Kitchens can be a tricky room to decorate. It's first and foremost a functional space, so filling surfaces with decorative items can quickly read as clutter, which is the last thing you want people to see when they enter your space.
But designers have a trick up their styling sleeves that adds character to a kitchen without impeding on much-needed surface space. Wooden cutting boards are their best-kept secret for decorating kitchen countertops, shelving, and even islands.
It's not only one of the most affordable ways to bring a charming, decorative display to your cooking space, but it also blends style and function beautifully. Here's why designers love the look so much, and some of the best pieces to shop.
We've all seen those beautifully styled kitchens, where the space feels characterful and curated without feeling overfilled with unnecessary pieces. And if you take a closer look, wooden cutting boards usually make an appearance. But why do designers love them so much?
'While I adore a beautiful kitchen as much as the next person, kitchens are meant to be functional first and foremost. That’s why I love kitchen accents that pair style and function, and wooden cutting boards are a perfect example,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.
It's that blend of style and function that makes them perfect for kitchen decor – they look beautiful displayed on a shelf with curated decor, but they also remain within easy reach for cooking and hosting. But it's the character that the rich wood tones bring to kitchens that appeals, too.
'Wooden cutting boards bring such a sense of warmth and authenticity to a kitchen. They’re utilitarian, but they also layer in natural texture that balances the harder finishes like stone countertops or metal fixtures. I especially love antique cutting boards that are still useful, while offering a beautiful patina,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan.
'I like to lean larger boards against the kitchen backsplash, almost as a backdrop that grounds the counter. From there, smaller boards can layer in front, creating a casual yet intentional arrangement,' she adds.
While sourcing beautiful designs is a key part of making this look work, how you style them is just as important. It's not quite as simple as chucking a board against your backsplash and calling it a day – styling it right is what truly elevates the look.
'I’m always drawn to boards with a little character – oversized rounds, elongated rectangles, or vintage finds with hand-carved handles. Darker woods bring richness, while lighter tones keep a kitchen feeling fresh and airy,' Marie explains.
'Mixing a few different shapes and finishes together creates interest without ever feeling over-styled. It’s those subtle contrasts that make a space feel layered and lived-in,' she notes.
If you have a small kitchen or simply less surface space for displaying wooden boards, there are plenty of different ways to style them and places to decorate with them that don't include your countertops.
'I also like the idea of displaying cutting boards with handles as a gallery wall. Choose a handful of cutting boards in different shapes and sizes and hang them at varying heights for a look that feels timeless and collected,' suggests Kathy.
You can take it one step further, if you want to. Instead of introducing small, movable wooden cutting boards, you can also introduce them as an integrated part of your kitchen countertops.
'When space allows, those custom countertop boards make an incredible statement –they’re always at the ready and feel like a natural extension of the kitchen’s design. The key is to keep it simple and functional – these boards should be ready to use, not just to look at,' Marie adds.
Shop wooden cutting boards
Available in this rich brown tone, white-washed wood, and a moodier black tone, this cheese board design is a great pick. It also comes in three different sizes, so you can create a really dynamic display with a few pieces.
If you're keen to play with different forms, this set of two is a great place to start. Complete with one round and one rectangular board, both made from acacia wood, they are perfect for layering or displaying in different areas of the kitchen.
For something with a more organic shape, this olivewood board is a chic choice. The leather handle is an elevated addition to the design, perfect if you want to create a fun gallery wall with your kitchenware.
Another option that comes in a round and square form, this design stands out thanks to its slightly aged wood look. It gives it an instant timeless appeal and brings a sense of character to kitchen schemes.
Quite often, wooden cutting boards come in circular or long, narrow forms. But this acacia board is wider, making it great for larger food items as well as a showstopping decorative piece for your kitchen.
The mango wood kitchenware trend has been big news, and it's a look that's here to stay. This cutting board embraces those richer tones, but with a more unique, circular handle that adds a sculptural detail.
Decorating with wooden cutting boards is the designer-approved way to elevate your schemes. It's an affordable yet utterly chic way to turn your kitchenware into decor that feels timeless and intentional. So, if your kitchen feels like it's lacking character or interest, this is your sign to introduce a charming wood accent.
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