13 Best Kitchen Decor Ideas for Apartment

Here are 13 Best Kitchen Decor Ideas for Apartment that are space-saving and modern. Find stylish, space-saving inspiration you’ll love!

From open shelving to peel-and-stick backsplashes, these apartment kitchen decorating tips will transform your space without breaking the bank.

Click now to unlock stylish, space-saving kitchen inspiration you’ll actually want to use!

1. Mini Herb Garden on the Windowsill

Overview

Adding fresh herbs to your apartment kitchen not only brings in greenery but also enhances your cooking with fresh flavors.

A small windowsill herb garden is functional, decorative, and perfect for limited space.

Items Needed

• Small clay or ceramic pots
  
• Potting soil
  
• Herb seeds or starter plants (e.g., basil, mint, rosemary)
  
• Tray or stand
  

How to Arrange

Line up your pots on the kitchen windowsill where sunlight is abundant.

Use matching or coordinated pots for a tidy look.

If your shelf is too narrow, install a floating shelf just above it to hold your herb garden.

Water regularly and rotate the pots for even sun exposure.

2. Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

Overview

Want to upgrade your kitchen’s style without making permanent changes?

A peel-and-stick backsplash is renter-friendly and instantly adds character.

From modern subway tiles to rustic patterns, the options are endless.

Items Needed

• Peel-and-stick backsplash sheets
  
• Measuring tape
  
• Scissors or a utility knife
  
• Cleaning cloth
  

How to Arrange

Clean the wall area thoroughly. Measure and cut the sheets to fit your wall.

Start from the bottom and work upward, pressing each sheet firmly to avoid bubbles.

Use the knife to trim edges. This simple upgrade adds texture and charm with little effort.

3. Open Shelving Display

Overview

Open shelves in a small kitchen make the space feel airier and more accessible.

They allow you to display beautiful dishes, jars, or even cookbooks, turning practical items into decor pieces.

Items Needed

• Wall-mounted shelves
  
• Decorative dishes or bowls
  
• Glass jars for dry goods
  
• Mini plants or vases
  

How to Arrange

Install the shelves on a blank wall or above your countertop.

Group items by color or purpose for a clean look.

Mix practical storage jars with a few decorative touches like a plant or framed print.

Keep clutter to a minimum to avoid a messy appearance.

Check Out Next: 10 Best Kitchen Decor Ideas for Small Spaces

4. Chalkboard Wall or Panel

Overview

A chalkboard feature adds both style and function to your kitchen.

You can write grocery lists, recipes, or cute quotes, making it an interactive and evolving piece of decor.

Items Needed

• Chalkboard contact paper or chalkboard paint
  
• Chalk or chalk markers
  
• Cleaning cloth
  

How to Arrange

Apply the chalkboard material to a cabinet side, pantry door, or small wall section.

Use it for weekly meal planning or leave fun messages.

Clean regularly and refresh the design as needed. It’s a playful touch that’s great for families or creative cooks.

5. Pendant Lighting Over the Counter

Overview

Pendant lighting instantly elevates the ambiance of any apartment kitchen.

It adds focused task lighting and can act as a statement decor piece, especially in small spaces where every detail counts.

Items Needed

• Pendant light fixture
  
• Bulb (warm or neutral tone)
  
• Ceiling hook (if needed)
  

How to Arrange

Hang the pendant light above your kitchen island or counter.

If hardwiring isn’t possible, go for a plug-in version with a stylish cord. Make sure it’s low enough for task lighting but not in the way.

Choose a shade that complements your overall kitchen color scheme.

6. Decorative Dish Towels

Overview

Swapping out regular dish towels for stylish, seasonal, or patterned ones adds a subtle touch of decor.

They’re inexpensive and easy to change, making them ideal for renters.

Items Needed

• Patterned or themed dish towels
  
• Wall hooks or towel bars
  
• Coordinating colors
  

How to Arrange

Fold or drape the towels neatly over the oven handle or hang them on small wall hooks.

Coordinate colors with other accents like rugs or placemats.

Keep a few on rotation to change the mood seasonally or whenever you feel like refreshing your kitchen.

