How to Style a Kitchen Benchtop

We have a confession from our property stylists here at Sell in Style Property Styling: the kitchen benchtop is one of our favourite areas to style. The possibilities are endless, and it helps create a buyer’s vision.

The kitchen is truly the heart of the home. When styling for sale, it’s essential to use this space to evoke emotions and nudge the final purchase decision.

Here are our go-to tips and tricks for creating a show-stopping kitchen benchtop when preparing a home for market.

Create a Focal Point

Creating a focal point draws attention to what you want potential buyers to see. Whether it’s a well-placed decorative tray or a unique feature item, focal points are powerful styling principles.

Mask Imperfections

This is a clever strategy: use decor like a stylish tray or chopping board to cover minor flaws like dents or scratches. While we always suggest a deep clean before staging, this trick subtly guides buyer attention to the positive features.

Illusion of Space

Clear away all benchtop clutter—including appliances—to instantly make the space feel larger. Buyers will see clean lines and envision their own lifestyle possibilities more easily.

Keep It Relative

Just as you’d use towels and soaps in a bathroom, kitchen styling should include relevant, practical items. Rummage through your kitchen and repurpose simple items in a curated, purposeful way. Here are some of our favourite styling pieces:

• Cookbooks
• Mortar and pestle
• Chopping boards
• Canisters
• Herb pots
• Fruit
• Salt and pepper
• Bottles of olive oil or vinegar

These everyday kitchen items are usually already within reach—grouping them artfully gives your benchtop a stylish and functional aesthetic.

What Next?

Now you’re ready to transform your kitchen into a highlight of your home styling journey! For more expert advice, follow us on Instagram, check out our blog, or contact our team for a personalised styling quote.