We're all familiar with an empty white box of a kitchen in a newly built house, or the challenge of moving into a home that's had no updates in years – somehow the kitchen is always the most void room. But knowing how to add character to a kitchen that has none will help you to transform your space.
If you're uninspired by your plain kitchen, you'll be pleased to hear there are plenty of ways to infuse personality and character, whether you want to add quick, simple details, or if you're looking to make more drastic changes.
And, to offer you the best options, we've asked interior designers to weigh in with their favorite ways to add character to a kitchen that has none – and their tips and tricks work an absolute treat!
How to add character to a plain kitchen
Whether you're prepared to commit to minor renovations or simply want to make a few changes that have a big impact, there are plenty of ways to add character to a kitchen that's currently lacking.
'It just needs to feel as if the room has evolved and been considered, rather than everything has been chosen at the same time,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens. Here are six ways interior designers and kitchen experts like to add character to a kitchen.
1. Add antique decor
If you're up to date on this year's kitchen trends, you'll know that mixing old and new is a great way to introduce character to your space. And what could be more authentic than pairing antique decor with contemporary accessories?
'We like to include items like antique plates or fruit bowls, small antique artwork, and little lamps to bring character and personality to a kitchen. With so many hard finishes in kitchens, these little touches add warmth,' says Lauren E. Lowe, founder at Lauren Elaine Interiors.
In this kitchen, character has been added not just with the refreshing mint green paint color, but with blue and white antique plates that have been used as wall decor, bringing instant charm to the scheme.
2. Introduce curved designs
A kitchen island is the perfect place to add character to your kitchen, and it doesn't have to be a complete overhaul. While it's still a larger change to make, introducing a curved profile can have huge impact on your kitchen design.
'Curved countertop designs are having a resurgence in the kitchen. Beautifully organic, rounded edges immediately soften a space and bring feelings of calmness to the kitchen whilst lending personality to an otherwise neutral space,' says Mor Krisher, head of product design at Caesarstone.
'These curved edges remind us of our natural surroundings, making us feel grounded and serene. Plus, they add a unique character to a kitchen,' Mor adds.
3. Introduce a mix of finishes
Adding character to a plain kitchen doesn't always revolve around the large features – sometimes the smallest feature can have the biggest impact, and in a kitchen, hardware ideas can make all the difference.
'We like to play with mixing metals where possible. When all the metal finishes are exactly the same in a kitchen, it can sometimes feel sterile. This kitchen [pictured above] has an oil-rubbed bronze on the ceiling pendants, polished nickel on the Rohl faucet, and antiqued brass on the little lamp,' says Lauren.
This blend of finishes used for the hardware, lighting, and appliances adds an eclectic feel to the kitchen, which instantly makes the space feel character. The addition of antique finishes also brings in a sense of old meets new.
4. Make a statement with lighting
Never underestimate the power of kitchen lighting – both the ambiance and the fixture itself. Depending on your kitchen layout, there are so many fun and characterful ways to introduce lighting – the most popular being pendant lights.
'Statement lighting is one of the easiest and most versatile ways to add impact and personality to a simple kitchen scheme. Think about using one individual pendant over the dining table to create a focal point or grouping an odd number together to create task lighting above the island or breakfast bar,' says kitchen designer Tom Howley.
'Ceiling and pendant lights come in a vast array of styles, colors, and sizes, so you are bound to find a solution that suits your space,' he add. In this scheme, a gold, vintage-style light fixture has been added above the island, which instantly gives this kitchen character and highlights the beautiful brass finished in the scheme.
5. Add warmth with a natural color palette
Is your current kitchen a stark white box? You can instant character by adding a new color – if your taste is maximalist, opt for something bold and bright, but if you want something more subtle, natural hues are the way to go.
'When it comes to colors, natural yet sophisticated lighter colors such as beiges, greys, and whites promise to bring a serene and calm feel to a kitchen. Utterly timeless, these hues pair beautifully with other colors and can make a quiet statement on their own through subtle detailing,' says Mor.
A black and white kitchen instantly feels warmer with the addition of beige in this space – balancing the colder tones with the warmer hues creates interest and a sense of character to the scheme.
6. Display your favorite artwork and decor
For a way to add character to a kitchen without making major changes, small decorative touches, such as displaying your favorite artwork, will give your scheme the personal touch it needs. They can be attached directly to the wall, or add shelves for your favorite display pieces.
'Kitchen shelving allows you to experiment and play around with color and pattern, and the best thing is you can switch up and rearrange these areas whenever the mood takes you. Framed artwork, vibrant ceramics or small sculptures can all work to add interest and even inspire new culinary delights,' says Tom.
These smaller decor items can easily be swapped changed, so whether your tastes change or you simply like to swap out decor regularly, it's the easiest way to continuously refresh your kitchen.
With these expert tips, adding character to a kitchen has never been easier. Whether you modify your cabinetry, add warm hues, or display your favorite decor, there's something here for every style and space.
