Category: Kitchens

The kitchen sink is so important to daily life that it’s found use in one of our favorite sayings: “Everything but the kitchen sink.” Yet this importance is often overlooked by homeowners actually designing a kitchen of their own.

Your kitchen sink is, in many ways, the centerpiece of your entire kitchen. It plays an integral role in the layout and workflow of your kitchen, and no culinary space can function without one.

Keep reading for some of our favorite kitchen sink ideas that will prove just how crucial this element is to the perfect home.

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1. Choose Durable Ceramic Sinks

A ceramic kitchen sink is nowhere near as fragile as you might think. On the contrary, ceramic sinks are some of the most durable (even out-performing stainless steel). Another awesome quality of ceramic is just how easy it is to clean.

Ceramic sinks offer a traditional aesthetic that feels right at home in any farmhouse- or rustic-style kitchen design.

For the greatest durability and heat-resistance, be sure to invest in a fireclay sink. Fireclay ceramic contains high levels of clay and other materials that give the final product a remarkably strong finish.

2. Optimize Space with Drainboard Sinks

Drainboards are sloped surfaces that hold freshly washed dishes and allow excess water to run back into the sink (rather than pooling on your countertop). A drainboard is not part of the kitchen sink itself but an accessory attached to one or both sides.

Stand-alone dish-draining racks can be clunky and unattractive. Opting for a kitchen sink with a built-in drainboard is an excellent way to give your kitchen a more streamlined appearance.

Drainboards can be built into nearly any style of kitchen sink. You can find drainboard attachments made of stainless steel, ceramic, granite, and many other materials.

3. Explore Farmhouse Sink Styles

Farmhouse kitchen sinks rose to popularity a few years ago and have yet to lose momentum. The traditional farmhouse sink style is also known as an apron-front sink.

Today, this style of sink can be found alongside all different kitchen decor trends. For a clean aesthetic, go with a white ceramic farmhouse sink with a large basin. If you prefer an industrial look, opt for a sink made of stainless steel.

The humble apron sink is just as often a fixture in contemporary homes as it is rustic-inspired ones. Pairing your farmhouse sink with a sleek faucet and soap dispenser will ensure your kitchen is ready for the modern age.

4. Select the Perfect Sink Faucet

Do you want your kitchen sink faucet to stand out from the rest of the room? Or do you want it to blend into the background? The answer to this question is nearly as important as picking out a sink basin.

Choosing the perfect sink faucet means accounting for your kitchen’s functional and aesthetic needs. Don’t let yourself get swept up in fancy features (or a one-of-a-kind faucet style) in lieu of what your household truly needs.

No matter what style of faucet you decide on, it’s important to match the finish to other elements within your kitchen. Look to your cabinet hardware or light fixtures for inspiration that will tie your kitchen sink to the rest of the design.

5. Incorporate Sinks into Kitchen Islands

The kitchen sink often ends up as a centerpiece that all other appliances revolve around. So — at least in terms of accessibility — it makes sense to include space for a sink in your kitchen island.

By placing your sink in your kitchen island, you’ll be putting much of your home’s day-to-day mess on display. Be sure to invest in a large sink basin that can accommodate plenty of dishes.

On the other hand, a kitchen island can be the ideal place to install a small prep sink. If you entertain often (or just love home cooking), you may soon wonder how you ever lived without this extra workspace!

6. Modernize with Contemporary Sinks

Yes, most contemporary kitchen sink ideas favor traditional designs. But there’s plenty of opportunities to incorporate modern elements in your own kitchen.

The faucet can make or break any modern kitchen sink design. Sleek, geometric shapes are the most popular. But installing a vintage-style faucet alongside an ultra-modern basin is also a winning choice.

Another way to introduce some modern intrigue to your kitchen sink is to select a basin made of a unique material. A granite composite sink is interesting no matter how you style it. The same is true for a colored stainless steel or soapstone sink.

7. Maximize with Single Sinks

Society as a whole puts a lot of stock in the idea that bigger is always better. And this belief impacts how we design our personal living spaces.

You might be tempted to install an extra-wide double sink in your kitchen to maximize space for washing and prepping. However, plenty of kitchens benefit from a compact single sink instead.

Opting for a single-compartment sink means more room for accessories like a built-in cutting board or drainboard. Single sinks are also ideal for kitchenettes or for fitting into a tight kitchen corner.

8. Embrace the Elegance of Square Sinks

Contemporary kitchens tend to have larger, washbasin-style sinks compared to homes from just a few years ago. While rustic apron-front sinks fall into the category, you’ll also find plenty of self-rimmed and undermount sinks as well.

