If you’ve been feeling like your kitchen’s vibe is a little more chaos than charm lately, don’t worry. You don’t need a mansion or a team of stylists to pull off this look. I’m breaking down exactly how to get that cozy-yet-curated Martha Stewart aesthetic in your own home, no remodel required. Just a few styling tricks, some DIY love, and maybe a few smart Amazon finds. Ready to transform chaos into calm, steam into style? Grab a whisk and let’s Martha-ify your kitchen.
🧺 What Is the Martha Stewart Aesthetic, Exactly?
Before we start layering linens and spray-painting hardware, let’s get clear on what this aesthetic even is.
The Martha kitchen is warm and inviting. It’s filled with natural textures, vintage charm, and practical beauty. You’ll see glass jars filled with flour, copper pots on display, baskets of fresh herbs, and a gentle balance of form and function. It’s traditional—but not stuffy. Stylish—but never trying too hard.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about effort. Martha’s look feels like someone who cooks from scratch, irons their linens (but doesn’t judge you if you don’t), and finds joy in the little details. And if that’s a vibe you’re craving in your home, read on.
Want to bring a little Martha Stewart magic into your kitchen this weekend? I put together a free checklist of 5 simple swaps you can make right now—download it below and start transforming your space without the overwhelm:
Want to start your Martha-inspired kitchen makeover this weekend?
Download my free checklist: 5 Kitchen Swaps You Can Make This Weekend. Quick updates, big impact—no full remodel required.
📥 Download the Checklist🪄 10 Ways to Bring the Martha Stewart Look to Your Kitchen
Whether you’re working with a blank slate or just want to freshen things up, here’s how to pull off that effortlessly elevated kitchen style.
1. 🥣 Add Timeless Cookware (Yes, Copper Pots Count)
Step one: elevate your cookware game. Martha doesn’t tuck away her pretties—she lets them shine. Think copper pots, cast iron skillets, enamel Dutch ovens, and stainless steel.
Even if you cook like I do (translation: sometimes, and only when there’s music playing), these pieces double as decor. Hang them from a rail, display them on open shelving, or lean them against your backsplash.
Try this: I found a copper pan set on Amazon that looks like a million bucks but didn’t break the bank. I’ll link it below for you!
2. 🏡 Open Shelving + Classic White Dishware
The Martha look favors openness over closed-off cabinets. You don’t need to demo your kitchen—just clear a few upper shelves or swap some cabinet doors with glass fronts.
Style tip: stick with classic whites and neutrals for dishes, and mix in wooden cutting boards, ceramic pitchers, or a stack of vintage cookbooks. The goal? Cohesion, but with a lived-in feel.
Martha’s own kitchen designs often features copper and open shelves, see here: https://www.paperandmoon.com/home/2024/10/29/martha-stewart-kitchens
3. 🫖 Pretty & Practical Kitchen Linens
Your dishtowels can do more than dry a pan. Striped linens, soft florals, and gingham patterns bring that cottage-y, just-baked-a-loaf-of-bread feeling into your space.
Hang them on a hook or drape one over your oven handle. I also love folding them into a little basket for an instant cozy corner.
DIY moment: If you have an old tablecloth or curtain, you can repurpose it into simple tea towels or even a homemade apron. YouTube has a ton of no-sew tutorials if you’re not ready to thread a needle.
4. 🌿 Bring in the Garden (Literally)
This might be my favorite Martha move: fresh herbs. Basil in mason jars, rosemary on the windowsill, or even a tiny lemon tree if you’re fancy.
Pair your greenery with a bowl of lemons or a jar of fresh flowers. It adds life, color, and a whole lot of “I have it together” energy to your kitchen.
5. 🍳 Create a Cook’s Corner
Even if you’re not whipping up beef bourguignon every night, you can still create a space that looks like you might. Stack a few well-loved cookbooks, add a marble board for prep, and tuck in a crock of wooden spoons.
Bonus points for including a handwritten recipe card from Grandma. It’s those little sentimental moments that Martha would totally approve of.
6. 🔨 Upgrade Hardware with Vintage-Inspired Touches
You know those drawer pulls that came with your cabinets? Swap them. Trust me.
Brass, matte black, ceramic knobs, or even glass pulls can totally transform your kitchen’s feel—and you don’t need to be a DIY ninja to do it. Most drawer handles can be unscrewed and replaced in under 20 minutes.
Pro tip: Pick one finish and carry it through. It makes your space feel instantly elevated.
7. 🎨 Choose a Warm, Neutral Color Palette
Warm whites, soft sage, buttery creams, muted blues—Martha’s palette is gentle and timeless. No neons. No gloss. Just understated elegance.
If you’re looking to repaint, go for something with a matte finish. If painting’s not in the cards, try working in those colors through curtains, accessories, or even a painted wood tray.
8. 🪟 Add Texture: Curtains, Rugs, and Table Linens
It’s all about layers. Think ruffled café curtains, a striped runner down your table, or a soft jute rug underfoot.
These are the kinds of touches that warm up a kitchen and make it feel less like a showroom and more like a home where real life happens.
9. 🕯️ Style with Intention: Decor That Works Hard
The Martha kitchen is never cluttered—but it is full of purpose. Use trays to group items on your counter, fill crocks with cooking tools, and let your food storage double as decor (hello, labeled glass jars).
Style idea: Pick a theme per corner. One for coffee, one for baking, one for herbs. It keeps things functional and beautiful.
10. ✂️ DIY: Make a Martha-Inspired Centerpiece
Nothing says Martha like a homemade centerpiece.
Try this: Fill a rustic pitcher with dried herbs like lavender or thyme. Or make a tiny kitchen bouquet with flowers from your garden (or the grocery store—I won’t tell).
Another favorite? A simple wood tray with a mini plant, a candle, and a neatly folded napkin. Instant charm.
🛒 My Favorite Martha Stewart-Inspired Kitchen Finds
Here are a few items I love that channel that charming Martha energy. You can find many of these on Amazon or through my Kit store:
| Product | Why I Love It | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Linen Apron | Feels like I’m in a French farmhouse | [Amazon] |
| Brass Drawer Pulls | Instantly elevate basic cabinets | [Amazon] |
| Mason Jar Herb Kit | Easy to grow, easy to style | [Amazon] |
| White Pitcher Vase | Perfect for flowers or kitchen tools | [Amazon] |
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a country estate, a cooking show, or a pantry the size of your garage to make your kitchen feel warm, classic, and pulled-together. With a few thoughtful swaps and a sprinkle of DIY charm, you can create a space that feels like you—with a little Martha-inspired magic thrown in.
Try one idea this week and see how it transforms your space. And if you do, tag me or comment below. Share your favorite Martha-inspired find using #SharmedLifeKitchen. I love seeing how you bring these looks to life in your own homes!
Happy decorating!
For more decor ideas click here to read this article!
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