Every now and then, a space in your home calls for a little change. It doesn’t always require a full renovation—sometimes the smallest updates can transform a room into something entirely new. For us, that transformation happened in our kitchen, and it started with something as simple (yet impactful) as new counter stools.

Out with the Old, In with the Effortless

When we first moved into our brownstone, I carried over a pair of white linen counter stools from our Manhattan apartment. At the time, they felt sophisticated and polished, but as life shifted—especially with a toddler in the mix—the linen proved less than practical. “High-performance” fabric or not, spills and sticky hands don’t exactly make friends with white upholstery.

Beyond practicality, the stools felt visually heavy in the space. They worked in the apartment, but in our kitchen they didn’t reflect the light, airy, rustic feel I envisioned. Looking at the before-and-after photos now, the difference is striking—the old stools seem clunky, while the new ones feel seamlessly integrated, as though they’ve always belonged here.

The Perfect Match

I had a vision of what I wanted but couldn’t quite find the right style—until I stumbled upon Kathy Kuo Home’s Zhuri Coastal Beach Woven Wishbone counter stools. With their graceful wishbone backs and woven seats, they brought exactly the look I’d been imagining.

They strike the perfect balance: rustic yet refined, coastal yet timeless. Most importantly, they make the kitchen feel like an authentic extension of our personality. That’s what the best design choices do—they don’t just look good, they feel right.

Bringing in Layers of Warmth

Once the stools were in place, I wanted to carry that same sense of warmth throughout the kitchen. For me, styling a space isn’t about sticking to a single trend—it’s about layering textures, mixing materials, and curating pieces that tell a story.

This time, I leaned into copper, antiques, and old-world charm. Copper cookware has always been one of my favorite design elements. Yes, it’s beautiful, but it’s also incredibly functional. Copper conducts heat like a dream, and while some might shy away from it as “fussy,” I find it ages with grace. In fact, there’s something magical about a 200-year-old copper pan gleaming with history, often looking better than brand-new cookware. In our home, these pots and pans aren’t hidden away—they’re proudly on display.

A Touch of Old-World Charm

One of my long-time kitchen dreams has been a wrought iron pot rack. Our space doesn’t quite accommodate one over the island, but I improvised by finding a vintage French wrought iron wall rod on Etsy. It now hangs gracefully above our stove, holding copper pots with the help of simple “S” hooks. Not only is it practical, it also serves as a focal point—a reminder that function and beauty can (and should) coexist.

The kitchen refresh didn’t stop there. I also started incorporating antique artwork, which is often overlooked in kitchens but can instantly change the atmosphere. A single oil painting can transform the space, evoking warmth and storytelling. The piece that drew me in was a still life of lemons set against a dark backdrop. The bold contrast makes the yellow fruit pop, while the subject—food—ties the piece naturally into its surroundings. It’s unexpected, but it makes the kitchen feel more welcoming, almost like stepping into a European countryside home.

Curating a Space That Tells a Story

What I’ve learned through this refresh is that styling a kitchen is not just about function, nor is it about perfection. It’s about creating a room that feels lived-in, layered, and full of personality. By mixing new pieces with antiques, blending textures like wood, copper, and linen, and paying attention to the small details, a space becomes more than just practical—it becomes meaningful.

So, if you’re feeling like your kitchen could use a little warmth, start small. Swap out your seating for something that feels natural. Add copper or brass accents that catch the light. Hang a piece of antique artwork to give your walls a story to tell. And don’t be afraid to display the things you love, even if they show their age. Sometimes that wear is exactly what makes them beautiful.