The Subtle Area Of Your Kitchen That's Begging For A Playful Upgrade

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Have you heard the news? Bland kitchens are out; cozy, eclectic kitchens are in. It's like we've all finally realized how much time we spend in our kitchens — if there's any room that should represent our individual sense of style, the kitchen is it. There are plenty of different design trends that act as an antidote to the all-white kitchen. Many of them might point you to big surfaces and suggest choosing vibrant floor tiles, colorful countertops, or accent wall motifs. 

You can upgrade to an elegant wooden vent hood for a statement kitchen finish, add pops of rich texture where you can, mix and match vintage serveware on display, decorate kitchen counters with items that are also useful, and consider stick-on tiles for affordable standout backsplash options. These are all great ideas, but there's one overlooked yet game-changing area of your kitchen that makes a serious impact: your kitchen chairs. Cushions are the easiest way to upgrade your kitchen with color, pattern, and texture.

The chairs around your table or stools at your island may not be obvious when they're pushed in. But they're blank canvases just waiting to enrich your kitchen. You can introduce color to an otherwise all-neutral palette, create intriguing contrast by choosing a pattern in a color scheme that coordinates with other areas of the room, or capture a theme with cushions that are country-chic, nautical, or floral. For $50 or even less, this is an effortless makeover.

There are two main paths to choose when upgrading your kitchen via chair cushions. You can add a pop of color to a modern-chic, minimalist room; or you can tie together an existing design motif. These IASEAHK seat cushions for kitchen chairs come in a rich sapphire hue that would highlight any space with color, matching cool tones like gray and silver or adding a regal sense to a dark wood table and cabinets. Meanwhile, these Klear Vu Omega non-slip chair cushions offer a gingham pattern that's country-chic and brings some fresh pattern to a white or white wood space. These vctops farmhouse bird-print chair cushions are antique-inspired and bohemian, while these Barnett Home Decor starfish cushions are equal parts elegant and playful.

Especially if you're looking to the color, texture, and print of your kitchen chair or stool cushions for an overall room update, take inspiration from them for further decor decisions. If you chose the bird-print cushions, for example, lean into a garden theme with small plants scattered throughout your kitchen shelves and counters, plus floral-scented candles and bird and flora motifs in your decor and serveware patterns. Ditto that if you chose that starfish design: Embellish empty spaces with seashells as well as plates and glasses in serene shades of blue. Kitchen chair cushions are key for encouraging cherished friends and family to stay around the table longer, and they just so happen to provide serious aesthetic inspiration.