As a professional organizer, I’ve found that kitchen counters become clutter in most homes, and the clutter never seems to stop. Kitchen surfaces are used all the time, from tools that are actually needed when eating to everyday objects that mysteriously enter the room.
Luckily, I’ve mastered a few ways over the years to drastically reduce the number of items that require valuable counter space. Most kitchen countertop finishing ideas require minimal time, effort, and investment, but can make a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. These storage solutions can also help simplify your daily life.
Place the Items on the Tray
This kitchen counter finishing concept not only looks effortless and elegant, but also functional. A carefully placed tray next to the stove can hold oil and vinegar bottles, a salt cellar and, if large enough, a vat of kitchen tools. The ceramic tray next to the sink is perfect for putting dish soap and hand sanitizer together with a scrub brush or sponge. Or drop one next to your coffee maker and create the ultimate home coffee bar with your favorite cups, sugar, and syrup.
Trays on the kitchen island can be used to display décor and hold excess clutter. Includes a mail organizer and one or two small bins for collecting items that need to be sorted and stored elsewhere. This prevents clutter from taking over the kitchen and makes wiping down counters a breeze as you only need to pick up a tray. A lazy Susan or even a cake stand can do the trick if you want.
Select a Tiered Basket
If your family loves fresh produce and often has plenty on hand, countertop decluttering can be tricky. For fruits and vegetables that don’t need refrigeration, countertop baskets are the best option. However, consider maximizing the space by placing it vertically.
Fruit baskets with two or three tiers take up very little surface space while providing storage. A combo basket with a banana stand is also a smart choice. Or choose a stackable bin with a square, open front, bamboo or metal finish. Finally, baskets hanging from the wall or ceiling completely save counter space. Try a separate hanging basket or a layered hanging style with jute or lace.
Take Advantage of Floating Shelves
If your kitchen lacks cupboard space, consider adding floating shelves to a blank wall. Like trays, open kitchen shelves look beautiful and serve their purpose at the same time. Use them to store some bulky items that are currently taking up countertop space, such as canned coffee and sugar. Or use open shelves to store your collection of cutting boards and cookbooks so they don’t get in your way, but still have them at your fingertips.
Hang Some Hooks
It’s no secret that small kitchens face a range of storage challenges. If both drawer and counter space are limited, cooking utensils can quickly become cluttered. Consider hanging them on the wall instead of putting oversized clay pots or stuffing utensils in drawers. A simple wall-mounted shelf with S-shaped hooks can help neatly place utensils and keep them within reach while preparing meals.
Consider Using a Magnetic Turret
The tool holder also takes up a significant portion of valuable bench space. Plus, it’s one of the places in the kitchen with the most bacteria. The magnetic blade is a space-saving, intelligent solution. Do your research to determine the best tool holder for your needs; A good quality knife holder should be sturdy enough to hold your knives without worrying about any accidents.
Use Appliances Smartly
One of the rules of kitchen organization is to keep countertops as clean as possible. If it’s full of large and small appliances, it’s almost impossible. Some frequently used appliances, such as coffee makers and toasters, should be permanently placed on the counter if they make your daily life easier. For everything else, consider other locations to keep the device out of sight. A base cabinet is great for storing items that are taken out weekly, while a cabinet above a microwave or refrigerator can store appliances that are rarely used. Or consider installing an appliance garage where appliances are close but hidden.
Add Islands
This kitchen countertop organization concept is one of the most cost-effective ways to increase counter space. If you want to remodel, consider installing an island; If not, consider adding a separate kitchen island with storage. Choose islands with larger areas; A leaf can also help you prepare your meals comfortably. Island shelves give you space to store items that would otherwise be on your kitchen counter, freeing up more counter space. Some styles also include hook holders for hanging cutlery or cups or rods for placing rags or paper towels.
Secret Storage Inside the Cabinet
Instead of putting measuring cups and spoons on the counter or tucking them into drawers, try this unique kitchen storage idea. Install small, free-standing hooks on the inside of the door, preferably close to where you’ll be doing most of your baking and cooking. Each cup and spoon has its own hook and the capacity is clearly marked so that you can grab the cup and spoon you need in a pinch.
