How to Style a Summer Vignette in Your Kitchen

If you have followed along for a while, you know that one of my favorite simple ways to celebrate the season is by creating a little styled moment right in my own kitchen. Styling a summer kitchen vignette is the simplest way I know to bring that fresh, warm-weather feeling inside without spending a lot of money.

 

Walking into my kitchen on a summer morning and seeing fresh flowers and a little curated moment on the counter puts a smile on my face. Add a cup of coffee, fresh air, and music, and you know it’s going to be a great day. The best part, I shopped my own house.
I had everything other than the bowls, which I purchased a few months back. It’s our Four Seasons Interior Design Hop, Summer edition — where we share creative home and garden ideas and simple ways to bring beauty into your home every season. 
A huge thank you to Susan from The Bay To The Beach and MaryJo from Master Pieces of my Life for including me in this fun blog hop! Be sure to check out everyone’s beautiful summer styling at the end of the post.

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Supplies
You can find all the materials in my Amazon storefront

Amber Glass Vase
Bowls
Ceramic Vase
Towels
Tray
Wooden spoons

Easy Tips for Creating Your Summer Kitchen Vignette

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First Step: Play with Your Color Palette

My kitchen leans warm and neutral, so I kept my color palette soft — creamy whites, natural wood tones, and touches of green. But your color palette can be anything that feels like summer to you: coastal blues and whites, warm citrus tones, or even bold pops of color. Sometimes one unexpected piece makes a huge difference in the overall look, so don’t be afraid to pull something in just because it catches your eye.
I pull in my more vibrant colors with fresh fruits and plants!

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 Start with a Tray

​The first step is always choosing your base, and a tray makes all the difference. I purchased this wood tray many years ago at Costco. A small tray works beautifully on kitchen counters, while a large tray looks stunning centered on a kitchen table or kitchen island. A large tray is also perfect on a coffee table in the living room or family room if you want to bring that summer decor beyond the kitchen. Trays give your arrangement breathing room, instantly create a focal point, and are one of the best ways to keep your seasonal displays feeling intentional — plus you can scoot the whole thing aside when you need your countertops for cooking. 

Add Natural Elements

Next, layer in your natural elements. I started with a vase of flowers.  I used a ceramic vase and filled it with a mix of fresh flowers clipped right from our backyard, combined with faux flowers to fill it out. It’s one of my favorite little tricks because the fresh flowers bring that real garden feel, while the faux flowers hold everything together beautifully. A clipping from our Olive Tree added that touch of color. For warmth and ambiance, I added a little tea candle inside my pinch pots I use for salt and pepper. 

​Mix In Functional Items

One of my favorite things about a kitchen vignette is that functional items belong right alongside the pretty ones.  Wooden spoons, small bowls, and a tea towel are pretty and functional. They don’t feel forced because they actually belong in the kitchen — they’re just styled with a little intention.  With just the three of us at home right now, we go through these bowls by breakfast with cereal, oats, yogurt, etc.  (One more month till the other two come home for Summer!)

Use Odd Numbers

When styling countertop vignettes or table vignettes, odd numbers are your best friend. I always group things in threes and fives — it just looks more natural than even groupings. Try placing three items on one side of your large tray and two on the other side. Odd numbers create balance without looking too stiff or symmetrical, and that effortless quality is exactly what great summer decor is all about.

 

Add Something Personal

This is my favorite step, and it’s one of the simple ways that turns a pretty arrangement into something that truly feels like you. I like to use my son’s bowls from his ceramics class.   You could also add some seashells from a trip and a little framed print. Seasonal decor always feels more special when it tells your story.

Step Back and Adjust

Once everything is in place, step back and take it all in. Moving even one item an inch to the left can make a huge difference in the overall balance.  don’t crowd it. The best part about summer kitchen vignettes is that they should feel light, airy, and effortless, just like the season itself.

 

 

Other options for visual interest

Stack of plates 
Silverware inside mason jars
Olive oil bottle 
Cake stands
Cutting Boards
Live Plants

I love adding color with bowls of fruit and vegetables!

I get asked about our counters a lot. It’s Taj Mahal Quartzite, a natural stone from Brazil. We installed this 10 years ago, before it was trendy and affordable. When we had mold from an unknown leak, we were able to keep the backsplash, and this slab matched perfectly with our stone backsplash. 

I have cutting boards scattered around the kitchen as well as some greens! You can find my ageing terra cotta post right here! 

Creating a summer kitchen vignette is such a great way to refresh your kitchen countertops and living room spaces without spending much at all. These simple ways of styling really do transform a space. I hope this gives you the inspiration and easy tips you need to create your own beautiful summer vignette!

 

Now hop along and see what all of my talented friends created for summer — I know you are going to love every single one!