Many corner kitchen sink ideas feature square basins to maximize capacity without taking up too much countertop space.

A square kitchen sink fits many decor styles — the material you choose will have more impact than the actual shape. A stainless steel sink will produce a more industrial look. Meanwhile, a copper or porcelain sink will look very traditional.

9. Choose Versatile Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel is one of the most popular kitchen materials around. It looks super sleek. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain throughout your kitchen’s lifetime.

Stainless steel sinks come in every style imaginable. If you want to maximize functionality, go for a double-bowl sink design. If you’re short on space, opt for a corner kitchen sink or one with a built-in drainboard.

Not all stainless steel sinks are built the same. Look for quality-of-life features like a soundproofed basin or heavy-gauge steel to ensure you get the most out of your new kitchen remodel.

10. Sleek Style with Undermount Sinks

Knowing which kitchen sink ideas are right for your home involves more than just choosing your favorite finish. Even opting for an undermount sink over a self-rimmed design can make a big difference.

How do you take your coffee (or tea)? Even if you start your days with a black cup of joe, brewing your own coffee can require an arsenal of tools.

You can let your kitchen counters succumb to a mess of coffee grounds and empty mugs. Or you can design a coffee station that streamlines your mornings and makes even the most basic cup feel like a trip to your favorite cafe.

Below you’ll find some of the best coffee bar ideas and tips to recreate them in your own home!

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1. Chalkboard Coffee Station

We all know a charming local coffee shop with a clever chalkboard sign or illustrated wall menu. So it’s only natural that you’d want to include a chalkboard element in your own coffee bar design.

Chalkboard paint makes it incredibly easy to add a functional writing surface to your living space. Most chalkboard paint can be used on walls and furniture. You can make a custom message board with a piece of framed wood.

Much of the appeal of including a chalkboard in your coffee station is the customizability. However, don’t be afraid to use stencils to add semi-permanent designs to your chalkboard — seasonal motifs are a great option!

2. Holiday Celebration Setup

Children celebrate the winter holidays with hot cocoa. Adults celebrate the season with hot coffee (and maybe an occasional cup of cocoa!).

Aside from stocking your coffee station with seasonal flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, and eggnog, take the time to update your decor for the holidays. Set out your favorite holiday coffee cups and arrange Christmas ornaments throughout the area.

If space allows, your home coffee bar is the ideal place to display a small Christmas village or miniature tree. Tinsel and twinkling lights can be strung across the coffee station for maximum holiday cheer.

3. DIY Coffee Bar Creation

Yes, you can go to your local kitchenware or furniture store and purchase a ready-made coffee bar table. Yet many of the best coffee bar ideas are the result of individual creativity and DIY skills.

The perfect coffee bar is one that meets your household’s needs, and the easiest way to achieve that is to design your own. 

Start with a compact hutch or console table that matches your home decor — new paint and hardware can always be used to give an old piece of furniture a new look. Install hooks, extra shelves, and access to a power source for all of your coffee supplies. 

4. Dining Room Coffee Station

The kitchen counter is the most obvious location for a coffee maker. But placing your coffee station in your dining room can be a great way to free up kitchen space and make your dining area feel more inviting.

Set up your coffee bar using a thin console table or buffet. If your coffee bar station has drawers or cabinets underneath, you can use the space for miscellaneous serveware along with your coffee essentials.

While your coffee bar should coordinate with your dining room decor, it’s okay to draw attention to the area with a cute sign or mug rack.

5. Farmhouse Style

Farmhouse decor is largely about curating a space that is as warm and cozy as possible. Naturally, an at-home coffee station fits right in with this goal.

Furniture with a natural wood or whitewashed finish is ideal for a farmhouse coffee bar. You can use vintage furniture for your station setup or mimic an aged appearance using chalk paint and finishing wax.

Farmhouse-style coffee bar decor often features repurposed materials and antiques. Hand-painted pallet wood can be used to create a custom sign or mount a mug rack. Include small details like rustic tea towels and mason jars in your DIY coffee bar.

6. Kitchen Space Coffee Bar

The kitchen is by far the most convenient room to keep your coffee maker in. Why not expand your kitchen coffee nook to include everything you could possibly need for a morning pick-me-up?

Keep all of your coffee-making supplies in one area and include thematic decor to tie everything together. Organization and visual appeal are what differentiates a proper coffee bar from a regular kitchen setup.

Your kitchen coffee bar doesn’t need to be out on display 24/7. Consider placing your coffee accessories in a butler’s pantry or large cupboard to keep your kitchen neat and tidy throughout the day.

