13 kitchen decor ideas that are bold and beautiful

Figuring out how to decorate your kitchen is never easy with so many appliances, kitchenware and competing interests to contend with. The best kitchen decorating ideas help you improve the aesthetics without hindering the practical necessities of the space. They involve a variety of design techniques and tips to do with colours, materials, textures, patterns and more, most of which are easy to implement for a quick refresh and instant impact.

Most modern kitchen designs make use of tiles and paint for walls, but wallpaper is making a strong comeback in this space. This is because presents a diverse range of visual options, seldom matched by other types of wall coverings.

Patterned wallpaper is a great way to give your kitchen more character. It's also a great way to make the space more personal by selecting a design that is meaningful to you. Just be sure to select moisture-resistant wallpaper for added protection.

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a natural talent when it comes to cooking, then don't be afraid to be bold by creating the ultimate chef's kitchen. This approach can actually be quite a stylish one as it focuses on functionality, quality and cleanliness.

To create a proper chef's kitchen be sure to have a large counter space, multiple sinks, high-end appliances, strong lighting, ample storage and the best kitchenware and utensils you can find.

Any interior designer will tell you that colours and materials are a crucial part of styling a space and the kitchen is no different. The decisions you make here will have a huge effect on the overall look and feel of your kitchen, perhaps more so than any other elements.

This can be intimidating for some so if you're after a stylish but safe option then stick to one primary colour and two accents. Balancing these with materials such as wood or stainless steel will complete the look in a very harmonious way.

Related article: The dos and don'ts of kitchen design - 11 great tips

As we've already mentioned, kitchens aren't just for cooking. They are a social space where friends and family congregate and catch-up and casual seating will make it great for precisely that.

Bar stools around a kitchen island are the perfect example of this and provide the perfect spot for guests to perch themselves while their hosts prepare food and drinks. Likewise, if your kitchen has a window with a view then window seating is another comfortable arrangement to set up for.

Speaking about windows with views, if you're lucky enough to have them in your kitchen space then recognise the asset you have and use them. They are not as common as you might think and if you're able to enhance this in your kitchen you'll have a unique feature that will set it apart.

Orientating your furniture towards the view is the best way to make the most of your surrounding vista. You can do this with seating or the positioning of your kitchen island so you have a pleasant view to enjoy when your cleaning your dishes or preparing food.

A white kitchen has always been a solid choice, but you can make yours stand out by breaking away from the norm. Neutral shades like black or grey are unique, and they can help other textures or accent colours to stand out.

As far as kitchen ideas go, this is a pretty easy one with just a fresh coat of paint, here and there, required. The colour scheme will also make the space feel contemporary and on-trend, as both a bold and beautiful choice.

With a small kitchen, it can be good to make the room feel spacious where possible. Keeping the walls clear will help with this tremendously as things will feel less cluttered. This is because you'll be removing visual distractions from the eye line.

You'll need to make good use of floor-level cabinetry for this to be viable and probably need to be selective with your appliances and kitchenware but the impact it will have will be well worth it.

Kitchens always require a lot of storage space, so using your kitchen cabinets effectively is always a good idea. This might just mean reorganising it manually after a spring clean or it could mean buying some kitchen storage organisers to help you with this endeavour.

Elsewhere, think about what areas of your kitchen could be used for storage and consider adding open shelving, base or upper cabinets where they won't be an issue. If you have an open-plan living space you may even be able to add cabinetry slightly outside of the kitchen area without it seeming out of place.

Natural textures work well in almost any kitchen and help to balance out solid colours while bringing warm, comfortable vibes to the room. Wood is an ideal choice for this and can be used with furniture items like dining tables, chairs, and stools as well as kitchen cabinetry and flooring.

For a bold look, a wooden countertop is a great one to consider and one that will exude warmth and create a focal point at the same time.

Tiles are incredibly popular in this space and are a great kitchen idea to consider if you want to make an instant impact. Their natural texture and sheen add depth and dimension to a kitchen and a wide range of colours give you the opportunity to explore some interesting colour schemes.

For maximum drama and style, go for a contrasting colour scheme. The splashback, where tiles are commonly used, presents a great opportunity to have some fun as it's small enough to act as an accent in your design without overwhelming it.

It's always great to inject a bit of personality into modern room design and the kitchen is no different. Despite being a heavily task-orientated space, there's still room for a bit of expression and interest.

A gallery wall of eclectic pieces of framed art and/or decorative pieces is an excellent way of influencing your styling in a personal way. You can curate your choices in any way you please, trying a few different options until you achieve the mood and atmosphere you desire. This is a way to make your kitchen truly unique and reflective of you, your values and your passions.

There's something universal about gold that transcends all else to evoke the feeling of luxuriousness that is undeniable. If you're after kitchen ideas that are chic and designer, then this is definitely one to consider.

When it comes to the use of gold in the kitchen, a subtle approach is almost more effective than the other extreme. A glimmer of gold, a flash in the pan, is all that's needed to catch the eye. Cabinet hardware, like handles and pulls, are a great place to add these accents in a deft and delicate way. If you feel like you want more, look to your tapware where brushed gold finishes are becoming increasingly popular.

Lighting is very important in the kitchen as it won't just affect how it looks, but also how it functions as well. You can make a small kitchen feel more spacious, compensate for a lack of natural lighting, disguise awkward architecture, and more.

Pendant lighting in a row above a kitchen island is an example of lighting that offers both style and substance. Pendants can be highly decorative or minimalist in appearance and can feature one or any number of bulbs. Some also install multiple pendant light fixtures over longer kitchen islands in eye-catching arrangements as a stylish alternative.

Related article: Interior design tips for every room in the home

As you can see, there are some great kitchen ideas to inspire your own creative thinking on your journey to refresh your space. Some of these you may adopt in their entirety, and others you combine or turn into something new altogether. Whatever you decide, trust your instincts as at the end of the day, it's your kitchen and you'll spend more time there than anyone and that should never be forgotten.

Related article: How long does a kitchen renovation take in Australia?