How To Step Up Your Kitchen Bench Styling

Find Your Kitchen’s Style Story

Benchtop appliances and adornments are the finishing touches that tie a look together. So before you start styling, consider the mood and aesthetic of your existing kitchen. Is it mid-century modern? Is it dark and moody with a matte black fridge and dishwasher? Complete the scheme with a striking Nespresso coffee machine – or create a contrast with lighter coloured gadgets. “Just make sure all your benchtop pieces are cohesive and from the same ‘world’,” explains interiors stylist Jono Fleming. “Keeping your styling choices unified will create a story and a sense of consistency.” If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless choices, try making a moodboard or playing on Pinterest to fine-tune your vision.

Styling With Accessories

Functionality plus flair is a simple equation for benchtop styling. “I like to make sure that pieces like fruit bowls or jugs can be displayed and used daily whilst also looking beautiful,” says Jono. “An arrangement of three items, playing with different heights and sizes, will lend a point of visual interest to the end of your bench.”

Stylist Fiona Gould suggests injecting character into a kitchen, with small artworks leaning on the counter and stacked vintage boards. “Greenery is always welcome in the kitchen and instantly brings life to the space,” she says. “A draping devil’s ivy or herbs in pots can make all the difference.”

Benchtop Beautiful With Small Appliances

Toasters, kettles, coffee machines and stand mixers can deliver a dash of colour or form a focal point on a benchtop. “I prefer a clutter-free look in the kitchen so I tend to only keep the kettle on display – therefore I like to splurge and find a kettle that really suits my style,” says Fiona Gould. “I love creating a styling moment around my kettle, with chopping boards stacked behind and a beautiful dish or vessel filled with coffee.” Alternatively, if you want all your small appliances to be tucked away, consider a designated gadget space (kitted out with power points) hidden behind a cabinet or roller door.

For appliances that deserve to be showcased, check out the Smeg ECF02 Manual Espresso Coffee Machine and the Smeg BCC13 Automatic Coffee Machine.

The ECF02 is proudly made in Italy and features a quick heat-up time of just 40 seconds, a powerful 15-bar pump for optimal espresso extraction, and a stainless steel steam wand for creating rich microfoam, perfect for lattes and cappuccinos. The BCC13, designed by the renowned deepdesign studio, combines sleek Italian aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, offering a professional 19-bar pump and an AutoMilk function that steams milk at the touch of a button. Both models are perfect for adding style and functionality to your benchtop.

Look-At-Me Kitchen Lighting

If you’ve styled up your kitchen benchtop to magazine-worthy standard, you’ll want to illuminate it properly. “It’s a key design feature to have task lighting above your bench, whether that be downlighting or decorative pendants,” says Jono Fleming. The latter presents an opportunity to make a design statement – with sculptural glass pendants or a dramatic chandelier – although right now there’s also a trend towards under-cabinet lighting.

Smart lighting is a practical addition to any kitchen, especially when you're cooking, slicing, and dicing. It’s guaranteed to brighten up your countertop and create the perfect atmosphere. A well-designed benchtop, paired with the right lighting, will not only enhance the beauty of your kitchen but also make life a little easier.

Visit us in store or online to shop for the small appliances in this article – and for more kitchen styling ideas, inspiration and planning tips, check out our Home Reno Ideas.