7. Luxury Coffee Bar

It doesn’t matter if you own an early-model Keurig or a high-end espresso machine. The most luxurious coffee bar ideas are all about attention to detail.

Opt for simple furniture and decor that offers a cohesive aesthetic. Modern elements like a glass console table and sleek floating shelves are excellent investments.

While decor is crucial to creating a stylish living space, you don’t want to overdo it. Clutter is the enemy of luxury design, especially when it comes to a mess-prone area like a coffee station. Prioritize organization and storage when designing your luxury-inspired coffee bar setup.

8. Contemporary Coffee Bar

Modern decor is not a monolith. There are numerous trends and styles contained within the modern design movement. Borrowing ideas from any or all of these trends is not just okay but encouraged!

Regardless of your go-to aesthetic, modern decor is all about sleek shapes and finishes. One of the easiest ways to give your coffee corner a modern touch is with a monochromatic color scheme.

Take a minimalist approach with your coffee bar surface. Invest in special storage solutions to hold coffee pods and other necessities. Display pop artwork and unique decor over your coffee station with a floating shelf.

9. Pallet Crafted Coffee Station

Reclaimed wood is a beloved material among home designers and DIYers alike. If you’re looking for inspiration to create your own DIY coffee bar, getting your hands on some pallet wood is a great place to start.

Reclaimed pallet wood is an excellent choice for a cottage- or farmhouse-inspired coffee bar top. Replace your existing coffee station surface or add pallet wood on top to protect the original finish.

Another great coffee bar idea is to use recycled pallet wood to construct floating shelves or coffee mug storage. Leave the raw wood finish intact or paint your new wall decor to match your home decor.

10. Rustic Coffee Bar Design

You’ll see many of the same design elements in both rustic and farmhouse decor, including vintage furniture, aged finishes, and reclaimed wood.

While contemporary farmhouse decor tends to have a more polished look, rustic decor remains au naturel. You can also create a rustic coffee bar with aspects of the French countryside or American Southwest.

Your first step should be deciding if you want your rustic coffee station to have a light and airy aesthetic or a more masculine one. From there, you can curate your coffee setup to match.

11. Small Space Coffee Bar

It doesn’t matter how much love you hold for the perfect cup of coffee. Devoting a large portion of your home to a coffee bar isn’t always realistic.

A small coffee station can be just as efficient as a full-size one. Look for an unused corner in your kitchen, dining room, or pantry that can be converted to a DIY coffee bar.

A bar cart is an extremely convenient and versatile piece of furniture, whether you’re mixing cocktails or brewing a morning coffee. Using a bar cart is ideal if you drink pour-over coffee (or prefer a cup of tea) rather than relying on a traditional coffee machine.

12. Stylish Coffee Corner Inspiration

Most people don’t set up an at-home coffee station solely out of convenience. Coffee bars offer a unique aesthetic that can make your home feel cozy and on-trend.

Of course, you need the essentials — there’s little point in putting together a coffee bar without some kind of coffee maker. Invest in stylish baskets and wall-mounted mug hangers to store your must-have coffee accessories.

Once your coffee bar is fully stocked, you can move onto the fun stuff. There’s no shortage of fun and quirky coffee-related artwork that can be displayed above your station. Complete the look with miscellaneous items like candles, potted plants, and more.

13. Sleek White Coffee Bar Concept

A home coffee bar does not need a high-concept aesthetic to look great. An all-white design is clean, contemporary, and easy to adapt to whatever space you have available. You can also take a white coffee bar in several different directions.

Pairing white decor with wooden accents will add much-needed warmth. This combination is often used in rustic designs.

Sleek light fixtures and minimal decor will give your coffee station a modern appearance. If the look of wood grain isn’t your style, use materials like polished metal or marble instead.

14. Wooden Coffee Bar Creation

Whether you’re thinking of setting up a full-scale coffee station or mobile bar cart, wooden furniture goes with everything.

There’s a good chance your coffee bar will take a beating with daily use. Rather than spend money on brand-new furniture, try your hand at creating a DIY coffee station by painting or refinishing an old dresser or accent table.

The natural wood elements don’t need to stop there. Supplement your coffee bar storage with wall-mounted shelving or add a personal touch with your favorite framed artwork.

“The kitchen is the heart of every home, for the most part. It evokes memories of your family history.”  –  Debi Mazar

You’re tired of the flooring in your kitchen and are ready to give it an upgrade. If you’re already planning a kitchen remodel, then it’s the perfect time to upgrade your kitchen’s flooring.

Tile is perfect for your kitchen flooring because it’s attractive and durable. This makes it the perfect choice for improving the look of your kitchen while also giving it longevity.

