How to Decorate a Kitchen Counter (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

Decorating a kitchen counter can feel tricky. You want it to look stylish, but not cluttered. Functional, but not boring. Decorative, yet practical for everyday use.

If you’ve ever cleared your counters only to have them look messy again a few days later, this guide is for you.

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to decorate a kitchen counter in a simple, beginner-friendly way — so your kitchen always looks clean, organized, and Pinterest-worthy.

Step 1: Clear Everything Off Your Counter

Before decorating, start with a blank slate.

Remove:

• Small appliances you don’t use daily
• Random containers
• Unused decor items

Cleaning and clearing the surface helps you see how much space you’re actually working with.

👉 Tip: Only items you use daily or love visually should earn a spot back on the counter.

Want to recreate this look? You’ll find links to all the products used in this post inside our full kitchen counter decor guide. You can also browse similar styles on Amazon.

Step 2: Decide What Stays on the Counter

Not everything belongs on your kitchen counter. Items that usually deserve counter space:

• Coffee maker or kettle
• Cooking oils near the stove
• Soap dispenser near the sink

Items better stored away:

• Rarely used appliances
• Extra utensils
• Bulk food packaging

This step alone makes your kitchen look more organized.

Step 3: Create Zones on Your Kitchen Counter

Instead of decorating randomly, divide your counter into small functional zones. Common kitchen counter zones:

• Coffee or beverage station
• Cooking prep area
• Sink zone
• Corner decor zone

Zoning keeps decor intentional and prevents clutter from spreading.

Step 4: Use a Decorative Tray to Group Items

One of the easiest ways to decorate a kitchen counter is by using a tray. A tray:

• Visually groups items together
• Makes decor look intentional
• Helps contain clutter

You can place a tray near the stove, sink, or in an unused corner.

What to place on a tray:

• Oil bottles
• Salt and pepper
• Soap dispenser
• Small plant or candle

Step 5: Add Stylish Storage Instead of Random Containers

Instead of leaving items in their original packaging, use decorative storage. Great storage options for counters:

• Matching canister sets
• Glass or ceramic jars
• Wooden containers

These not only store essentials but also act as decor.

Keep the number limited — usually two to three containers per zone is enough.

Step 6: Style the Sink Area the Right Way

The sink area is often the messiest part of the counter. To keep it neat:

• Use a matching soap dispenser
• Add a small tray for sponge or scrubber
• Avoid too many items

Keeping the sink area minimal instantly improves the overall look of your kitchen counter.

Step 7: Add a Touch of Greenery

Plants soften the look of hard kitchen surfaces and add freshness. Good plant options:

• Small real plants (if you have good light)
• Faux plants for low maintenance

Place greenery:

• In a corner
• On a tray
• Near a window

Even one small plant can make a big difference.

Step 8: Decorate Corners, Not the Entire Counter

A common beginner mistake is spreading decor everywhere. Instead:

• Focus decor in corners
• Keep prep areas clear
• Leave breathing space

Decorated corners make your kitchen feel styled without sacrificing function.

Want to recreate this look? You’ll find links to all the products used in this post inside our full kitchen counter decor guide. You can also browse similar styles on Amazon.

Step 9: Stick to a Simple Color Palette

Too many colors can make your counter look busy. For a clean look:

• Choose 2–3 main colors
• Use neutral tones like white, beige, wood, or black
• Match metals when possible

Consistency creates a polished appearance.

Step 10: Step Back and Edit

Once everything is placed:

• Step away
• Look at the counter from a distance
• Remove one item if it feels crowded

Editing is the secret to a clutter-free kitchen counter.

Common Kitchen Counter Decorating Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these beginner mistakes:

• Too many small decor pieces
• Displaying appliances you rarely use
• Ignoring vertical space
• Mixing too many styles

Keeping things simple always works best.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to decorate a kitchen counter doesn’t require expensive decor or professional design skills. With a few intentional choices, you can create a kitchen that looks clean, stylish, and functional every day.

Start small, decorate with purpose, and remember — empty space is part of good design.