7. Countertop Tray Display

Overview

A countertop tray can help group small items together while adding an organized and polished look to your kitchen.

Use it to display essentials like oil bottles, salt and pepper shakers, or even a plant.

Items Needed

• Decorative tray (wood, marble, or metal)
  
• Cooking essentials (oil, vinegar, spices)
  
• Small plant or candle
  

How to Arrange

Choose a tray that fits your counter space and style.

Group 3–5 items inside, keeping height and texture in mind.

A small cutting board behind the tray can act as a backdrop. It turns clutter into a curated decor moment.

8. Vintage or Patterned Rug

Overview

A small area rug in the kitchen adds warmth and texture underfoot.

It softens the space and can help define it within an open-concept apartment layout.

Items Needed

• Low-pile rug or washable runner
  
• Non-slip rug pad
  
• Matching color scheme
  

How to Arrange

Place the rug in front of the sink or stove area where you often stand.

Choose a rug with bold patterns or vintage charm to hide stains and wear.

Make sure it has a non-slip pad underneath for safety and stability.

9. Wall-Mounted Storage Solutions

Overview

Use vertical space to your advantage in a small kitchen.

Wall-mounted storage options like racks, hooks, and magnetic strips reduce clutter and add a rustic or industrial vibe.

Items Needed

• Wall rack or bar with hooks
  
• Magnetic knife strip
  
• Small hanging baskets
  

How to Arrange

Install a storage bar on an empty wall or backsplash area. Hang utensils, mugs, or even small pots from it.

Use a magnetic strip for knives to free up drawer space.

Mix utility with style by choosing coordinated finishes like matte black or brushed metal.

Check Out Next: 10 Modern Bright Kitchen Design Ideas in 2025

10. Art Prints or Gallery Wall

Overview

Bring personality to your kitchen with a few framed art prints or a mini gallery wall.

Food-themed art or quotes work especially well and can tie the whole space together.

Items Needed

• Framed prints or canvas art
  
• Picture-hanging strips (for rentals)
  
• Theme or color-coordinated artwork
  

How to Arrange

Choose a blank wall or space above the dining nook.

Arrange 2–5 framed prints in a grid or staggered layout.

Use command strips for easy, damage-free hanging. Mix photos, typography, or drawings to create a cohesive and eye-catching look.

11. Coordinated Storage Containers

Overview

Functional items like storage containers can double as decor when they’re stylish and uniform.

Matching jars and bins reduces visual clutter and gives your shelves a high-end, organized feel.

Items Needed

• Glass or ceramic jars
  
• Labels or chalk tags
  
• Baskets or bins
  

How to Arrange

Use clear jars for dry goods like pasta, rice, and lentils, and label them neatly.

Group similar items together and place them on open shelves or inside cabinets.

Choose neutral or matching lids to keep the look clean and consistent.

12. Tiny Coffee Station

Overview

Turn a small corner or countertop into a cozy coffee or tea station.

It’s both a functional and decorative idea, perfect for morning routines and entertaining guests.

Items Needed

• Coffee machine or kettle
  
• Mugs and holders
  
• Small tray or stand
  
• Sugar, creamer jars, tea tins
  

How to Arrange

Designate a corner of your counter for your coffee station.

Use a tray to hold your machine, mugs, and condiments. Add a small sign or framed quote for charm.

Keep it compact and accessible, making it a beautiful and functional part of your daily routine.

For more kitchen remodeling inspiration, check out these: 27 Small Apartment Kitchen Ideas & Decor To Impress

13. Under-Cabinet LED Lighting

Overview

Improve both ambiance and functionality with easy-to-install LED lights under your cabinets.

They brighten up your counter space and add a modern touch, especially helpful in dim apartment kitchens.

Items Needed

• Stick-on LED strip lights or puck lights
  
• Batteries or a power adapter
  
• Remote control (optional)
  

How to Arrange

Clean the underside of the cabinets before sticking on the lights.

Space them evenly for uniform brightness. Choose a warm white tone for a cozy feel.

If you’re using remote-controlled lights, keep the remote handy for easy access and adjust brightness as needed.