A LIFE WELL STYLED, WELL LIVED
The Heart of the Home
A beautiful kitchen isn’t just about design — it’s about feeling. It’s the sound of coffee brewing, the scent of garlic in olive oil, the way morning light hits a marble countertop. It’s where life unfolds.
5/8/20243 min read
A well-loved kitchen should be both functional and beautiful — a space that inspires gathering, nourishment, and calm. Here are the ten essentials that every elevated, lived-in kitchen needs.
1. A Timeless Wooden Cutting Board
A thick wooden cutting board is the foundation of every kitchen. Choose one that’s substantial enough to leave out — maple or walnut are classics — so it doubles as a serving board or countertop statement piece.
Bonus: It ages beautifully, each mark telling a story of meals shared and memories made.
Some of my favorites:
2. Quality Knives That Last a Lifetime
Good knives aren’t just tools — they’re investments in your daily ritual. A sharp chef’s knife makes cooking easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Look for high-carbon stainless steel and a comfortable grip. A small paring knife and a serrated bread knife complete the trio you’ll use most.
Some of my favorites:
7 Piece Japanese Style Kitchen Knife Set
3. Linen Tea Towels
Swap paper towels for beautiful linen ones. They’re sustainable, soft, and instantly elevate your kitchen aesthetic.
Stack them by the sink in a woven basket or drape one over the oven handle for a casually styled look.
Some of my favorites:
Pure Flax Linen Kitchen Towels
4. Ceramic Mixing Bowls
Mixing bowls shouldn’t be hidden away. Choose ceramic or stoneware pieces that can move from prep to table with ease.
Soft whites, pale blues, or sandy neutrals fit beautifully in a Santa Barbara coastal-inspired kitchen.
Some of my favorites:
5. A Cast-Iron Skillet
The true workhorse of the kitchen — and an heirloom in the making.
A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet goes from stove to oven seamlessly and looks beautiful displayed on an open shelf.
It’s the one piece that will only get better with time.
Some of my favorites:
6. Glass Storage Jars
Organize your pantry with clear glass jars for grains, flour, and snacks. Not only does it keep food fresh, but it also turns everyday ingredients into a visual display of simple abundance.
Tip: Label them with minimalist stickers or a chalk pen for a clean, uniform look.
Some of my favorites:
7. An Elegant Kettle or Coffee Maker
Your morning ritual sets the tone for the day.
Whether it’s a classic stovetop kettle or a sleek espresso machine, choose something that sparks joy. A beautiful countertop appliance feels less like clutter and more like an intentional detail.
Some of my favorites:
De'Longhi Classic Espresso Machine With Milk Frother
8. Fresh Herbs in Clay Pots
A touch of greenery makes any kitchen feel alive.
Keep a small collection of herbs — basil, rosemary, mint — on your windowsill in clay or stone pots. They add both beauty and function, and the scent alone can change your mood.
Some of my favorites:
9. Non-Toxic Cleaning Essentials
Beautiful kitchens deserve thoughtful care. Swap harsh chemicals for gentle, plant-based cleaning sprays and refillable glass bottles.
A simple, fragrance-free formula keeps your space fresh without overwhelming your senses.
A clean kitchen is the truest form of luxury.
Some of my favorites:
10. A Signature Scent
The finishing touch.
Whether it’s a soft linen candle, a hint of citrus, or the faint aroma of vanilla, scent defines your kitchen’s personality.
Light it before guests arrive or while you cook — it turns every meal into a sensory experience.
Some of my favorites:
Voluspa French Cade Lavender- we light it daily!
Creating a Kitchen That Feels Like You
A beautiful kitchen isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention.
It’s where form meets function, where wellness meets warmth. With just a few well-chosen essentials, your kitchen can become more than a workspace — it can be a sanctuary.
Beauty and utility should live side by side. Because the spaces where we cook, gather, and connect should feel as good as they look.