Fall Kitchen Counter Decor Ideas

Fall is a wonderful time to decorate but it can be overwhelming especially for kitchen counters. I have several fall decor ideas for your kitchen counters that won’t add any clutter.

Kitchens can be a bit tricky to decorate because they see daily use. These tips are key to keeping your kitchen a joy to work in while still reflecting the fall season.

I tend to look at kitchen decor as functional. It should not only be beautiful but serve a purpose in your kitchen. Keeping it simple is best for busy kitchens.

I have a post that has many tips to keep your kitchen counters clutter free.

These are the items I use that serve dual purposes:

Use Wooden Pieces To Bring In Warmth

White kitchens are beautiful with clean lines. They can feel a bit cold but by adding wood pieces, this will warm up the space. Wooden items are the perfect complement.

I like to use wooden cutting boards in different shapes to add interest. Cutting boards come in many shapes and sizes. Hobby Lobby and Home Goods carry a nice selection of wooden ones. My boards do get used so I consider this to be functional decor.

Glass canisters are a nice addition for a kitchen counter. They can hold baking supplies or showcase homemade cookies. My favorite glass canister is currently filled with whole wheat flour next to my stand mixer. I can start baking at a moments notice. I love the wooden acacia top on this canister. It brings a touch of interest to the simple glass. It also matches very well to my other wooden pieces.

To continue with the wooden theme in this part of the kitchen, I used an off white pumpkin that looks like wood. It has a cutout on the front, which I didn’t want to use. I just turned the pumpkin around and used the back. Also, the wooden stem goes well with the other wood elements used here.

Be creative with your decor. It doesn’t always have to be used as it was intended.

Bring Out Seasonal Linens

Seasonal linens like potholders and kitchen towels soften a kitchen as well as add decor. Again, functional fall decor. Fabrics also add warmth to a kitchen which can be a bit too industrial. My goal for my kitchen decor is to make warm and cozy.

I was hesitant to place a nail in my new kitchen cabinets. Using a command hook to hang these potholders near my stove was the best solution. I love the look and I don’t have to fumble in drawers to find my potholders when I need them.

Kitchen towels are an inexpensive way to add some personality to your kitchen. If you have more towels than space to hang them, consider adding a mini ladder to your countertop.

I found this little ladder at Hobby Lobby. The light wood fits in with my decor. It takes up very little space but adds so much to my kitchen. If you are like me, you have many cute towels you’d like to display. This ladder makes it easy to change out the towels. You could also hang a potholder by adding a small “S” hook to this ladder.

At my house, we have decor towels and actual towels that you can use. This particular towel is for decoration only. I love keeping it safe.

Look For Tools That Stand Out

Having a salt and pepper mill on my countertop is very important. I use them both many times when preparing a meal. Having them be unique and beautiful is a bonus. I found these at Crate and Barrel. I love the color and pretty ribbing.

Use interesting wide mouth vases or antique crocks to hold your wooden spoons or cooking utensils. These could even hold rolling pins if you find one that is large enough.

Use Color To Create A Theme

For the fall season, I tend to go with subtle tones of rust, brown and tan. I like the pop of color next to to the white subway tiles.

Decide on what colors you want to focus on. Shop your decor stash and pull out only those items that are in your chosen colors for the season. It’s easier to use a tone of colors than choosing only a couple of colors. This way your decor will flow better.

When shopping, I’m always on the lookout for small accessories for my tiered tray or kitchen counters. I always keep my color scheme in mind. That way anything new will fit in nicely with a cohesive look.

This year, Target had several small signs in their dollar section. I adore the little cutting board sign. I had intended to place it in the tiered tray but it would have gotten lost. You can always play with your decor and change your mind.

The coffee bar sign was a Hobby Lobby find last year. It’s perfect for my small coffee bar.

Excuse the cord but it is a necessity. I just don’t see the purpose of hiding cords for something that is used daily.

This is a first for me. I have coffee pods that are for decor only. My husband couldn’t believe they were off limits. I found these at Home Goods and they are just too cute to use.

Bring In Natural Elements

Bringing a bit of nature indoors is important to the fall season. Even though these leaves are not real, they bring a cozy feeling to a space.

You could also add a vase filled with colorful stems, full of leaves.

This wooden tiered tray was a Kirklands find last year. Most of my decor I use over and over again. By adding a few new pieces, I can keep my decor fresh. Like the terra cotta pumpkin in the tray. I found that at Target in their dollar section.

To keep with the functional decor theme, I keep my canister of ground coffee in the back of the tray.

I decided to add a round basket tray to my kitchen island. I filled it with real Granny Smith apples, a vase of faux stems and a small pumpkin candle from Target. More natural elements to bring in that fall feeling. Since we use our island for prepping food, I can move the tray when I need more space.

I love to decorate with dough bowls and trays for fall. These pieces are quite versatile and fun to dress up. You can use them year round which makes them bargain decor.

Seasonal Soaps

You can also use seasonal soaps and lotions near your kitchen sink. There are many to choose from. I decided to use a white pumpkin hand soap dispenser. This is the only place I keep out for soap. Everything I use to wash dishes, I keep in the cabinet under the sink.

Some people prefer to keep dishwashing essentials on the counter. That can be convenient and add decor at the same time. If you use any type of brushes to wash dishes, look for pretty wood ones and store them on a water resistant tray. Add a pretty bottle of dish soap and or lotion to the tray as well. This continues with the fall theme.

Bake A Sweet Treat

Let’s not forget about sweet fall treats. Bake up some goodies to have your kitchen smelling cozy and inviting. Place the sweets on a decorative plate for a display. Everyone will appreciate that.

My one loaf pumpkin bread is easy and delicious. Or you may want to try this apple loaf cake which has a layer of sweetened apple filling.

Adding small touches of fall to your kitchen counters can have a big impact without being overly done.