Country Kitchen Decor Styling Tip: 6 Cozy Counter Ideas I Use Every Day

Welcome to our country kitchen here in coastal Maine, an early American space layered with charm, history, and a few modern-day essentials I love using every day. This post was originally created in partnership with Wayfair and is now part of my Styling Tip series, where I share quick, approachable ways to decorate with vintage flair, seasonal inspiration, and functional finds.

Today, I’m sharing six country kitchen decor ideas focused on our countertops, simple styling tips that mix old and new in the most natural way. From a cozy blue-and-white apron to a snowflake-shaped shortbread pan, I’ll walk you through the modern tools I use daily as we bake a favorite Nordic shortcake recipe right here at home. These are the little things that make everyday life in the kitchen feel special and beautifully lived in.

Ready to step inside the kitchen with me?

Hit play below and join me in our country kitchen, as I walk you through a cozy day of countertop styling, everyday essentials, and a little shortcake baking magic. Let’s make this space feel beautiful and lived in, one cozy detail at a time.

This post was originally created in partnership with Wayfair. It has been updated and now includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Country Kitchen Decor Ideas for Everyday Countertop Styling

Now that you’ve seen a peek into our kitchen, let’s walk through some of my favorite country kitchen decor ideas, specifically for styling countertops in a way that’s both functional and beautiful. These six items were originally selected in collaboration with Wayfair, and they’re all things I use daily in our early American country kitchen. From classic kitchen tools to warm wooden textures, these styling tips are all about mixing everyday convenience with cozy, collected charm.

1. Style a Kitchen Apron as Everyday Country Kitchen Decor

Let’s start with aprons, because nothing says cozy country kitchen quite like one hanging on a hook, ready for everyday use. I now keep a small collection in my kitchens, mixing vintage finds with newer favorites like this blue checkered apron from Wayfair. Whether you wear yours while baking or simply display it on a door, pantry cupboard, or wall rack, aprons instantly make a kitchen feel warm and lived-in.

I even created my own set of DIY vintage plate kitchen hooks that hold aprons in just the prettiest way—you can make them in under 10 minutes. They’re perfect for showing off a favorite textile or rotating seasonal styles throughout the year.

From cooking with family to simply stirring up a cup of tea, an apron is one of those everyday touches that make your country kitchen feel like home.

2. Add a Nordic Shortcake Pan for Cozy Winter Country Kitchen Decor

If there’s one thing that inspires my love of cozy kitchen styling, it’s the hygge-filled homes of Sweden and Norway. I’ve always admired how they embrace long winters with warm lighting, homemade traditions, and meaningful details, like a simple shortcake served from a beautifully styled kitchen. See more inspiration in my post, Swedish Homes: 10 Scandinavian Cottages That Inspire My Winter Decor

So when I saw these Nordic shortcake cake pans on Wayfair, I couldn’t resist. I used mine to make a buttery snowflake-shaped shortcake right here in my mother’s cozy kitchen in Maine. Not only is it functional, but it’s also pretty enough to leave out as part of your winter countertop decor, just one more way to make your country kitchen feel both useful and beautiful.

Nordic Christmas Shortcake Recipe

If you’re styling your country kitchen for the season, there’s nothing cozier than the scent of something baking while you do it. This Nordic Christmas shortcake recipe was originally shared by English Mum, and it’s just as delicious as it is beautiful, especially when baked in a decorative snowflake pan like the one I found on Wayfair.

The shortcake is buttery, slightly crisp, and perfect with an afternoon coffee or a festive breakfast table. You can grab the full recipe here.

My Little Kitchen Helper

Our Bernese Mountain Dog, Ella, will be joining us in the kitchen today, though she’s mostly interested in sneaking a bite of the shortcake I baked just for this post! She’s been keeping a close eye on the counter all morning, hoping for a crumb or two.

So let’s grab that blue plaid Wayfair apron and Nordic snowflake pan, and get back to the six cozy ways to style your country kitchen countertops as we bake together in our early American kitchen.

3. Choose a Stand Mixer That Doubles as Country Kitchen Decor

A stand mixer isn’t just useful; it can be a beautiful part of your country kitchen counter decor, too. This sleek 6-speed DASH mixer from Wayfair comes in a range of colors, but I chose white for its clean, classic look. It adds brightness to our kitchen while still feeling timeless against warm wood and vintage touches.

