How To Style A Country Kitchen Dresser

As I mentioned in this post, I've recently been helping by mum with some design updates to her home. She scored this handmade dresser top from a local artisan a month or so ago after she discovered that it fitted perfectly onto an existing sideboard in the kitchen. So, we blocked a day out to head to the shops and pick up some pieces to style it up. My mum's style is quite feminine - she loves hearts, pinks, florals etc. - but doesn't like things to feel too cluttered or overly quaint. To strike this balance I started by planning a palette of duck egg and pale pink to give a colour focus, then sought simple, white pieces to work into the mix. I used the polka dot pattern and heart elements to keep a consistent theme running through the dresser's scheme, ensuring I stood back as I dressed it to get perspective. The glass condiment jar and thick butchers blocks helped to prevent the look feeling too quaint, and a handmade heart garland, 'home sweet home' sign and cookery book added personal touches. As well as being stylish, mum wanted the dresser to be practical, so I utilised the depth of the sideboard top by creating usable vignettes: ramekins for cooking, bowls for breakfast and linens for meals times are all easily accessible and still look great when the other items are in use. We've purposely left some spaces so as time passes Mum can add in other pieces she finds inspiring or useful. I love the butchers block with the coloured trim - what's catching your eye?

// Styling and photography by Will Taylor