12 Kitchen Decor Items & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

Around these parts, I am giving my kitchen a deep clean and thinking kitchen organization after sort of slacking all winter and shoving things into drawers and cabinets without much thought. It must be spring-itis breaking through since I am feeling more energized about addressing messy closets, rounding up donations, and getting a better grip on the clutter that accumulates quickly and drains me.

White classic kitchen with Shaker cabinets, marble subway tile, Viatera quartz countertop in Minuet, farm sink, and stainless bridge faucet. #hellolovelystudio #whitekitchen #farmsink #modernfarmhouse
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

Even though there were snow flurries yesterday, and I could hardly believe I was seeing them outside my window (today is sunshiny with not a flake), spring has arrived in my heart! So today as I get a few things done around our home, I thought I would share some kitchen decor and essentials I rely upon daily, enjoy as accents to our European country inspired home, and simply cannot live without. Some of these links are affiliate links and may earn me a small commission when you use them for purchases.

Kitchen Decor & Essentials I Can’t Live Without

1. Quartz Countertops.

Ours are Viatera quartz in a color called Minuet – read all about them in this story where I explore how to choose the right color quartz for your kitchen.

Minuet quartz from Viatera on this kitchen countertop. #hellolovelystudio #minuet #quartz #countertop #kitchen
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!
Milieu magazine and rose wines from #marthastewartwineco on my Minuet quartz countertop from #viatera. #kitchen #minuet #quartz
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

2. Apron Front Fireclay Farm Sink.

This was the first kitchen I was finally able to get the apron front fireclay farm sink I had been dreaming about owning! It lives up to all the hype, and I can’t recommend these fireclay sinks enough since a farm sink accommodates a ton of dirty dishes, stands up to abuse, and adds so much character and vintage style to any kitchen design. Tips: (1) Just like for any kitchen sink, don’t leave anything metal sitting in it for long. Occasionally I forget this and simply scrub any rust residue with a Mr. Clean eraser and a little iron-out. (2) Even though it’s heavier than you can imagine, take it out of the packaging to inspect it thoroughly as soon as you receive it even if you won’t be installing it until a later date – my own sink (ordered from a different maker than the one below) arrived bowed and un-usable so we needed to have a second one shipped.

30" x 18" Thick Wall Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Kitchen Sink #farmsink #farmhousesink
Fireclay Apron Front Farm Sink: FIND HERE
Minuet Viatera quartz countertop and a white farm sink in our classic kitchen with Shaker cabinets. #minuet #quartz #kitchendesign
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

3. Stainless Bridge Faucet with Sprayer.

I love a bridge faucet, and I wanted a design that was minimal, high quality, and not trendy. I didn’t want it to shout “French Country” or “modern” or even “expensive.” It needed to have a transitional decor style that would stand the test of time. Here’s the exact model that continues to serve us well and look gorgeous with the farm sink.

Bridge Kitchen Faucet in Vibrant Stainless Steel #bridgefaucet #parq
Bridge Kitchen Faucet: FIND HERE

4. Marble Subway Mosaic Tile Backsplash.

When we were designing this kitchen (it was completely gutted and re-done DIY by us), I knew I wanted marble subway for the backsplash, and there are more than a few options. I decided on a polished bright white marble mosaic which is highly reflective for this kitchen which doesn’t receive a lot of natural light. Since it’s a mosaic, installation was eased in that 12″ sheets of 2″ x 4″ tiles are installed rather than individual tiles. Here is a lookalike option at an excellent price point:

Carrara Marble Subway Brick Mosaic Tile 2x4 Polished - traditional - Floor Tiles - Stone Center Online
Polished Carrara Subway Mosaic: FIND HERE
White classic kitchen with marble subway backsplash, Minuet quartz countertop (#Viaterausa), farm sink, and black teapot. #hellolovelystudio #whitekitchen #modernfarmhouse
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!
My white classic kitchen with Minuet quartz countertop, polished marble subway backsplash tile, and silver mirror. #hellolovelystudio #classickitchen #Minuet #Quartz #countertop
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

5. Rustic Wood Turned Candlesticks.

I love using rustic wood turned candlesticks that are scrubbed, bleached, aged, limed, stripped, or simply left in their natural state. They are perfect on farmhouse tables, countertops, dining tables, islands, shelves, side tables, and almost anywhere in a country home where a little farmhouse decor feels right. They look beautiful with glowing candlelight or even faux candlelight.