Today, I’m using it to mix our shortcake dough, but even when it’s not in use, it earns its place on the counter. It’s the perfect blend of form and function, just like a well-styled kitchen should be.

You might also love this fun idea: How to Use Rolling Pins as Baker’s Pantry Door Handles

4. Wooden Kitchen Utensils for Classic Country Kitchen Decor

Wooden kitchen utensils are a timeless staple in any cozy country kitchen. Whether you’re stirring a pot of soup or just styling your countertop, these tools bring a warm, homespun look that nods to kitchens of the past.

I keep my wooden utensils corralled in a vintage crock right on our New England kitchen counter, easy to grab, easy to love. This beautiful set from Wayfair blends everyday function with nostalgic charm, making it a perfect addition to your country kitchen decor.

Okay, friends, the Nordic shortbread is ready for the oven!
We’ll bake it for about 20 minutes until golden and fragrant, just enough time to tidy up the counters, pour a warm drink, and enjoy the sweet scent of something homemade wafting through our country kitchen.

Shortcake Recipe

The Nordic shortcake is now ready to enjoy—golden, buttery, and perfectly crisp. Serve it with a hot cup of tea or cocoa, and savor the simple joy of a winter baking day in a cozy country kitchen.

5. Bread Box for Country Kitchen Counter Decor

Every cozy country kitchen needs a good bread box, and Wayfair has a whole selection of charming options for your countertop.

I chose this bamboo bread box with glass doors, and I absolutely love how it fits into our country kitchen counter decor here in coastal Maine. Right now, it’s doing double duty, holding the Nordic shortcake I baked for you today.

Bread boxes like this one are not only practical, but they bring back memories of old-fashioned kitchens, making them a perfect choice for adding warmth and vintage charm to your counters.

And yes, those pink and white dishes peeking out behind the bread box? I thrifted two full sets for under $50 each! You can see more of them styled here in our Valentine’s Day dining room.

Looking for more cozy storage inspiration? You might also enjoy this Pie Safe Antique Kitchen Cupboards Decorating Ideas post.

P.S. The sturdy magnets on this bread box keep it securely shut, even when Ella, our Berner, tries to sneak a bite of shortcake off the counter!

6. Compact Toaster Oven for Country Kitchen Decor

Do you stash your toaster oven away to avoid countertop clutter?

I used to do the same, until I found this compact white toaster oven from Brentwood, available at Wayfair. It’s simple, sleek, and blends right in with our cozy country kitchen decor without overpowering the space.

Now it lives on our countertop full-time—functional, stylish, and no longer an eyesore.

Wrapping Up This Country Kitchen Counter Decor Styling Tip

Creating a cozy and functional country kitchen doesn’t mean sacrificing charm for convenience. From a Nordic shortbread cake pan to a stylish stand mixer and compact toaster oven, it’s all about choosing everyday items that work and look beautiful on your countertops.

These six country kitchen counter decor favorites blend modern functionality with vintage warmth, just like the heart of any well-loved New England home. Whether you’re baking a cozy holiday treat or simply making toast in the morning, these touches can transform your kitchen into a space that feels collected, thoughtful, and inviting.

Love Styling Tips Like This One?

This post is part of my Styling Tip Series, where I share quick, approachable ways to style your home with vintage charm—one cozy moment at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Country Kitchen Decor

What is country kitchen decor?
Country kitchen decor blends comfort, charm, and rustic touches to create a warm and welcoming space. Think vintage-inspired accents like wooden utensils, bread boxes, cozy aprons, and a mix of old and new elements on your countertops. It’s all about creating a kitchen that feels lived-in and loved, with functional items that double as decor.

How do I decorate my kitchen countertops with country style?
Start by choosing a few everyday pieces you use regularly, like a stand mixer, a wooden bread box, or a collection of wooden spoons, and display them proudly on your kitchen counter. Add in soft textiles like aprons or tea towels, use vintage containers for storage, and incorporate a few thrifted or handmade pieces to bring in that timeless, country kitchen feel.

What colors work best for country kitchen decor?
Warm, natural tones are perfect for a country kitchen. Whites, creams, soft blues, buttery yellows, and warm woods all help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. In my own New England kitchen, I love mixing crisp white appliances with classic wood textures and subtle blue-and-white plaid for a fresh country look.

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