There are two options when considering kitchen floor tile ideas. Ceramic tile is beautiful but can be susceptible to cracking or chipping.

Porcelain tile is the better option because it is more durable, making it a smart choice for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Consider these ideas when choosing new tile flooring for your kitchen.

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1. Finding the Center and Creating Guidelines

If you have never laid tile before, this is not the project to learn with. Your kitchen is a high-traffic area, and your new tile flooring will get a lot of use. It’s also a central location in your home, so any mistakes or screw-ups will be readily seen by anyone that comes into your home.

Some homeowners still want to attempt their own tile anyway. If you do, start by preparing your flooring so that you have a clean and smooth surface.

Find the kitchen’s center and snap chalk guidelines to help you stay straight with your tile lines. Next, apply the mortar and work in small sections.

2. Light Gray for a Soft and Bright Look

One of the most popular colors in interior design is gray. It’s a popular neutral because it can look beautiful with many other colors. Gray works well as your kitchen floor tile because it can set the mood for the room.

A light gray tile will look softer than pure white but will still look light and bright.

Dark charcoal gray will give your kitchen a modern and sophisticated feel. The dark charcoal will ground your kitchen. You can then pair it with lighter-colored cabinets and walls. The dark color on the floor will help your kitchen to look bigger.

3. Blending Your Kitchen Tile with the Rest of Your Home

If your kitchen is large and the center of your home, then you should choose a tile that will fit the stately stature of your kitchen. A subtle textured tile will be perfect for your entire kitchen.

Choose a large tile that will fit the scale of the kitchen. This will help retain the room’s large feeling where a smaller tile would close the space in or become overwhelming.

You should also consider transitioning your tile from the other areas of your home. This will help blend your kitchen into the rest of your home. That way, it looks cohesive, and your home flows from one room to the next.

4. The Appeal of Marble Tiles

Give your kitchen a modern feel by choosing a tile that’s considered modern. You could choose marble tile for an elegant feel. Be aware that marble takes a lot of maintenance and care. Granite tile is another option for an upscale look to your kitchen.

Some modern kitchens take the exact opposite route and look minimalist or slightly industrial. You can create this look in your kitchen with cement tile.

This traditionally commercial building material will give your kitchen a cool edge. However, if you don’t want to stray too far from traditional tile, then stick with plain porcelain in a hexagon tile shape.

5. Achieving Visual Interest with Subway Tiles

Do yourself a favor, and don’t put a mosaic tile on your kitchen floor. These intricately patterned kitchen tiles are meant for your backsplash. Mosaic tiles on the floor will look busy and overwhelming. This limits what you do with the rest of the kitchen.

If you want to create a pattern on the floor, try a subway tile. These simple rectangular tiles don’t have patterns on them, but you can create a pattern with the tile by laying them in a chevron or herringbone pattern.

6. Natural Tones for Depth and Texture

The smartest choice you can make for your kitchen is to stick with a neutral tile. Travertine tile is a perfect example of this type of tile. It comes in a wide variety of neutral shades, from darker brown to light beige.

When choosing a neutral-colored tile, look for one that embraces natural tones. This will create variety, texture, and visual interest. Do not choose a plain beige tile. This will look dirty and dated.

You could also choose a gray tile with varying shades of gray that range from dark charcoal to almost white.

7. Transforming Your Kitchen with Rustic Tiles

Give your kitchen a rustic appeal with rustic tile. This is perfect for a farmhouse-inspired kitchen where you don’t want to have wood floors. The rustic tiles will not be perfectly square. Some could have dents or chips. The edges will be uneven, and the tiles could be different sizes.

You could use natural stone tile, terracotta tile, or stone tile. You can buy these tiles in handmade designs. This will give them a varied and rustic appeal.

Just be careful when laying these tiles. You want them to be varied, but not too uneven. The floor shouldn’t be so uneven that it can be dangerous to walk on.

8. Vinyl Tiles for Quick Upgrades

If you can’t do a complete remodel on your kitchen, then consider using vinyl tiles. These are peel and stick tiles that you will adhere to your existing flooring. For some people, this means putting them over your existing tile floor. Or you could put them on your roll-out vinyl flooring.

Be careful when choosing your vinyl tiles. You don’t want to try and use wall tiles on the floor. They aren’t durable enough and will begin to peel up. Be sure to thoroughly clean and prep your flooring before applying the tiles. This will ensure they securely stick.

9. The Investment Value of Wood-Look Tiles

A modern trend in tile is to make it look and feel like a hardwood floor. This gives you the look of a wood floor without the maintenance and vulnerability of real wood.

