13 Ways to Create Your Own ‘It’s Complicated’ Kitchen Style

There’s something about the kitchen in ‘It’s Complicated’ that feels right. When I first saw it, I didn’t want to copy it exactly. I just wanted my kitchen to feel that warm and lived-in.

Meryl Streep’s character, Jane, has a kitchen that appears to have been used, enjoyed, and loved over time. It’s not overly polished or styled to perfection, and that’s what makes it feel so real.

If you’re looking to bring some of that same comfort and charm into your own kitchen, this post is for you. I’m sharing the key elements that helped me achieve the ‘It’s Complicated’ kitchen vibe.

Let’s get started!

Key Elements of the ‘It’s Complicated’ Kitchen

You’ll see soft lighting, open shelves, hanging pans, and warm wood surfaces. It doesn’t try too hard. It works because it fits how someone actually lives.

This style is about ease. You don’t need a matching set or a big budget. What matters most is creating a space where you feel relaxed and at home. If that sounds good to you, you’re already halfway there.

1. Hanging Pot Racks or Rails

A hanging rack or wall rail helps free up your cabinets and adds function to blank walls. You can hang everyday pots, pans, or utensils within easy reach. This setup also makes your kitchen look more relaxed and lived-in.

Try metal or wood finishes, and make sure the hardware is strong enough to hold weight safely.

2. Wooden Cutting and Serving Boards

Wooden boards bring a natural feel to your kitchen. You can use them for chopping, serving snacks, or layering as decor. Keep one by your stove for daily use, and stack a few on your counter to soften hard surfaces.

Choose boards made from acacia, teak, or maple for long-lasting use and a nice warm tone.

3. A Cake Stand with Baked Goods

Even a small cake stand adds comfort and beauty to your kitchen. Use it to hold cookies, pastries, or fresh bread. It becomes a gentle reminder to slow down and treat yourself. Choose one made of glass, marble, or wood, and place it where people gather, like the island or table.

4. Simple, Neutral Dishware

You don’t need fancy dishes to create a warm setting. Stick with white, cream, or muted tones. These colors work well with open shelving and feel soft on the eyes. Use stackable pieces and limit patterns to keep the look calm.

Show off your favorites by placing them near natural light or on a visible cart.

5. Fresh Potted Herbs in Natural Planters

Potted herbs are useful and also bring life to your space. You can grow basil, parsley, mint, or thyme in small ceramic or clay pots. Place them near a sunny window or on a shelf with good airflow.

They’re easy to snip when you cook and help your kitchen smell fresh every day.

6. Mixed Cookware in Classic Materials

You don’t need a full matching set. Use a mix of cast iron, enamel, and stainless steel to keep things flexible. Display a few pieces on your stove or open shelf. The mix brings a soft contrast and shows the space is used often.

Choose cookware that works for you and will last over time.

7. A Crock for Wooden Utensils

Keep your wooden tools handy in a crock instead of hiding them in drawers. A ceramic or stone container near your stove makes cooking easier and keeps your counters interesting.

Group together your wooden spoons, spatulas, and whisks. It adds texture and shows that your kitchen is ready to use at any time.

8. A Movable Island or Cart

A small island or cart gives you more surface area to prep, cook, or serve. It works great in small kitchens where space is limited. Choose one with wheels for flexibility and storage underneath.

You can tuck baskets, bowls, or tools below and move them when needed. It gives your kitchen extra depth and function.

9. Fruit Bowls for Everyday Decor

A full bowl of fruit can instantly brighten a dull corner. Lemons, oranges, apples, or pears work well for color and stay fresh longer. Use a wide, shallow bowl made of wood, stoneware, or ceramic.

Place it on the table, counter, or island. Rotate the fruit every few days to keep it looking fresh and clean.

10. A Clear Glass Pitcher

A simple pitcher filled with water, tea, or fruit slices adds charm and ease. It’s useful for meals but also looks nice left out. Try one with a soft shape and strong handle. Keep it on a tray or next to a stack of cups.

It’s the kind of small detail that helps your space feel welcoming.

11. Cushions for Your Chairs or Stools

Soft cushions on hard chairs make a big difference. They add comfort, color, and texture without changing your layout. Use tie-on pads in natural fabrics like cotton or linen.

Look for soft stripes or faded prints that don’t take over the room. They’re easy to switch out with the seasons or as your style changes.

12. Warm Lighting with a Soft Glow

Lighting affects the way your kitchen feels. Instead of just ceiling lights, use pendants, small lamps, or sconces. Pick warm bulbs that help the space feel softer, especially in the early morning or late evening.

You can also add a dimmer to control the mood when guests are over or you’re winding down.

13. Small Finishing Touches, Like Drawer Pulls or Shelf Hooks

Details like cabinet knobs or wall hooks might seem small, but they shape how your kitchen feels. Swap shiny finishes for soft metals like bronze or brushed nickel.

Add a few hooks under shelves or near the stove to hang towels or tools. These small swaps help tie everything together without much cost or effort.

Quick Tips Before You Get Started

Before you get into the full list, it helps to slow down and look at your space as it is. This kitchen style isn’t about buying everything at once. It’s about choosing what makes sense for you, one small piece at a time.

Here are a few tips to help you begin:

• Start with one item, like a wood board, a glass pitcher, or a soft light source.
• Look at what you already have and build around it instead of starting from scratch.
• Mix thrifted or passed-down pieces with newer finds to add more story to your space.
• Focus on function first, choose items that help you enjoy cooking, gathering, or relaxing.
• Don’t feel rushed. Let your space grow over time based on how you live in it.

Once you start incorporating these pieces, the overall feel of the kitchen will begin to change. Keep it simple and personal; the rest will fall into place naturally.

Conclusion

Now you’ve seen how small, personal details can completely shift the way a kitchen feels. The charm of the ‘It’s Complicated’ kitchen isn’t about perfection—it’s about warmth, ease, and a space that feels lived in.

If something in this post reminded you of that cozy, welcoming It’s Complicated kitchen feel, that’s a great place to start. It’s not about copying a movie, it’s about capturing the feeling.

Let your kitchen grow into a space that’s not only beautiful but also full of life and comfort.
And when you’re ready for more home styling ideas with heart, check out our other guides for inspiration that’s simple, thoughtful, and real.