Julia's Favourite Kitchen Essentials
Image credit: Linen Tales
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A well-designed kitchen seamlessly blends beauty and functionality, creating a space where daily rituals feel effortless. Whether you're brewing your morning coffee, preparing meals, or entertaining friends, the right pieces enhance both convenience and aesthetics. Thoughtfully chosen kitchen essentials transform the space into an environment that is not only efficient but also a pleasure to use, making every moment in the kitchen more enjoyable and inspiring.
When designing or refreshing a kitchen, it’s important to consider both form and function. The best kitchen items aren’t just beautiful; they work hard, making tasks easier while enhancing the overall aesthetic. From small accessories to larger furniture pieces, selecting well-crafted, purposeful items ensures that every corner of your kitchen is optimized. That’s why I’ve curated this list of my favourite kitchen must-haves - pieces that not only elevate the experience but also contribute to a cohesive, well-functioning space.
Everyday Essentials That Make a Difference
Let’s start with the basics - items you’ll use every day that bring both practicality and a touch of charm.
Beautiful linen dish towels look effortlessly elegant draped over the sink or oven handle with patterns and colourways that have timeless appeal. I've seen styles that add an elegant touch with all-natural materials such as the Natural Linen Kitchen Towels by Linen Tales, this is an easy and relatively small but impactful upgrade.
Pair your dish towels with an in-sink dishcloth holder, a game-changer for keeping your sink area neat. I personally use this Happy Sinks Dishcloth Holder by West Elm which blends seamlessly into any kitchen design, while keeping wet dish cloths neatly stored and out of sight while they dry properly!
A marble or stoneware utensil holder is a must-have for keeping your go-to utensils within reach. I personally like this cylindrical style Marble Utensil Holder by Fox Run - it balances practicality with beauty. It is another small but effective way to elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic while keeping frequently used cooking tools within easy reach. It adds a polished, minimalist touch to your countertop while reducing drawer clutter.
The Art of Prep and Presentation
A well-equipped kitchen can help make meal prep seamless.
I cannot live without fresh bread in the house - I keep this Ebbin Bread Box by Loon Peak on my countertop and stocked with not only the obvious: fresh breads, but I also keep my onions and fresh garlic stored in the dark, lower compartment, lengthening their shelf-life. This is an essential in my kitchen for keeping loaves fresh and countertops tidy.
Another game-changer is a large kitchen island with drawers - if space allows, this is a dream for both storage and prep space. A well-designed island maximizes function and style, and while most are permanent built-in components of a kitchen, recently I’m loving the furniture aesthetic brought by an island with tall legs and a different, often more rustic finish. Here is my favourite oversized island: Gwendolyn 118" Kitchen Island by Rug & Weave - a dream for both storage and prep space, for kneading dough, chopping veggies, or hosting an informal gathering. An island anchors the kitchen, creating both structure and function.
A statement cutting board - A high-quality wood or marble cutting board can serve as a practical prep surface. I frequently use this Large Wood Cutting Board by Saffron & Sage which doubles as a charcuterie board when entertaining - offering both functionality and style, making it a versatile and beautiful addition to your culinary space.
Smart Storage Solutions with Style
Storage should be as visually pleasing as it is practical.
A plate wall rack can be a beautiful way to display special or everyday dishes. I’ve seen styles such as the Faria Plate Rack by Amber Lewis x Four Hands that seamlessly integrate storage and design. It can be a charming way to display your everyday dishware while keeping it within easy reach.
Similarly, a pot rail can be perfect for adding character while keeping cookware accessible. I’ve spotted a few options that blend function with timeless appeal. One of my top choices is the Ferm Kitchen Rod by Casson Hardware comes in varying lengths and finishes and allows you to hang frequently used pots and utensils in a way that feels intentional rather than cluttered. These solutions bring a touch of old-world charm while optimizing space.
For cabinet organization, start with the basics - a sleek drawer organizer for cutlery or kitchen utensils helps streamline storage. One that I recommend is this 6-Piece Kitchen Drawer Edit by The Home Edit I like the simple, easy to clean design that keeps everything neatly in place.
For added versatility, I love a retro ladder chair - a modern take on a nostalgic yet practical piece. This chair doubles as a step stool for accessing that hard to reach storage. Although it isn’t quite comfortable enough for dining through a meal, it’s great in a corner or at an entry for a brief sit-down while adding dual functionality when needed to reach high spots. I’ve found a few charming options that work beautifully in any space, however the Reproduction Ben Franklin Convertible Ladder Chair by Plough & Hearth is a nostalgic piece proving that good design can be both charming and incredibly useful.
Enhancing Cooking Efficiency
Little details can make a big impact on the way you cook.
A pot filler is one of those luxuries that becomes a necessity once you’ve tried it. My recent favourite the Artesso Wall Mount Pot Filler by Brizo can be styled with both contemporary kitchens as well as more traditional kitchens. This over the stove convenience eliminates the hassle of carrying heavy pots from sink to stovetop. Once you experience the convenience, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
A high-quality baking dish is a staple for both everyday cooking and entertaining. I like to keep it simple with clean lines and classic shapes. In my home, I use the Taos 14" Rectangular Bakeware by BIA Cordon Bleu which transitions effortlessly from oven to table. Whether you're baking a hearty lasagna or slow-cooking a stew, an enameled cast iron dish seamlessly transitions from oven to table while adding a touch of elegance to your meal presentation.
To round out your setup, a French press is an elegant way to serve coffee that adds a touch of class. The White Cafetiere by Sophie Conran For Portmeirion offers a simple, ritualistic way to start the day with rich, flavorful coffee.
Bringing It All Together
Seating is an essential part of any kitchen, whether you’re sipping coffee at the counter or catching up with family over a casual meal.
One of my favourite counter stools is the Slow Mornings Stool by Sunday’s Furniture for its sleek and minimal design gives way to enjoy the beauty of the kitchen design, while fitting in with most design styles. I like that this stool offers a place to perch without overwhelming the space.
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a kitchen.
A statement pendant light can be a defining feature in kitchen design. A timeless go-to style of mine is the bocci 14.1 single pendant by Omer Arbel | bocci creates the perfect ambiance above the island and instantly elevates the space, acting as both a functional and decorative element.
For an extra touch of ambiance, consider a wireless rechargeable table lamp - a sleek, modern touch for layered lighting. I’ve seen designs that add a cozy glow to any space. The Tepa Cordless Accent Lamp by Light House Co. is a rechargeable 13” high portable lamp that hits my favourites list as a growing trend in kitchen design that adds a cozy, layered glow to open shelving or countertops without needing an outlet.
The Value of a Well-Designed Kitchen
A kitchen should be a space where beauty and function seamlessly coexist. By thoughtfully selecting pieces that enhance organization, efficiency, and comfort, you create an environment that supports both daily tasks and special moments. Whether it’s the convenience of a pot rail, the aesthetic charm of linen towels, or the versatility of a ladder chair, each element contributes to a kitchen that feels effortless, refined and thoughtful.
In the end, a well-designed kitchen is about curating a space that truly works for you where every item serves a purpose as well as enhances the overall design.
“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
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