There is nothing more inviting than a well-decorated kitchen island. It can be an oasis for the cook, a place where friends and family gather to share food and conversation, or simply a spot to put down your coffee mug while you go about your morning routine.
But let’s face it – decorating on a budget can seem daunting. In this blog post, we will discuss how to decorate a kitchen island without paying an arm and leg for it!
Research, Research, Research
Before deciding how to decorate a kitchen island countertop, you need to familiarize yourself with the current (and upcoming) trends in the kitchen island décor space. For this, scout the internet – including going to decorating blogs (like this one), magazines, or Pinterest. You will be surprised by how much inspiration lies out there.
If the thought of searching online makes you nervous because it seems like everyone has an opinion about everything, then ask around at work or discuss your plans with friends. They might be able to point in the direction of some great designs they’ve noticed lately.
Also, keep up to date on trends; what may seem old news now could very well become popular again down the road so don’t rule anything out downright just because it’s not currently trending.
Once the research is done, ask yourself these questions:
- How would I use this kitchen island?
- What activities do I want it to accommodate?
- Is there anything that absolutely must go in the space no matter what else gets added in as well?
The answers will help determine where you should start decorating first or if some elements might need to wait until later down the line when additional funds become available, which brings us to the next point.
Set a Budget
The next thing you need for decorating your kitchen island is a budget. It doesn’t have to be an exact one, just set yourself some guidelines that are realistic and achievable within your decided timeframe. Once you know what you can spend on each element of design, it will help focus your ideas and planning processes.
By the way, Caesarstone has a complete guide on kitchen designs for you to browse through.
Start Putting it Together
As you begin to put together your island, try not to be too frugal. Being mindful of how much money is going out the door for unnecessary items is crucial. However, it’s equally important not to skimp by buying something that isn’t quite right just because it was affordable or free.
In other words – don’t settle! If what you have chosen doesn’t feel like ‘it,’ keep looking until you find something better suited for your needs and desires.
The best part about this process? It should only take a few tries before finding exactly what you are looking for at an amazing price point! Then all that hard work will truly pay off once everyone starts gathering around your kitchen island for family meals.
Add Decor
When designing your inexpensive kitchen island, use accessories like vases filled with flowers to add some style without spending too much money. Some budget decoration items can be:
- Sconces: If your kitchen island is not in the middle of the space, but connected to a wall, try putting some sconces above on the wall. They won’t take up valuable counter space but will provide a little zone of light. Plus, they’re great for adding some warmth to the space.
- Flower Pots: For those who love succulent plants or flowers as decoration, this is an ideal solution. These pots not only give form and texture to your kitchen island but also add beauty and life to it.
- Vintage Items: Vintage decor is all the rage nowadays, and will be a perfect addition to your kitchen island. You can add some unique ornaments such as classic candle stands, a small birdcage, and pottery planter with herbs growing on it, etc.
- Candle: Candles work great as a decoration on the kitchen island because they give a warm and cozy feeling to the room. You can add some scented ones to set a relaxing mood while cooking or having dinner.
- Inspirational quotes: Although not a very traditional approach, quotes also look great on the kitchen island. You can choose some beautiful (and relatable) quotes and put them on your island wall or write one on a small chalkboard and put it on the island.
- Colorful pottery: Kitchen island is a good place for colorful pottery. You can add some small or big pots with beautiful artificial flowers inside.
Also remember, not everything needs to cost money; using pieces from around your house or searching for gently used items can help you get creative with decorating on a budget!
Tip: the key to decorating is to stay away from clutter; just because something fits within your plan doesn’t mean it belongs. If it doesn’t have a place within your island, then you are better off without it.
Endnote
Once everything is in its proper place, step back, take an honest look at the finished product and ask yourself: does this feel like me? Does what I see reflect who I am or my preferences? You can always go back and quickly change things a bit since you’re the one who decorated the island in the first place.
Nevertheless, give yourself some time, some adjustment period, before doing so – you may end up liking the setting after a few days!
Once you’re satisfied with how everything looks together, enjoy all of the compliments that will inevitably follow as friends and family admire your new kitchen island! Then pat yourself on the back because you have learned how to decorate a kitchen island on a budget.