Rustic Wood Candlestick Set #rusticdecor #wood #candlestick
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set: FIND HERE
A simple and serene European inspired classic kitchen with marble subway tile, Minuet quartz, and window seat. #hellolovelystudio #serene #whitekitchen #Frenchcountry
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!
Flower market sign hangs above window seat in serene space. In our Lovely Tranquil Classic Kitchen is a mix of modern and vintage design elements. An industrial steel cart (painted Annie Sloan Paris Grey), Shaker cabinetry, marble subway tile backsplash, stainless pro appliances, fireclay farm sink, white oak hardwood flooring, and Viatera Minuet quartz on counters. #hellolovelystudio #whitekitchen #serenedecor #timelessdesign #modernfarmhouse #europeanfarmhouse #industrialcart #marblesubwaytile #whiteoak #viateraquartz #minuet #anniesloanparisgrey #steelcart

Here’s a view of our dining room (below) where I also have turned candlesticks, and in this photo, you’ll see I still had our family’s huge farm table (painted white) in the kitchen…it moved into my studio and a small scaled reclaimed wood round table moved in.

White decor in a completely renovated Chicagoland cottage with modern farmhouse style by #hellolovelystudio. White oak flooring, Belgian linen upholstery, and a white classic kitchen with Shaker style cabinetry.
I love white walls! Read about choosing the right paint here. 12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

6. The Best, Simple, Clear Glass Tiny Tumblers.

I have been CRAZY about these little glasses for years, yet I’m not sure I have ever shared the source. They are made by Bormioli Rocco and are minimal, sleek, and simple. They can be used as modern red wine glasses, dessert dishes, yogurt, or cocktails (I love these for limoncello on the rocks). You can even use them for votive candles! You can see them on my romantic tablescape below if you look closely.

7.5 oz. Glass Tumbler
Simple plain glass tumblers: FIND HERE
My romantic farmhouse tablescape with blush roses, branches, and candelight upon a distressed white #farmtable. #tablescape #hellolovelystudio
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!
Candlelight, blush roses, and fresh greenery on a distressed white farm table with design by Hello Lovely Studio. #farmtable #farmhouse style #shabbychic #hellolovelystudio
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

7. Wood Clipped Corners Accent Stool.

Now that I have been living with a reclaimed elm wood stool in the kitchen for a couple of years, I can’t live without it. First, it adds some rusticity with its natural warmth in my ultra-white kitchen. Second, it’s not just for decor, I use it everyday as a step stool to reach things that are too high (and everything is too high for this munchkin). Third, in a small kitchen, it makes a perfect perch for a grocery bag, books, or even feet when I lounge on our window seat to watch TV.

This oak stool is nearly identical:

Hello Lovely Studio's serene white breakfast dining area with linen chairs, window seat, and white roses. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #allwhite #kitchen
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!
A serene white classic kitchen with window seat and European inspired decor including #Belgianlinen and reclaimed wood table. #hellolovelystudio
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!
Window seat in white kitchen with dappled natural light, white roses, and European inspired decor. #hellolovelystudio #belgianlinen #windowseat
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

      8. This Tried and True Toaster.

We are a family who uses our toaster every day (I consume an embarrasing amount of toaster waffles and may require an intervention!), and this good looking model has handled years of use and abuse beautifully.

Metal Classic 4 Slice Toaster in Brushed Stainless
Classic 4-slice Toaster in Brushed Stainless: FIND HERE

9. Vitamix Explorian.

I am trying to eat healthier (um…did you just read my waffle confession? #busted), and the number one way I do that is by making healthy smoothies with the Vitamix Explorian. It is also the perfect tool for making batter, and if you missed my Gluten-free flourless chocolate cake recipe, give it a whirl (see what I did there?).

Explorian™ Series E310 Blender
Vitamix Explorian Blender: FIND HERE

10. Red Cast Iron Dutch Oven.

Even though I can’t live with much red, the kitchen poses an exception since I find red kitchen essentials appetizing and attractive. I use my red cast iron dutch oven almost daily for everything, and it seems to just get better with use. Do you like red in the kitchen too?

Artisan Round Dutch Oven with Lid

Red Cast Iron Dutch Oven: FIND HERE

Red cast iron dutch oven on cooktop with marble subway tile backsplash. #red #dutchoven #marblebacksplash
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

11. Inexpensive Blue Stripe Dishtowels.

They’re affordable, they can be used for casual cloth napkins, and they do a good job drying dishes, mopping counters, and for a multitude of housecleaning tasks.

Blue and White Everyday Dishtowels #stripe #dishtowel
Everyday Stripe Dishtowels: FIND HERE

12. MUST HAVE Nonstick Grill Pan.

I may have saved the best for last! I use our round nonstick grill pan almost every night for grilling meats since my husband must have a gluten-free diet and needs his meat and potatoes! I can’t say enough about how healthy grilling is over frying, and who doesn’t love grill marks!?! I use high heat, and in no time, dinner is served.