When choosing wood look tile, consider the size, color, and texture. Some wood tiles have a slight texture, while others are heavily textured. The tile also comes in a wide range of wood types, from dark to light. There are also some that have a more rustic look for an aged appeal.

This type of tile can be expensive. However, it’s well worth the investment for beautiful neutral flooring that will stand the test of time.

Be sure to work with someone who has experience laying this type of flooring. They need to randomize the tiles to ensure your floor looks like a real wood floor and not a patterned tile.

“Life, within doors, has few pleasanter prospects than a neatly-arranged and well-provisioned breakfast table.”  –  Nathaniel Hawthorne, The House of the Seven Gables

A modern take on the breakfast nook, today’s breakfast bar ideas have reinvented where people consume the most important meal of the day.

A breakfast bar can also provide additional kitchen storage and workspace. It’s often the most popular place in the house for families and guests to linger over a light meal any time of day.

We’ve curated an impressive collection of some of the best breakfast bar ideas around. Take a look and gain inspiration for creating your own kitchen breakfast bar haven.

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1. Maximize Space with Integrated Counter Bars

You can make a breakfast bar by adding a 10-to-12-inch overhang to an existing kitchen counter.

As shown in the following video, you can also build a structure on the back side of an existing kitchen cabinet and countertop.

While this is a lengthy video series, it will help you see if your DIY skills are strong enough to tackle this project:

If you have room, integrate a breakfast bar into a kitchen island plan. For an eye-catching breakfast bar, make the countertop a contrast to the rest of the kitchen’s surface materials. For example, use a different color of marble or even butcher block. Tuck a few barstools under the countertop and you have the perfect place for casual dining.

2. Choose Perfect Stools for Your Bar

An essential part of any breakfast bar, finding the perfect bar stool may seem elusive. Because your family and friends are likely to use this area more than your dining table, comfort should be your first consideration.

A cushioned and upholstered stool is usually more comfy than wooden bar stools. However, if you have small children, you may prefer the easy cleanability of a hard surface.

If space is an issue, choose backless bar stools so they can fully tuck under the bar. That way your walkway remains completely clear. While you want your barstools to be sturdy, check their weight before purchasing. Some can be surprisingly heavy, making it difficult for small children or the elderly to slide them in and out.

3. Get Creative with Corner Bar Designs

If you think you don’t have room to make your breakfast bar ideas come to life, look in the corner. Any dining room or open kitchen corner can be turned into a breakfast bar with the addition of a simple shelf.

Install a 12” deep breakfast bar shelf between 40 and 42 inches above the floor, or whatever size fits into your designated corner.

A fold-down kitchen bar is another option when space is exceptionally tight. Purchase folding wooden stools and you have a “Murphy” dining space that can be put up and stowed away as needed. Include a light fixture that illuminates the worktop, as corners tend to be dark.

4. Explore Cutout and Half-Wall Ideas

The front side of a wall cutout is a great place to locate a functional kitchen bar. Park a freestanding kitchen island in front of the cutout and slide bar stools beneath.

You can also hire a builder to install a shelf that extends through the cutout and into the living room or dining room 10 to 12 inches. The extra barstool seating will be welcome the next time you entertain.

If you have a half wall in your dining room or kitchen area, its top is another great location for a raised breakfast bar. Build it up if you need to reach the standard 40” to 42” bar height.

Adding a countertop to your half wall multiplies your available counter space, making additional room for a coffee maker or other small appliances.

5. Embrace Rustic Charm with Farmhouse Bars

Turn a kitchen island into a farmhouse breakfast bar with the addition of shiplap and a butcher block countertop. Shaker cabinets work well as part of a farmhouse breakfast bar island. Paint the island white, black or a muted, earthy pastel to keep true to farmhouse style.

Farmhouse style bar stool ideas often mix wood and metal accents together. Look for bronze or gunmetal stool frames topped with wooden seats. Stainless steel appliances are a welcome touch. Consider adding a small refrigerator, ice maker, or second dishwasher to your island kitchen units.

6. Discover Edgy Industrial Inspirations

Capture an industrial breakfast bar vibe by adding an all-metal island to your kitchen. Whether you go with a painted matte black island or add rusty, corrugated metal panels, metal is a must in an industrial style kitchen. Wooden stools are a valid industrial seating selection and add an earthy touch tucked under a metal kitchen island.

Dark, monochromatic tones work well with industrial design ideas, so go for an espresso brown floor to anchor your edgy new kitchen bar. Hardwood, tile, or painted concrete keep true to the industrial style. Add a faux exposed brick wall beside the bar to add more industrial-flavored appeal.

