When Drew Barrymore shared a clip of her kitchen on Instagram last year, we were instantly taken by the modern twist on a rustic farmhouse style.

From the warmth of the wooden cutting blocks to the contemporary marble countertops, the actress-turned-TV host created a space and made it her own.

And then there’s the art. Probably a nod to her quirky humor, Barrymore hung her art in somewhat unorthodox settings. Then again, is there a right and a wrong way to display art?

Barrymore isn’t the only one to make a still life of fruit and pottery the focal point of her kitchen. Design-savvy homeowners are treating their kitchens like miniature galleries, blending culinary function with curated form.

The result? A space that feeds both your body and your artistic soul.

Why the Kitchen?

Why not? Kitchens are no longer hidden, utilitarian spaces reserved for cooking chaos.

They’ve become the centerpiece of the home, where people gather, laugh, and hover around the snack tray. So why shouldn’t your kitchen reflect your taste in art as much as your taste in food?

A Home Is Announced supports the thinking behind displaying art in the kitchen. It’s a space to showcase personality and warmth, especially through carefully chosen art pieces.

Art humanizes, adds depth, and softens all those hard surfaces such as granite, tile, and stainless steel.

The trend isn't only happening at home. Restaurants are catching on. Dezeen reported on a Mexico City restaurant where art installations were woven into the kitchen and dining experience during Art Week. It’s further proof that great meals and great design belong together.

Kitchen Meets Gallery: How to Make It Work

Ready to turn your kitchen into a mini art gallery? Here’s how to do it right.

Choose the Right Artwork

Avoid anything overly delicate, valuable, or moisture-sensitive. The kitchen can be a hostile environment for fragile mediums. Instead, opt for:

• Framed prints
• Vintage posters
• Photography
• Enamel or acrylic pieces

Spotlight Your Visual Masterpieces

Planning a kitchen remodel? Now’s the perfect time to consider built-in wall features or lighting that can spotlight your artwork beautifully.

Take inspiration from Newton, Massachusetts. The city is home to a vibrant art scene and the celebrated New Art Center. Here, you’ll see firsthand how artworks are placed in the correct lighting, creating the desired effect.

Consider professional kitchen design services in Newton, MA, to help you figure out the best custom cabinetry and lighting fixtures to complement your pieces. Also, visit a few local kitchen design showrooms to get those creative cogs turning.

DOCA Boston says the key to striking a balance is a space that reflects your style and feels uniquely yours.

Size and Placement Matter

Large statement pieces work well in spacious kitchens with open walls or above breakfast nooks.

Smaller prints can be grouped gallery-style in tight corners or used to frame areas above the sink or next to the stove.

Picture Frames Express recommends placing artwork where it won’t be splashed with grease or water unless you like cleaning frames while cooking dinner. Think high shelves, above cabinets, or opposite work areas.

Pick a Theme That Speaks to You

From abstract landscapes to cheeky foodie prints, your kitchen art can set a tone.

Love modern art? Let bold color and texture dominate. Prefer vintage charm? Try botanical illustrations, retro ads, or black-and-white photography.

There’s no “right” style, only what makes you smile while you wait for the pasta to boil.

Framing and Function: Tips from the Pros

You don’t need a gallery wall worthy of MoMA. However, smart framing makes a difference.

Choose frames that can withstand moisture, like metal or sealed wood. Add non-glare glass for a clean look, and keep things wipeable.

Consider floating shelves or ledges, which make rotating your art a breeze. According to Martha Stewart, rotating art seasonally is one of the best ways to keep your kitchen fresh without a full remodel.

Working with professional designers for your kitchen remodeling project? If you’re investing in a high-end renovation, some companies offer to incorporate art placement into their plans. That way, they can work around your style and advise on lighting and wall finishes that make your pieces pop.

Make It Personal

Art in the kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive or curated by a gallery. It just has to be meaningful.

Your child’s framed watercolor or an old cookbook page that reminds you of your grandmother is as good as a Mark Bradford original.

The point is that your kitchen should feel like yours and not a showroom. The best kitchen designs don’t make space for cooking; they’re spaces for self-expression.