How To Decorate A Kitchen Desk Area

When I pictured my dream house, complete with a charming cottage style kitchen, the idea of having a built in desk area never entered my mind.

It definitely didn't scream 1920's beach cottage.

However, when we moved in here and expanded the kitchen we were left with an awkward hallway kind of space where the old kitchen lived.

The latest desk area decor.

And when it comes to small cottage living, rule number one is leave no space unused.

So at our contractor's suggestion, we added a desk.

Complete with a laminate covered countertop.

Definitely not ideal from a decor perspective. 

To be honest, though, while it wasn't the prettiest of spaces, it did become one of the most used "rooms" in the house...and in 2013 it became my official office.

As a matter of fact, I'm chatting with you, from my desk, right now.


Of course, over the years, I've dolled it up with decor and added a few personal touches to make it function better.

Look less like a generic builder grade kitchen desk...and it really didn't take all that much to do it.

First things first, let's talk storage.

To increase mine and make that cookie cutter area look a bit more fitting in this old house, I added a floral pattern, like any good cottage junkie would.

I used fabric to cover the glass cabinets above the desk.


Now, I have holiday china and crystal up there, but since the doors are covered, I could store books, papers, files...you name it...and no one would ever know.

Extra storage to eliminate clutter and good looks. That's a win win.

Then I found a wire magazine rack to hold some notebooks and papers that don't fit in the attached file cabinet and drawers.

It also helps to define the area.

This one looks old, but nope, it was a Marshall's or HomeGoods find...and for $24.99 it was worth every penny.

Next up, I bought myself a comfortable and stylish office chair. 

It blends in perfectly with the rest of the kitchen and gives me the support I need.

SIMILAR TUFTED DESK CHAIR

The upholstery softens the look, while the nailheads and tufted back provide the charm.

But don't let them fool you, it swivels, adjusts up and down and has wheels, that allow me to move freely in my space. Just as a proper office chair should.

I also have great lighting, because that is essential in any work area.

In addition to a cute desk lamp, thrifted (big surprise), I also have under cabinet LED lighting.


Ours are hardwired and on a dimmer switch.

We installed them almost three decades ago when we added the kitchen. However, today, there are so many super options, some that don't require any wiring at all. 

Peel and stick variations (<---like these) are very popular and just as effective.

At the time, we also installed this neat cord organizer.

CORD ORGANIZER

Since most kitchen counter desks aren't very big, the last thing I wanted was a tangle of wires taking up valuable surface area.

I also didn't want to look at those ugly wires. So this inexpensive little number solved both of my problems, and while it wasn't a Kim kind of DIY, it was quick with the right tool. 

And the right guy.  

Although, even with that handy little gadget, my desk still wasn't really large enough for me to spread out and work efficiently. So I DIYed myself a nifty little cover for one of my desk drawers.

Complete with vintage style roses.


And problem solved.

When I need an additional flat work space, I have it. When I need to grab something in the drawer, I simply slide it back.


You can see the easy DIY here if you like. It honestly took me minutes to make. Oh and don't let that kitchen desk fool you. 

You could easily use this idea on any freestanding desk drawer to increase the workspace. 

No matter what room it's in.

Because honestly, all office spaces should be functional.

And charming.

Especially in the kitchen.

😉

Do you have a kitchen desk area?

Happy Decorating, Friends!