We've all experienced the struggle of finding a brand new, blank kitchen, or moving into a home that hasn't been renovated in years. For some reason, the kitchen is always one of the emptiest rooms, but knowing how to add personality to an empty kitchen can help freshen up the space.
If a plain kitchen doesn't appeal to you, you'll be happy to know that there are plenty of ways to infuse it with personality and character, whether you want to quickly add some simple details or make a more dramatic change.
And to give you the best options, we asked interior designers to tell us their favorite ways to add personality to a characterless kitchen. Their tips and tricks work wonders.
How to add personality to a simple kitchen
Whether you're ready to do a minor renovation or just want to make a few changes that will have a big impact, there are plenty of ways to add some personality to your kitchen that's currently lacking.
“You just want it to feel like the room has evolved and been considered, rather than everything being chosen at the same time,” says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL Kitchens Here are six ways interior designers and kitchen experts can add personality to your kitchen.
1. Add antique decor
(Image courtesy of Lauren Elaine Interiors/Emily Followill)
If you're up to speed on this year's kitchen trends, you'll know that mixing old and new is a great way to bring personality to your space – and nothing looks more authentic than pairing antique décor with contemporary accessories.
“I like to add character and personality to my kitchen by incorporating antique plates and fruit bowls, small antique artwork, and small lamps. Since there are a lot of hard finishes in the kitchen, these little touches add warmth,” says Lauren E. Rowe, founder of Lauren Elaine Interiors.
In this kitchen, personality is added not only through the fresh mint green paint color, but also through the antique blue and white plates used as wall décor, which instantly add charm to the kitchen.
2. Incorporate curved designs
(Image source: Caesarstone/Birgit Mons photography/Anja Inderst styling)
A kitchen island is a great place to add some personality to your kitchen without having to do a total renovation – it’s still a big change, but introducing curved profiles can have a big impact on your kitchen design.
“Curved countertop designs are making a comeback in kitchens. Beautiful, organic rounded edges instantly soften a space, giving a sense of calm to a kitchen while adding personality to an otherwise neutral space,” says Mol Krischer, head of product design at Caesarstone.
“These curved edges remind us of our natural surroundings and create a sense of calm and tranquility. Plus, they add a unique character to the kitchen,” adds Moe.
3. Use a combination of finishes
(Image courtesy of Lauren Elaine Interiors/Aimee Mazzenga)
It's not always the biggest features that are important when it comes to adding personality to a simple kitchen. Sometimes it's the smallest features that make the biggest impact, and in kitchens, hardware ideas can make all the difference.
“We like to play around with metals wherever possible. If all the metal finishes in a kitchen were the same, it could feel pretty stark. [pictured above] “The ceiling pendants are oil-rubbed bronze, the roll faucets are polished nickel, and the small lamps are antiqued brass,” says Lauren.
The mix of finishes used on the hardware, lighting and appliances gives the kitchen an eclectic feel, giving the space an instant sense of character. The addition of antique finishes also creates a sense of old meeting new.
4. Change the impression with lighting
(Image courtesy of Tom Howley)
Never underestimate the power of lighting in your kitchen – both in terms of ambiance and the fixtures themselves. Depending on the layout of your kitchen, there are lots of fun and unique ways to introduce lighting, with pendant lights being the most popular.
“Statement lighting is one of the easiest and most versatile ways to add impact and personality to a simple kitchen scheme. Consider placing a single pendant light above your dining table to create a focal point, or grouping an odd number of pendant lights together to create task lighting over an island or breakfast bar,” says kitchen designer Tom Howley.
“Ceiling and pendant lights come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes, so you're sure to find something that suits your space,” he adds. This design adds a gold, vintage-style light fixture above the island, instantly adding character to the kitchen and highlighting the beautiful brass finish in the design.
5. Add warmth with a neutral color palette
(Image courtesy of Studio McGee)
Is your current kitchen a boxy white space? Adding some new colour can instantly add personality. If your tastes are maximalist, choose a bold, bright colour, but if you prefer something more understated, natural hues are the way to go.
“When it comes to colour, natural yet sophisticated light colours like beige, grey and white will bring a calm, soothing feel to your kitchen. Totally timeless, these shades can be combined beautifully with other colours or can create a tranquil impression on their own through subtle details,” says More.
A black and white kitchen instantly feels warmer with the addition of beige to the space. Balancing cool and warm tones adds interest and personality to your design.
6. Display your favorite artwork and decorations
(Image courtesy of Jessica Bennett of Alice Lane Interior Design; photography by Nicole Gerulat)
To add some personality to your kitchen without making major changes, small decorations like your favourite artwork can give your kitchen the personal touch it needs. You can mount the artwork directly on the wall or add a shelf to display your favourite pieces.
“Kitchen shelves offer the opportunity to experiment and play with colours and patterns, and the best part is that you can rearrange and change them whenever you want to suit your mood. Frames of art, vibrant ceramics and small sculptures all add interest and inspire new cooking experiences,” says Tom.
These small decorative items are easy to replace, so they're the easiest way to continually refresh your kitchen, whether your tastes change or you simply like to change out your décor regularly.
Diptych of Papillon and Margerite
Delicate Product Wall Art
With these expert tips, adding personality to your kitchen is easier than ever. Whether you want to revamp your cabinets, add warm colors, or display your favorite décor, there's something here for every style and space.
