to hang pretty dishtowels or napkins on a curtain rod.

Architectural Elements

Integrate antique architectural elements, like antique wood brackets, to add instant character to a kitchen.

Paper Towel Cubby

For a discrete and convenient paper towel roll location, remove a drawer and install a paper towel holder in its place.

Television

If you like following along with cooking shows, you won’t miss a beat or whisk when you include a small television in your kitchen.

Neutral Treasures

Highlight a neutral collection by painting the interior of glass-doored cabinets in a contrasting color.

Bright Dish Display

Got a colorful collection? Display it on a more neutral shelf that won’t distract.

Hidden Refrigerator

Keep the look of your kitchen consistent with a custom panel refrigerator that blends seamlessly with the rest of your cabinetry.

Nostalgic Appliances

If you would rather have a showpiece, refurbished and reproduction appliances are a nostalgic alternative to standard models.

Space Separation

Have an open, great room-style kitchen? You’ll have to be creative to keep those dishes out of guests’ line of sight. Here, matchstick blinds hide the prep space when the homeowner entertains.

Pot Fillers

It can be difficult to fill large pots in the kitchen sink, so you may wish to install a pot filler faucet over your range. These faucets are often hinged to fold against the wall when not in use, but this homeowner chose a non-traditional fixture to match her kitchen decor.

Want More?
See more decorating ideas in our Decorating Your Kitchen video.