As a food blogger, I spend most of my time in my kitchen whether it’s cooking my favorite pasta or cleaning up all my messes. And, since I’m in that space pretty much morning, noon, and night, I definitely want to surround myself with items that are not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye — but also items that will last me along time yet, not super expensive. We rent a small New York City apartment, so we can’t exactly make structural changes to the place, but adding just a few cute accessoires (as the French say), here and there, you can breath a whole new life into your kitchen. Here are 5 small purchases that will upgrade your kitchen.
1. Olive Oil & Vinegar Set
Since we live in New York City, it goes without saying, there is very little space. Little space = little kitchen. And little kitchen means not much cabinet space. (I think you know where I’m going with this.) So, we must get creative. One way to combat the inevitable space conundrum is to bring items outside of the cabinet. Such as olive oil. A large bottle of olive oil can take up a ton of space in the cabinet. So move your favorite EVOO to your countertop in the likes of a olive oil and vinegar set. Not only is it great to look at, but so functional!
Pro Tip: How to store olive oil
Just whatever you do, for a longer shelf life, make sure olive oil is always stored in a dark colored container and not in the direct sunlight or by the stove.
2. Utensils and Utensil Holder
If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen, you perpetually have a wooden spoon or spatchula in your hand. So, invest in some really nice ones like this wooden spoon set or this five-start rated stainless steel set from Williams Sonoma and show those babies off. Don’t hide them in your drawers, they deserve to shine and be shown off in your kitchen.
Pro Tip: How to preserve your wooden spoons
Be sure to wash your wooden spoons well after every use with liquid soap and warm water. If you have the time, soak them in soapy water. And, oil them once a month to keep them looking like new.
3. Cutting Boards
Oh, the beloved wooden cutting board. One of the most functional yet aesthetically pleasing items in the kitchen. Lean them against the wall on your countertops so they don’t take up any room and they automatically add texture and flare to your kitchen. I like to get a few cutting boards in a few sizes and colors to add a bit more depth.
Pro Tip: How to care for your wooden cutting board
Oil your cutting board with a board oil at least once a month to prevent it from cracking or dying out.
Shop my favorite cutting boards
4. Dutch Ovens
I can’t stress this enough. Every kitchen should come with a dutch oven. It should be standard just like a microwave or fridge. These little pots are beasts in the kitchen and cooks just about anything from soups, breads, pulled pork, and everything in between. Not to mention, they are an instant way to upgrade your kitchen as they can be displayed perfectly on top of your stove for a pop of color. They come in a range of colors to satisfy any kitchen color scheme as well as a range of prices. I can’t pick just one so here’s a list of some of my favorite.
shop my favorite dutch ovens
5. Fruit Bowl
It’s so simple, but adding a statement fruit bowl to your kitchen counter is such an easy way to upgrade your kitchen. Rotate your favorite fruits for a pop of color and it will literally breath life into the kitchen. Not to mention, easy to grab lemons that are used for so many recipes.