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The kitchen is arguably the hardest-working room in the home: It multitasks as a work area, a play space, or even a living room for some. But just because it\u2019s a workhorse doesn\u2019t mean decor has to fall to the wayside. In fact, many interior designers recommend functional yet aesthetically pleasing items in your kitchen to brighten up your space and<\/em> your smile.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u201cFunctional decor is essential for a well-appointed, fashionable, and practical kitchen,\u201d says Artem Kropovinsky, principal designer and founder of Arsight<\/a>. \u201cIt breathes life into the room, adds character, and, most crucially, it tells a story about its occupants.\u201d That got me thinking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My kitchen is quite compact (read: small<\/em>), which means I\u2019m extra limited when it comes to displaying decor on my counters<\/a>. I figured if anyone knew which items best consolidate function and decor, it\u2019d be interior designers \u2014 like Kropovinsky and Alison Wilkinson, interior designer and founder of Wilk Design Workshop<\/a>. The duo shared their seven favorite finds that make any kitchen feel magazine-worthy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Wall hooks are a practical way to hang aprons, dish towels, shopping bags, and so much more. A simple hook, however, doesn\u2019t have to lack personality and style. Kropovinsky likes the Schoolhouse Thomas Hook<\/a> for its minimal yet tasteful vibe that fits in with nearly every design theme and color palette. If you want something a little more whimsical, go for the chair-shaped IKEA FJANTIG Hooks<\/a>, which come in a set of three. (FYI: IKEA is filled with cool pieces that double as storage<\/a>.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Houseplants are practically a given when decorating your home, but have you thought about adding a small herb garden to your greenery? Kropovinsky recommends keeping a collection of fresh herbs, especially in this MINEGROW Indoor Garden with a Grow Light<\/a>; they not only add vibrancy and liveliness to your kitchen, but also \u201cgo beyond being an ornamental plant,\u201d doubling as an ingredient for your favorite recipes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Incorporating colorful appliances<\/a> to your kitchen gives it a chic look that really adds character to your kitchen, according to Wilkinson. She loves the Alessi Plisse Toaster<\/a> that has a unique pleated design to give an empty, unused corner of your kitchen some texture and color. The Aria Retro Style Air Fryer<\/a> also allows you to quickly cook your favorite foods while adding a mid-century modern touch (plus vivid color!) to your counters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n According to Wilkinson, fresh flowers<\/a> in your kitchen are a must for adding color and fragrance while also elevating your mood. Of course, you\u2019ll need a vessel to display all that beauty. She likes the Iittala Aalto Vase<\/a>, a work of art on its own and even more gorg when filled with hydrangeas in the summer and greenery in the winter. Bonus: It comes in two different sizes.<\/p>\n Kropovinsky, on the other hand, finds these Farmhouse Pottery\u2019s Laurel Crocks<\/a> both useful and beautiful, showcasing a delightful laurel wreath design to bring a sprinkle of farmhouse charm to your kitchen. They\u2019re available in four sizes so you can keep utensils, potted herbs, and more easily accessible on your counter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A dish rack may seem like a mundane kitchen item you\u2019d pay no attention to when it comes to design. With the Alessi A Tempo Stainless Steel Dish Rack<\/a>, Kropovinsky says, you can combine utility with modern elegance (who knew you could arrange dishes in such an artful way?). If you\u2019re looking for something equally contemporary and functional at a more budget-friendly price, we love the Yamazaki Home Tosca Dish Rack<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThe humble allure of a creatively designed fruit bowl brimming with vibrant, fresh fruits is irresistible,\u201d says Kropovinsky. \u201cIt not only promotes eating more produce, but also introduces a burst of color to your kitchen counter.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Wilkinson recommends the sleek Alessi Dear Charlie Banana Holder<\/a> \u2014 it\u2019s perfect for those with an industrial or minimalist style. The World Market Natural Rattan 2-Tier Hanging Basket<\/a> also gives different fruits their own space, but with a more bohemian, organic vibe.<\/p>\n What\u2019s your favorite piece of functional kitchen decor? Let us know in the comments below!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n4. Colorful countertop appliances<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
5. Vases (and other decorative containers)<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n