7. Enhance Casual Dining Experiences

If you were to poll people with a breakfast bar, they would likely state that informal dining is the thing they love most about this feature. Not only is it preferred to the dining room for family meals, the breakfast bar provides welcome extra seating when entertaining.

You don’t have to be fussy about decorating a breakfast bar, as its counter space is usually more functional than decorative.

An island breakfast bar is the perfect place to have coffee or brunch with a few friends. Your kids will likely ask to eat all their meals in this comfortable zone. It’s also a great workspace to break out the flour and chocolate chips and have a rainy-day bake session.

8. Create a Social Hub in Your Kitchen

One of the beautiful benefits of a kitchen breakfast bar is that it provides a comfortable place for your guests to hang out while you are cooking. Comfortable seating, such as an upholstered bar stool, will make the area even more appealing.

If you can, connect water and electricity into your kitchen island breakfast bar. That way, you create a mini kitchen within your kitchen—a perfect second work area when preparing big meals or even doing arts and crafts.

9. Opt for Versatile L-Shaped Designs

An L-shaped, or peninsula-style breakfast bar is one that extends into the kitchen at a 90 degree angle from the adjacent cabinet and countertop. Even though one end is essentially anchored to the wall, your family and guests will still love gathering around this type of kitchen breakfast bar.

An L-shaped design can offer more seating space than a counter-based breakfast bar. It can also provide a work area on the smaller part of the “L” while providing seating zones on the longer side.

10. Go Modern with Minimalist Bars

Modern floor plans include more open spaces, making the breakfast bar a welcoming island in the midst. People tend to be drawn to these social focal points and gather around them during parties or visits. A sleek, uncluttered, modern kitchen is a perfect backdrop for a simple yet useful breakfast bar.

Although simplicity is king when it comes to modern kitchen design, it’s very contemporary to mix natural materials, such as marble, wood, metal and stone.

White cabinets with a white quartz countertop are a glamorous modern combination that will never fall out of style. A beige floor made from herringbone pale oak laminate adds a light, airy, Scandinavian flavor to your modern design ideas.

Read more: 54 Modern Kitchen Ideas

11. Enjoy Al Fresco with Outdoor Bars

Sometimes the best place to build a breakfast bar is outdoors—especially if you live in a temperate climate. If you frequently grill or use an outdoor kitchen in the summertime, an outdoor breakfast bar is a must for casual dining. Install weatherproofed kitchen cabinets beneath it to store all your outdoor cooking essentials.

If patio space is limited, a fold-down Murphy bar may be your best bet. Check out this video to see how one DIYer made the perfect party or breakfast bar on his back patio:

If you live in an apartment with a balcony, check into bar top options that attach directly to the balcony railing.

Read more: 33 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas 

12. Solutions for Small Spaces

Even a small breakfast bar adds a lot of usability to your kitchen. Not only does it provide extra storage and workspace, it is an excellent place to serve food buffet-style during a party.

Installing flat panel cabinets beneath the bar can provide a convenient place to store your toaster, blender, and other small appliances when they’re not being used.

Even in a studio apartment, you may have a corner that’s a perfect location for small breakfast bar ideas. If you’re fully remodeling your small space, remember that light colors and oversized floor tiles can help make a small kitchen feel more spacious.

13. Use Tables as Alternative Solutions

If you want a breakfast bar, but your landlord won’t allow you to build one, shop for a narrow table. A bar-sized table can be placed in a corner and turned into a perfectly functional breakfast bar. In fact, any kind of table can potentially become a breakfast bar with creative room placement.

If you have an ordinary height table or desk that you wish to repurpose into a breakfast bar, ask a handyman if he can lengthen its legs. You may have to attach all new legs to raise your breakfast bar to full barstool height.

14. Save Space with Wall-Mounted Bars

A wall-mounted breakfast bar may be the best way to add this feature while preserving your available floor space. Add floating shelves above the bar to increase your storage space. Canisters, extra mugs, and glasses can be stashed away on these wall-mounted shelves.

Hang a large mirror over the breakfast bar to visually expand the room. Or mount a flat screen TV above the bar. That will make it easy to watch the weather and traffic report while eating your morning cereal.

15. Brighten Up with Window Coffee Bars

Don’t overlook the space beneath a window as a possible breakfast bar location. In fact, a windowsill breakfast bar might be the best location of all if you have a nice view. Install a simple shelf at bar or table height and add seating that coordinates with your overall design scheme.

If your windowsill is wide enough, line up green plants or succulents along its length to bring the outdoors inside. A window-mounted bird feeder can bring feathered friends to dine with you on the other side of the glass.

Be sure to have blinds or sheer curtains to help soften intense morning light, especially if the window faces east.

