Design Inspiration

Dinner Party: 9 Ideas for Displaying Art in Your Kitchen

Don’t discount the unused space above your kitchen counter the next time you’re looking for places to display your art collection. According to a 2015 survey by a leading market research firm, people around the world spend an average of almost 6.5 hours a week cooking… Plenty of time to take in an inspiring landscape photograph or energizing original oil painting while you whip up your favorite dish or enjoy a glass of vino! We scoured the Web this week to find these beautiful kitchens infused with art and style. Take a look and gather some fresh ideas about the best ways to display art in the most popular room of the house.

1 )  Featuring colorful contemporary art adds bold flavor to an all-white kitchen.

(Image: Photo by Andre Laurent, Courtesy of Houzz)

This energetic abstract painting adds a burst of color to a clean and modern contemporary kitchen while complimenting the surrounding wooden textures.

2 ) Convert the available wall space above your backsplash into a modern art gallery…

(Image: Photo by Fougeron Architecture FAIA, Courtesy of Houzz)

… and draw people’s gaze to some refreshing contemporary pieces in the process.

3 ) Placing paired artwork, photography, and art prints around your kitchen windows keeps your space feeling balanced and welcoming.

(Image: Photo by Zinc Art + Interiors, Courtesy of Houzz)

If you want to spice up your kitchen decor while promoting a feeling of orderly calm, try featuring symmetrical artwork, photos or graphic prints in matching frames.

4 ) Try framing statement-making original art and art photography between the windows, too. Placing striking original artwork high on the wall draws your gaze up and makes your ceilings feel higher.

(Image: Photo by Rob Karosis Photography, Design by Smith & Vansant Architects PC, Courtesy of Houzz)

5 ) If your cucina has sky-high ceilings already, take advantage of your good fortune and consider using all that available space to create a salon-style gallery wall. Pick up some easy tips to get you started from our how-to-video on Leaf TV.

(Image: Photo by Kitchen Culture, Courtesy of Houzz)

Arranging an elegant (or an eclectic!) gallery wall in your kitchen or dining nook is a worthy way to display a mix of your favorite artwork, and can be especially effective for showcasing your small photos, contemporary paintings and entertaining art prints.

6 ) Transform your galley into a gallery. Even compact kitchens have room to display some of your art collection if you think outside the box. 

(Image: Photo by Lucy Call, Courtesy of Houzz)

Consider hanging small framed prints or paintings on the side of cabinets or end walls, and turn an unused space into pause for inspiration!

7 ) Perch your paintings, art photography, and small sculpture on open shelving or on top of cabinets to add visual interest and keep your counters clear.

(Image: Photo by deVol Kitchens, Design by Bon Atelier Limited, Courtesy of Houzz)

Framed art displayed on open shelves adds an inviting focal point to an open, airy kitchen.

8 ) Don’t overlook your nook. If your kitchen includes built-in seating or a breakfast nook, showcasing some art helps tie that area in with the rest of your home and sets the mood for your space. Play with contrasting textures to emphasize the appeal of your favorite original paintings. Try featuring artwork in front of exposed brick or earthy wood to enhance it’s visual impact.

(Image: Photo by Andrew Sherman, Design by En Vie Interiors by Melanie Bowe, Courtesy of Houzz)

9 ) Displaying some original art in your kitchen is a wonderful way to compliment custom color appliances, unique floors, or one-of-a kind tile work. Try shopping for original paintings or art prints that flatter the other stylish elements in your kitchen to pull everything together and take your decor up a notch.

(Image: Photo by Brantley Photography, Design by Arnold Schulman Design Group, Courtesy of Houzz)

Explore Saatchi Art’s Kitchen Art Collection for a taste of the best in original paintings, art photography, and fine art now.