Today we’re welcoming back one of our newest design contributors, Dee Murphy. Last month on the blog she schooled us on displaying art in a highly patterned space, and we can’t wait for her to share her thoughts on today’s topic—finding that perfect piece of art for the kitchen.

It seems that being in the business of art photography, we’ve encountered the trial of hanging artwork in every space you can imagine, from offices to hallways, to those more awkward and unexpected spots in the home that require a little expert help. And with appliances, cabinets, and backsplashes covering almost every inch of the kitchen, it can be a difficult space to address when it comes to picking out the right piece of art. Not to mention every kitchen has its own distinct style to take into account while you’re shopping… But enough chit chat, we’ll let Dee get into the details!

Hi, everyone! Dee here. If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest, hoping to get some inspiration for your kitchen remodel (or even a simple re-style), you will notice that art—whether it be a photograph, an old portrait, or a still life—is beginning to find its place among the cutting boards, cookbooks, and copper pots and pans as one of the accessories of the moment.

Whether you have a modern, vintage, or “somewhere in between” aesthetic… a beautiful pop of art makes your time in the kitchen (and your Instagram shots) that much more fun! So without further ado, here are my tips and tricks on what kind of art to display in the kitchen (and how to do it).

Style #1: What to display in a kitchen with antique charm…

As a designer, I like to find pieces that mirror the feel of the space, as seen in my own vintage 1920’s style kitchen. In a space like this, I would choose an old portrait or any piece that “feels” aged or from another time (even if not the exact decade). For instance, this chic Bon Voyage print, The Rat Packer, boasts just the right amount of nostalgic flair for a kitchen dressed with vintage finds and antique details.

Or even something like Mademoiselle Ladurée would work beautifully. I would sit it right by the stove, put on some French tunes, and pretend I’m Julia Child!

Style #2: What to display in a mid-century modern kitchen…

In a midcentury space, such as in my friend Annette Vartanian’s kitchen, earthy hues with a few pops of color play well with the wood and natural elements.

I would choose a landscape with orange and yellow accents to brighten up any area of her choosing. In this case, a scene like this one of a man kicking back with his newspaper on a Positano beach fits the aesthetic and mood of the space just right. A little lean against the backsplash and we’re good to go!

Style #3: What to display in an eclectic kitchen…

Finally, in a space that feels more boho or eclectic, such as in my Santa Monica client’s home… I would choose something more whimsical. A print like Gray’s Concierge would be perfect, as it doesn’t compete with the color and pattern in the decor, but it is definitely a conversation piece. And as for location, I would place it on the white space above the stove!

If your space doesn’t quite fit any of these three styles I described above, don’t fret. No matter the aesthetic, still life paintings or photos are always a great choice, as well as a photograph depicting travels and far away places. (Let’s just say if you’re reading this, you’re in the right place… Hi world travels!)

The bottom line is—as with any other room in your home—don’t be afraid to play with art in the kitchen! More than likely, it is the hub or gathering space of your family, and because of this, it deserves to be a space used to gather memories in the form of art.

So take those photographs off of the fridge, find a spot on the wall (or casually lean them on the countertop), and fill your kitchen with some visual stories to match the ones being told each and every day!

What print would you choose for your own kitchen?

We LOVE a good piece of art in the kitchen, and we’re totally indebted to Dee for sharing her design tips with us. To see more of her work, visit her website or follow her on Instagram @murphydeesign.

Xx Team GM

Photos: (Header) Jessi Burrone for GrayMalin.com, Dee Murphy