My Favorite Little Things in Our Kitchen
I don’t think a kitchen has to be perfectly organized, filled with expensive appliances, or look like it belongs in a magazine to be a good kitchen.
Some of my favorite things in ours are actually the little things—the things we reach for every day, the things that make mornings a little easier, and even the things that simply make our kitchen feel more like ours. Many of these I’ve implemented thanks to my mother in law, actually. I wouldn’t say I grew up in a “homemaker” or southern type of family. Over the years I’ve watched my husband’s mom in the kitchen and it has taught me so much. They are the things that make me feel like I’m stepping into being a perfect wife and mom for some reason 😂
These are a few things I genuinely love having in our kitchen and use throughout the week, or potentially daily.
[Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through one of my links, at no additional cost to you. I only share things I genuinely use, love, or recommend to a friend.]
1. Our Bullet Ice Maker
This one might seem a little unnecessary… until you have one.
There is just something about having a cup full of little pieces of crunchy ice that makes a regular drink feel so much better. It has become one of those things that we use often enough that I can’t imagine not having it anymore. We also don’t have a fridge with an ice maker, so this is a practical AND trendy way to cool down.
If you’re an ice person, you get it.
This is the one we use ➡️ https://amzn.to/46ngzNO
2. Our Toddler Tower
Having a toddler in the kitchen changes things a little. I love having a safe way for my daughter to be up at counter height and involved in what we’re doing. I’ve really tried to make our kitchen a place where she can be involved instead of just sitting on a screen while I cook.
Whether she’s helping with something simple, watching me cook, or just wanting to be right in the middle of everything, our toddler tower has become one of those things that gets used over and over. This toddler tower is the best because also folds into a desk, where she can color or work on a little project while I cook.
And honestly, having her nearby while I’m making dinner is one of my favorite parts of this season of life.
Our fav toddler tower ➡️ https://amzn.to/4qBcjUz
3. A Good Apron
An apron is such a simple thing, but I love having one hanging in the kitchen and ready to go.
It keeps cooking mess off my clothes, but it also makes me feel like I’m actually doing something in the kitchen—even if dinner is just something very simple.
Plus, a pretty apron makes cooking feel a little more fun and chic. I feel like cooking doesn’t come naturally to me so when I put on my apron, I’m immediately a chef at a 5 star restaurant. And when I’ve used it enough to actually have stains on it, that’s how I know I’ve done something right.
4. Garlic Powder
This might be the least exciting item on this list, but I couldn’t leave it off.
Garlic powder is one of those things I reach for constantly. 😂
It goes on chicken, vegetables, potatoes, eggs… basically anything that needs a little help.
I don’t think every kitchen favorite has to be fancy. Sometimes it’s just the seasoning you always know you’ll reach for.
5. My NutriBullet
This one has definitely earned its place in our kitchen.
I use my NutriBullet for smoothies, especially the thick and creamy protein smoothie I make on repeat. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require pulling out a giant blender every time I want something.
Anything that makes it easier for me to actually eat something in the middle of a busy day is a win in my book. I think I use this one daily because it can make just one serving, so I don’t have to wash a massive blender container every time.
Link to better smoothies ➡️ https://amzn.to/46i5o99
6. Our Nespresso
There are few things I love more than a quiet coffee in the morning.
Our Nespresso has become part of that little morning routine. It’s quick, easy, and makes THE frothiest, creamiest, and richest coffee. Anytime I go anywhere else my coffee just isn’t the same. I don’t even like to buy coffee out anymore because I’ve figured out how to make it better at home!
I think having little rituals you genuinely enjoy is one of the easiest ways to make an ordinary day feel a little more special.
The best coffee maker ➡️ https://amzn.to/4qAcFuy
7. A Butter Dish
This is one of those little things that makes a kitchen feel like home to me.
There’s something about having butter sitting out in a pretty dish instead of digging around in the refrigerator every time I need it.
It’s not revolutionary. It’s not necessary. I just like it. And it really upgrades my daily protein waffle experience when the butter spreads so nicely because it’s already soft. Sometimes that’s enough reason to have something in your kitchen.
Ours is well loved ➡️ https://amzn.to/4xSkY7d
8. Mason Jars as Cups
This is one of those things that started out as a practical choice and somehow became something I genuinely love.
I use Mason jars as everyday drinking glasses, and there’s just something about them that feels so simple and homey. I feel like I’m giving off a grandmas cottage vibe with my apron and mason jars, but honestly I’m okay with that. They’re sturdy, easy to grab, and somehow make even a regular glass of water feel a little more fun.
I especially love them for my iced coffee, tea, lemonade, or anything with lots of ice.
They’re inexpensive, they hold up well, and I just think they look cute sitting on the kitchen table. Sometimes the best things in a kitchen are the things that don’t need to be fancy. They don’t even have to match…some of my favorite jars and glasses are actually ones we’ve repurposed.
9. Something Playing in the Background
I love having music playing in our kitchen.
Sometimes it’s worship music. Sometimes it’s something fun while we’re cooking. Sometimes it’s just background noise while we’re cleaning up after dinner.
The kitchen is where so much of our everyday life happens, and music makes it feel a little more alive.
Whether you use a small speaker, a smart home device, or just your phone, I think having something playing in the background can completely change the feel of a room. We use an Alexa, it comes in handy when I have a question that needs to be answered quickly too.
Link to our fav device ➡️ https://amzn.to/4grVwyy
10. A Lazy Susan I Can Change With the Seasons
This might be my favorite one.
I have a lazy Susan in the kitchen that I can switch up throughout the year. Sometimes it’s practical and simple, and sometimes I’ll add little seasonal touches to it.
I love that it doesn’t have to be a huge decorating project. A few small changes can make the kitchen feel different for spring, summer, fall, or Christmas.
It’s such a small corner of the kitchen, but those little seasonal details are what make a house feel lived in and loved.
Lots of options on Amazon but this is my personal fav. Modern and cute! ➡️ https://amzn.to/4qvGQD0
The Little Things Really Do Matter
None of these things are particularly life-changing on their own. But I think that’s kind of the point.
A home isn’t made special because everything is perfect. It’s made special by the little things that make everyday life easier, more comfortable, and more you. I want to live in a home, not just a house. For me, home is a cup of coffee in the morning, music playing while dinner is being made, my daughter helping in the kitchen, a little seasonal corner that I get to change throughout the year, and all of the ordinary things that happen in between.
Those are the things I want more of—the simple, everyday moments that make a house feel like home.