Calphalon Signature™ 12" Non-Stick Grill Pan
Round Nonstick Grill Pan: FIND HERE

Apparently, I also cannot live without my abstract paintings in the kitchen, and I am gearing up to create some new work so if you’re interested in collecting a piece or wholesale for your design clients – email me (michele @hellolovelystudio dot com) and I will let you know about inventory.

See more of my abstracts here. 12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

And here’s a peek at the French Country kitchen in our prior home which had grey walls and space for 50 guests (I’m still trying to learn to love a small kitchen!).

A peaceful message from a Navajo prayer paired with a photo of my French Country kitchen. #hellolovelystudio
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

What kitchen decor or essentials in your kitchen can you not live without? I’d love to hear!

A long view of the living room, dining room, and kitchen in our Chicagoland home we have completely renovated ourselves. White oak flooring, Belgian linen, and Benjamin Moore "white" paint are a few favorites! #whitedecor #hellolovelystudio #whiteoak
12 Kitchen Decor & Essentials in My Kitchen I Can’t Live Without!

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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23 Comments

    • michele
      Author
      March 15, 2018 / 9:20 am

      Thanks, you lovely soul. It’s a super simple property, and all of the hard work was the invisible stuff during renovation! I know you get it. 🙂

  1. March 15, 2018 / 7:26 am

    I just love the look of your kitchen and your home interior! So serene!! Gorgeous dear Michele!
    xoxo
    Greet

    • michele
      Author
      March 15, 2018 / 9:18 am

      Oh, Greet. You just made my day. The beauty of Belgian design has definitely influenced me so maybe you can feel the love. p.s. Ilse Geerts’ interiors! So beautiful, and you always introduce the freshest most lovely design work. 🙂

  2. Rhonda
    March 15, 2018 / 11:15 am

    I never tire of seeing your beautiful and peaceful home. As for your red question…my mother’s favorite color was red, God rest her soul, but I can’t love it. I wanted to buy the toaster above but it’s only available in red at the moment. I’ll check again later. I did, however, purchase the grill pan (only mine is square) after your suggestion a few weeks ago and I love it!

    • michele
      Author
      March 15, 2018 / 2:16 pm

      I’m so glad you love it, Rhonda! The toaster…oh my, let me look into a better link. Thanks for alerting me since nobody wants a tomato toaster! 🙂

    • michele
      Author
      March 15, 2018 / 2:19 pm

      I got that link remedied. You are my hero. Thank you, friend. 🙂

      • Rhonda
        March 15, 2018 / 3:53 pm

        How sweet of you, thanks!!

  3. March 15, 2018 / 12:29 pm

    I love your sink, faucet, counter tops, backsplash and everything else! You’ve created a timeless kitchen! Thanks for sharing Michele!

    • michele
      Author
      March 15, 2018 / 2:14 pm

      Thanks for reading and always encouraging me, Holly. 🙂

  4. Mary
    March 15, 2018 / 1:53 pm

    Such a pretty home. Your kitchen is so serene and tasteful. Kitchen essentials for me include latex free gloves, Boos cutting board, and a Berkey water filter. Love that sparkling, clear water!

    • michele
      Author
      March 15, 2018 / 2:14 pm

      Thank you, Mary. I wish I had thought about wearing gloves for dishes and housework about 30 years ago. Maybe my hands wouldn’t look 100 years old! 🙂

  5. Carol
    March 22, 2018 / 10:03 pm

    I love the tea towels. What a great buy! Michele. What kind of coffee maker do you own/ recommend? Im in the market for a new one. Thanks, Carol

    • michele
      Author
      March 23, 2018 / 8:36 am

      Hi Carol. The towels are super basic! I don’t drink coffee, but our son keeps a Keurig here. Let me know if you find a keeper. 🙂 Happy weekend, friend.

  6. Christie
    July 22, 2018 / 11:56 am

    Hello can you please email me on where your pillows are from that are on the window bench. Love them. Thank you

    • michele
      Author
      July 22, 2018 / 12:59 pm

      Sure! Happy to get that info for you. 🙂

  7. Ari
    December 2, 2018 / 6:08 pm

    Hey! Your home is beautiful. I love all the white and those floors! Would you mind telling me where you got that black teapot? It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank you!

  8. March 26, 2019 / 10:54 pm

    I’m looking to add to my kitchen decor. I really like the marble backsplash idea. I’ll see about doing that to mine soon.

    • michele
      Author
      March 27, 2019 / 1:50 pm

      No regrets here, and it looks just as good 4 years later! Thanks for reading!

  9. Andrea
    June 21, 2020 / 12:34 am

    These are not only decor item but also essential for the kitchen. Thank you for the post.

    • Michele
      Author
      June 21, 2020 / 12:19 pm

      Thanks for reading. 🙂

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing