Vic and I met Jaci Daily about four years ago and bonded almost instantly. Jaci began her Instagram design channel as a hobby, but we had a feeling it would grow to much more - and oh, how it has. We’re so proud to have her utilize some of our items in her luscious Arizona home. When it came time to answer some Rose Bud questions about counter styling and shelf styling, Jaci was our go-to gal.
Shelves, counters, mantels - they can overwhelm some of us quickly. How many items? Too many? Too few? Matching colors? Textures? No worries, Jaci has us covered.
“The first step is to start with a blank slate. Some people want to build upon what they already have placed. I say, take it all down!” Jaci said.
Jaci places all the decorative accents she is considering for a space and lays them out on a table. Then she assesses. She looks at heights, textures, colors and begins grouping items together to get a solid sense of what she’s working with.
“Begin with larger, more substantial pieces. Then create groupings,” she said.
Jaci Daily’s breakfast nook
“Make it functional! I wouldn’t decorate a breakfast nook like a library, but I do have cookbooks on shelves,” Jaci said. “Make it look functional but pretty. These might not be pieces you would use everyday (for cooking or serving), but they are actually functional - the mortar, juicer, pitcher. We do use those coffee mugs all the time.”
Quill Black Waxed Metal Urns Set of 2
You can see these shiny urns on the top shelf of Jaci’s breakfast nook. They provide a nice contrast to the neutral items displayed on the shelves.
I find these modern urns work very well on their own, but they also look great with a few simple stems.
“Greenery is actually how I use color,” Jaci says. “Faux or real, I use a lot of greenery around. I always have fresh flowers on my counter.”
These urns are suited for counters, shelves or sideboards - really, they can really be showcased anywhere in your home that needs a little contrast. (They’re sold as a set of two.)
Fallon Cream Stoneware Canister 3 Sizes
Functional but pretty is Jaci’s message, and you can see how these canisters can be used right next to the coffee maker: coffee grounds, sweetener, tea bags - or even some tasty cookies or biscuits!
We love neutral and stylish stoneware pieces like these creamy canisters that come in three sizes – sold individually. I especially adore the little leather loop on top of the oak lid. It’s a nice, modern touch to add to farmhouse or boho décor.
Fallon Cream Stoneware Pitcher
You may have seen this handsome pitcher at the top left of Jaci’s breakfast nook styling. It’s a great neutral piece to add to a shelf or counter - and, of course, it’s also functional.
Jaci’s kitchen counter styling
It can be easy to overdo it with a kitchen counter, as there are items you “need” to live there and you also want it to be attractive to the eye.
“I try very hard not to overcrowd the counter,” Jaci said.
One tip is hiding kitchen appliances in the pantry, cabinets or drawers, leaving room for pretty items on the counter.
We love this fun set of reproduction vintage style rolling pins for your farmhouse kitchen. Each one is a bit different and, with a set of four, you can style them in a number of ways. Jaci chose to place them inside the Alani Matte White Terracotta Pot Set, as seen in her kitchen photo above.
“On the countertop, I prefer pretty canisters - or cachepots - you can put utensils in or rolling pins. Once again, I like bringing in neutral items that also draw the eye,” Jaci said.
Alani Matte White Terracotta Pot Set
We love the matte glaze on these terra cotta pots, providing a smooth texture. White remains a color that works in pops for every season, and I think you’ll agree it looks wonderful next to the natural clay color of the terra cotta. (You can also use these pots as planters to add some greenery to your space.)
Thank you, Jaci, for sharing some great ideas for shelf and counter styling. Jaci includes videos on her Instagram page with ideas for different groupings for counters and shelves, too.
All this writing about breakfast nooks and kitchens is making me hungry, so I’m off to find a snack. Until next time, Rose Buds, keep it functional and pretty!
Like the look? You can shop Jaci's whole collection here.
