It’s time to trade in the minimalist aesthetic that has been so popular in the last several years by adding more warmth to our spaces.

You may recall that a few months ago, I cozied up my range with Farmhouse kitchen decor that increased the functionality and overall aesthetics of the space.

I want to bring this soft, cozy comfort into another area of my kitchen that looks like a large blank canvas right now.

Click the video to watch this week’s episode.

There’s an area between my cabinet and my countertop, that you probably have in your homes as well, that’s calling to be decorated. It’s the perfect place to display my farmhouse kitchen decor to bring life and movement into this otherwise much-ignored counter space.

The best part is, I barely had to do any shopping to put this look together.

I’m sharing designer secrets for creating a thoughtful composition that improves the depth and interest of any area in your home, without sacrificing its function.

How To Shop In Your Own Home For Decorative Items

Revamping an area of your home doesn’t always need a complete shopping haul.

I’m a big fan of repurposing treasured keepsakes and collections into new designs.

Today’s mission is to fill in this area without overwhelming the counter space and making it unusable.

If you’re like me, you probably own a collection of farmhouse items that are both functional and beautiful — trays, breadboards, vases, bowls, cookbooks — pull your collection out and shop in your own home!

You’ll be surprised at the different combinations you can make with what you already own.

I like to make sure there is a variation in height and texture of these different elements, elevating your decor to designer level.

During my last haul to redecorate my range, I found this beautiful vintage-style plaque. I didn’t use it for that makeover video, but this piece works perfectly for this farmhouse kitchen spruce-up because it fits beautifully under the cabinet.

It has a creamy, warm white tone with some rustic paint chipping that adds the worn-in look that’s missing in my kitchen right now.

I know this part isn’t likely already in your collection — but picking up fresh flowers from your local florist or grocery store to display in a vase can drastically transform the space by adding life and vibrant color.

How To Piece Your Decorative Elements Together

With all the pieces pulled from around my home, it’s time to put it all together!

I like to start with the largest piece for something to ground the overall design.

I’m using a long, skinny breadboard as the backdrop. I use breadboards all of the time to start my design. This time, instead of laying it flat, I’m leaning it against the wall. I’ll be placing other pieces in front and around the board rather than on top of it.

By propping the breadboard up, I’m creating a high contrast focal point in my kitchen. This large breadboard is bringing in a lot of warmth to my backsplash because of the beautiful, honey colored wood tones.

The careful art of creating a well-decorated space is all in the layering of your pieces.

I’m using the long, short decorative panel to contrast the wooden breadboard. I like to contrast these different sizes by off-centering the panel next to my breadboard. This brings in some negative space that can be filled in with other decor pieces.

To add more interest with texture and color, I’m filling a pitcher with water and placing my flower arrangement.

When placing the arrangement next to the breadboard, try to have it so that it’s not in the way and at risk of tipping over when you reach for the breadboard.

Remember, this little spot in your kitchen is meant to be both beautiful and functional.

Speaking of functionality, this is a great opportunity to display a small wooden easel and a cookbook recipe as a practical art piece.

I’m choosing this bread baking book that an amazing client and vendor I work with gifted to me. I love how interchangeable displaying cookbooks can be, and it inspires me to make beautiful food to nourish my family.

Why Do This At All?

These empty pockets in our kitchens give us the perfect spot to sprinkle in our personalities with decor we love into an otherwise cold, empty space.

It was super easy for me to add a little bit of country charm using some of the rustic home decor items I already have.

I encourage you to shop in your home to repurpose some of your loved items to cozy up your space.

You could even use the same styling tips in your bathroom or nightstand. Just swap out the breadboard for a mirror or a painting and the cookbook for a lifestyle magazine or an art book.

As always, if you have a question about how I put all of this together, or if you see a piece of decor you love, leave a comment in the section below. Most of my decor can be found at Village Antiques in Houston, Texas.

Until the next time we meet, keep making your home amazing with your design gifts!

Inspiring you to create heart in your home,

Amitha