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When we moved into our new house three years ago, I fell in love with the kitchen — bright, white, and full of light. It felt fresh and new, and at the time, that was exactly what I wanted.
But as the years passed, I started to realize that “bright and white” can also feel a little… sterile. My kitchen reminded me more of a doctor’s office than a cozy home. So I decided it was time to bring in some warmth and personality. Starting small, with one little corner of the counter.
Step 1: Clear & Define the Space
This corner wasn’t doing much before. Sometimes I’d toss a basket of fruit there, but mostly it was just empty. A dead zone.
Still, counter space is valuable, and I wanted every inch of it to feel intentional. So, I cleared it off and gave it a purpose.
Step 2: Add a Base Layer
Every styled area needs a base. Something to anchor everything else. For this corner, I started with a beautiful wooden serving tray. It’s long and narrow, and when leaned casually in the corner, it adds instant warmth and texture. (It’s actually a bit too tall to stand upright perfectly, but I love that imperfect, “collected over time” look.)
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Here’s the one I used:
Long Acacia Cutting Board with Handle – Hobby Lobby
Similar Acacia Cutting Board with Handle – Amazon
Step 3: Bring in Texture and Height
Next came the fun part: layering texture. The warm wood of the tray already helped break up all the white, but I wanted to add some movement and color.
I placed a simple beige vase with faux greenery to bring in something organic, and a little lamp that doubles as a candle warmer. When it’s on, it fills the kitchen with a cozy, subtle scent and gives off the softest glow.
I didn’t buy anything new for this step. I just gathered a few pieces from around the house and played around until it felt right. The mix of heights, materials, and tones made all the difference.
If you want to try something similar, here are a few sources:
Here’s everything I used to decorate our little corner:
Beige Distressed Vase – Hobby Lobby Ruscus Faux Greenery – Hobby Lobby
Pumpkin Pecan Waffles Candle – Bath & Body Works
Step 4: Add a Personal Touch
Personal touches are what make a house feel like home. I never want my spaces to feel like they belong in a magazine. I want them to feel lived in.
For me, scent is a big part of that. I love when people walk in and immediately say, “Wow, your house smells amazing.” Right now, it’s my favorite fall candle from Bath & Body Works, but in the spring I swap it for one from a local shop. Little seasonal touches like that keep things feeling fresh and personal.
Step 5: Step Back & Admire
Once everything was in place, I stepped back and took a look. Then I did a little editing. Added something, took something away, until it felt just right.
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In the end, I kept it simple: a board, a vase, and a lamp. Cozy, but not cluttered.
It’s amazing what styling one small corner can do for your whole kitchen.
That once-empty space now feels warm, layered, and collected. Exactly what I was craving.
If you’ve been putting off decorating because you don’t know where to start, start small. Pick one corner — maybe your counter, an entry table, or a nightstand — and play around. That’s where the magic happens. ✨
Thanks for chatting! What little corner in your home could use some warmth?
Collected & Cozy 
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