Wood countertops might feel like a new trend. Yet this material was one of the first used for in-home work surfaces.

Wood is far more durable than many people believe, even if it does require special maintenance from time to time. And it complements a wide variety of interior decor trends.

So if you’re dreaming of a kitchen counter that’s both classic and contemporary, you should definitely give natural wood a chance.

Check out some of our favorite wood countertop ideas below before you decide on your next kitchen counters!

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1. Achieve a Glossy Finish with Natural Oil Finish Wood Countertops

Transform your kitchen into a sophisticated space with natural oil finish wood countertops. This finishing technique not only brings out the innate beauty and grain of the wood but also provides a smooth, glossy surface that’s a delight to touch. Regular maintenance with oil ensures longevity and preserves the luster, making your kitchen a centerpiece of elegance and warmth. These countertops are perfect for those who love a sleek, reflective look without compromising on the organic feel of wood.

2. Make a Bold Statement with Dark Stained Wood Countertops

Dark stained wood countertops are the epitome of bold elegance and can anchor the aesthetic of any kitchen. This choice is perfect for creating dramatic contrast, especially in kitchens with lighter cabinetry or walls. It’s not just about looks; dark stains also do a great job at hiding minor scratches and wear. When paired with the right lighting, these countertops can create an inviting atmosphere, exuding a sense of luxury and timeless sophistication.

3. Create a Warm Glow with Maple Stained Wood Countertops

Introduce a touch of warmth and natural radiance into your kitchen with maple stained wood countertops. Maple’s light color and subtle grain patterns provide a perfect canvas for stains, allowing you to tailor the warmth and tone to your kitchen’s color scheme. These countertops bring a cozy, welcoming glow to your space, making it more inviting. The durability and versatility of maple make it a practical choice for a busy kitchen.

4. Timeless Appeal: Distressed Wood Countertops

Distressed wood countertops offer an unmatched timeless charm, perfect for adding character to your kitchen. This style celebrates the beauty of imperfections, making each piece unique. The distressed finish not only looks stunning but is forgiving of the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen. It’s an ideal choice for a rustic or farmhouse-style kitchen, blending old-world charm with modern functionality.

5. Classic Look: Butcher Block Wood Countertops

Butcher block wood countertops bring a classic, functional elegance to your kitchen. Known for their durability and ease of repair, these countertops can withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining their beauty. They provide a warm, inviting surface for meal prep and can double as a charming serving area. Regular sanding and oiling will keep them looking fresh and new, making them a practical yet stylish addition to any kitchen.

6. Embrace Natural Appeal with Live Edge Wood Countertops

Live edge wood countertops are for those who seek to bring nature’s unrefined beauty into their home. These countertops feature the natural edge of the tree, offering a unique, organic look that becomes the focal point of your kitchen. The raw, natural lines of the edge contrast beautifully with the polished surface of the countertop, creating a striking balance. They fit well in both modern and rustic kitchens, bringing a piece of the outdoors inside.

7. Mask Spills with Matte-Finish Wood Countertops

Matte-finish wood countertops offer a contemporary, understated elegance that also practicality masks spills and fingerprints. This finish diffuses light rather than reflecting it, lending a soft, serene ambiance to your kitchen. It’s an ideal choice for those who prefer a more subtle, muted look that still showcases the natural beauty of the wood. These countertops are also easier to maintain, requiring less frequent touch-ups.

8. Add Visual Interest with Two-Toned Wood Countertops

Two-toned wood countertops are a creative way to inject visual interest and depth into your kitchen. By combining different wood types or stains, you can create a unique, custom look that complements your kitchen’s color palette. This design choice can be used to highlight specific areas of your kitchen, like an island or breakfast bar, and is perfect for adding a contemporary twist to the warmth of wood.

9. Go Eco-Friendly with Reclaimed Wood Countertops

Reclaimed wood countertops are not only stylish but also an eco-friendly choice for your kitchen. Each piece tells a story, with history etched into its grains and textures. These countertops are ideal for creating a rustic, lived-in feel, and their recycled nature makes them a sustainable choice. They’re also incredibly durable, having withstood the test of time, and can be refinished to suit your taste.

10. Soften Your Kitchen with Light Stained Wood Countertops

Light stained wood countertops are perfect for softening the overall look of your kitchen. They bring a bright, airy feel to the space and can make small kitchens appear larger. The light stain highlights the natural grain of the wood, offering a subtle, understated elegance. These countertops pair beautifully with a variety of decor styles and are a great way to brighten up your kitchen without overwhelming it.

12. Achieve a Unique Look with Resin & Wood Countertops

Resin and wood countertops are the pinnacle of modern kitchen design, offering a unique, eye-catching look. This innovative combination allows for a myriad of color and pattern choices, encapsulating objects or creating stunning visual effects within the countertop. The resin provides a durable, water-resistant surface, perfect for the demands of kitchen use. These countertops are ideal for those wanting to make a statement and stand out from the traditional kitchen design.

You’ve been slowly collecting kitchen tools and small appliances over the years.

You didn’t notice as it was happening, but you’ve now run out of counter space. It’s time to take your counters back. Adding shelves to your kitchen can give you more kitchen storage.

You could buy a utilitarian rack from your local home improvement store. But this won’t add to the decor and aesthetic of your kitchen.

Instead, why not add shelves that will be both visually pleasing and functional? These kitchen shelf ideas will help you create more storage space in your kitchen.

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1. Floating Shelves

A floating shelf has a modern look with a sleek shelf and no visible hardware. You can make your floating kitchen shelves be as large or as small as you want.

You could have one large floating shelf that extends the entire length of your kitchen. Or you could have several smaller shelves mounted above each other.

When mounting your floating shelves, be sure to mount them to the studs. This will ensure your shelf has the most strength to support whatever you decide to place on it.

2. Metal Shelves

If you have a modern kitchen, then add open kitchen shelving that matches this aesthetic. Metal or glass shelves are a smart choice for a contemporary kitchen design.

Floating shelf brackets are the best hardware for this style of shelf. However, you could choose a straight-line bracket with minimal hardware.

When choosing the metal for your hardware, you’ll want to look for something that is corrosion-resistant and durable. You can’t go wrong with high-quality stainless steel.

Aluminum and iron are also good choices. Choose a metal that fits your budget and has the design aesthetic you’re hoping to create.

3. Narrow Shelves

If you have a tiny kitchen, then look for narrow shelves. They will take up less room by having a shallow depth. The reduced depth will help to keep your kitchen feeling open.

You can also do this by using glass shelves. Look at kitchen shelving ideas with glass shelves, and you’ll see how the kitchen still feels large.

This is because you can easily see through and beyond the shelf, tricking your eye into thinking the kitchen is larger than it is.

You can also think of narrow as the length of the shelves. You only need a small amount of wall space to add kitchen shelving. Perhaps you have a narrow space where you can mount several shelves above each other. Then place a single item on each shelf.

4. Open Shelves

If you love open kitchen shelving ideas, you can try them out in your home. You could go big and commit to open shelving throughout your entire kitchen. Take out all of your cabinets and replace them with open shelves.

Not everyone is ready to take out all of their cabinets. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on open shelving in your kitchen.

Instead, take out one or two cabinets and replace them with an open shelf. That way, you don’t lose all of your cabinets but can still try out the open shelving look in your home.

5. Pallet

If you’re a homeowner who enjoys doing DIY projects, then try your hand at building kitchen shelves out of pallet wood.

You could hang a pallet cut in half for a simple spice rack. Line the spice jars up in the compartment of the pallet.

This type of kitchen shelf works great in a small kitchen space. The wood pallet pieces are a set size, making it easy to build uniform shelves.

You could take the pallet apart and use brackets to mount the planks on your wall. Or you can use them to build your own rack with multiple shelves.

6. Pantry

Treat your pantry like you would your master bedroom closet. Skip the basic industrial-looking wire shelving and replace it with a closet organizational system.

You’ll have so much more space when you start creating shelving that’s designed with your specific pantry in mind. You could have shelves of different heights to accommodate different items.

This kitchen organization idea works no matter what size pantry you have. Small pantries could have a few simple shelves. Larger pantries or those that are walk-in could have a complete system with shelves, drawers, and gravity can racks.

7. White

White has always been a popular color for the kitchen. It’s bright and looks clean. Consider using it for the color of your open kitchen shelves.

The shelves could block the natural light in your kitchen, so making them white will reflect the light and keep the space feeling bright.

The white color is a nice neutral, making it easy to change your kitchen’s design aesthetic. When you decide to sell your home, the broad appeal of white will come in handy. You won’t need to make any changes to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

8. Wood

A natural wooden shelf can add warmth and a touch of nature to your kitchen. Use reclaimed wood for your wood shelf for a rustic or farmhouse look. Embrace the uneven and worn look of the wood.

For a cabin-inspired or farmhouse kitchen look, use a piece of wood with a raw edge. The edge is unfinished and may still have bark on it.

Not all wood shelves need to be rustic, though. Choose a beautiful piece of maple or cherry and have it finished with varnish. The shiny, smooth surface will look elegant in your kitchen. The sealed wood will also be easier to keep clean.