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How to organize your kitchen countertop


13 ways to keep workspaces neat |

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(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

By Tara King

last updated

It's an on going project, but organizing kitchen countertops and keeping them clear of clutter will serve you well in more ways than one. Not only does a clear or well-ordered worktop result in a much smarter looking kitchen overall, but it also frees up cooking space and makes for an easy clean-down afterwards. 

While there is a case for leaving a few everyday essentials out on the side, minimalism is key when it comes to organizing a kitchen – and especially countertops where everything is on display. 

The less you can leave out the better. Those items that do make the grade should not only be functional, but beautiful too, worthy of a well-thought-out display that not only creates a smoother cooking experience but brings aesthetic value to your kitchen.  

From curated groupings and stylish storage ideas to top decluttering tips, we’ve compiled a list of steps you can take when organizing kitchen countertops – with a little help from the experts – to ensure they stay organized, and beautifully organized, at that. 

Organizing kitchen countertops

Organizing kitchen countertops is, in truth, a never-ending chore. Clearing it of clutter is a daily task, but you do need to rethink your kitchen countertop ideas once every few months to ensure that what's out is a) good-looking and/or b) useful. Make sure you consider other countertops, too. These ideas are also handy for laundry room organization and utility room organization. 

1. Do a daily declutter 

(Image credit: Havenly)

‘Because the kitchen is often the heart of the home, lots of ‘stuff’ tends to accumulate; bills that need paying, kids' schoolwork, reusable grocery bags, etc. To ensure countertops remain neat, tidy and well-organized, we urge our clients to declutter at least once a day,’ says Kate Pawlowski, professional organizer and co-founder of Done & Done Home .  

‘Relocate anything that belongs elsewhere, put dirty dishes in the dishwasher and wipe down every flat surface – this five-minute task sets you up for the following day’. 

2. Have much used utensils to hand

(Image credit: Polly Eltes/Future PLC)

If you’re short on drawer space, keep utensils such as spatulas and wooden spoons on the counter, too. Stash them in a purpose-made container or improvise with a tall jug, and follow the rule on handedness, positioning this to the right of the stove if you’re right handed and the other side if you favor the left.

3. Group much used ingredients on countertops

(Image credit: Future)

What you always need when you’re cooking might be stored there also, but don’t locate these supplies directly on the surface. ‘Use trays to gather oils, condiments etc,’ says Kate Hatherell, founder of The Interior Designers Hub . ‘Not only does this look visually better, but it is super important especially if you have porous worktops like stone. ’

4. Keep much used appliances out

(Image credit: DeVOL)

Assess any small appliances first: those that are used daily or very often (say the toaster and coffee machine) can stay out; those that aren’t use as frequently (say the slow cooker) should go away into a cupboard (but don’t forget the store low rule if an item you’re tidying away is heavy). If you have a coffee machine on show, you might want to keep supplies along with it on the counter so you can brew up easily in the morning perhaps along with what you need for making tea.  

5. But put other kitchen appliances away

(Image credit: Thomas Dalhoff)

Minimalism is key when it comes to organizing kitchen countertops. ‘A kitchen full of gadgets is not conducive to a calm, organized space,’ says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL . ‘My advice is to be very selective with what you purchase – buy appliances seldomly but make what you do buy good. A really beautiful coffee maker on display is far more impressive than a random plethora of stuff you’ve inherited, bought or been gifted. ' 

A good rule to go by is to only keep out gadgets you use daily – store the rest away. It’s worth remembering that kitchen storage ideas don’t have to be in the cooking zone. Think outside of the kitchen – particularly if you’re looking for small kitchen storage ideas. ‘I have a sideboard in the dining room, right next to my kitchen, where I store my bulky crockpot and air fryer,’ says Alexandra, co-founder and interior designer at Clairrow . I don’t use them every day and relocating them means I free up both countertop and storage space’. 

If you’re rethinking kitchen layout ideas, consider having as many appliances built in as possible. Think about opting for a hot water tap – that way you won’t need to factor in a kettle.

6. Stick to a scheme  

(Image credit: Future )

 As well as investing in good-quality (and good-looking) appliances, it’s worth taking material and color choices into account, too when organizing kitchen countertops. 

‘It’s helpful to buy counter appliances in a color similar to your wall, tiles and countertops so they blend into their surroundings’, says Stephanie Nix, kitchen designer at Neptune .  

Professional organizer Darla DeMorrow not only agrees, she suggests you apply this tactic more widely: ‘As well as appliances, I’d also stick to a single color across soap, sponges and anything else you have out on show; this makes for an orderly look and creates an overall feeling of calm.'  

7. See the beauty in the everyday 

(Image credit: Future)

It’s worth bearing in mind that a totally clutter-free kitchen can look stark – not to mention somewhat impractical. You’ll want to inject some personality, it is a living kitchen, after all. According to Heather Hoerzen, design editor at Havenly , the trick is to choose items that are all about form, as well as function. 

‘While I’m all for pragmatic kitchen countertop organization, it’s more than worth it to invest in and display everyday items that not only get the job done but look beautiful while doing it. Good examples include a marble pestle and mortar, vintage-inspired salt and pepper grinders, richly grained wooden cutting boards, a ceramic garlic stash, woven baskets for storing produce and a crafted wooden dish scrub’.

The same goes for utensil holders and coffee canisters, too — you'll want both of these on your countertop for ease, but it's important to ensure they look the part.

8. Create artistic displays 

(Image credit: Kitchen Makers)

Similarly, it’s important to put as much thought into how you display individual items on your countertops as you do the items themselves. Meaningful, artistic arrangements can add aesthetic value while still contributing towards an organized, efficient workspace.  

‘We often recommend pairing a large linear item like a cutting board with a horizontal item, such as a few stacked cookbooks. Then introduce a couple of sculptural items, such as a bowl of lemons or salt and pepper mills. Voila! Useful, organized and so pretty’, says Heather. 

9. Group items together on trays  

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

As we’ve established, a less cluttered worktop makes for a well-organized one. A tray reads as one item on a countertop as opposed to several, not to mention it brings like-items together nicely – something experts always advise doing when you are organizing kitchen cabinets.  

Interior stylist and author of The New Mindful Home (Laurence King Publishing), Joanna Thornhill recommends them for storing your most-used ingredients for cooking. ‘You can use trays to contain key condiments such as oils and seasonings, alongside spreads or salad dressings which don’t require refrigeration, and it allows everything to be lifted up in one go when you need to wipe down the sides,’ she says.  

As well as looking better visually, it protects your countertops from spillages – particularly important if you have a porous material, such as marble.  

Where you position your groupings is also important. Think about how you move around your kitchen daily. It makes sense to place a jar of utensils next to the cooker where they’re easy to grab, for example. Follow the rule on handedness and position on a countertop to the right of the stove if you’re right-handed, and to the left otherwise.

10. Choose stylish storage for smaller items

(Image credit: DeVOL)

Instead of organizing kitchen drawers to create more space when they are perhaps already over-burdened, consider countertop storage that you don't mind having on show.  

‘Woven baskets, bread containers or other decorative boxes also work really well to hide clutter. You can store small items like daily vitamins and supplements in a larger decorative container to hide the visual clutter and access easier than in a deep cabinet,’ says Stephanie. 

To maximize on space, opt for storage ideas with a thin profile – think small risers, vertically stacked jars and fine-metal grid baskets, for example. Choose the same style of storage, or pieces that look good when grouped together, for a coherent look. 

11. Decant dried food into containers 

(Image credit: Kilner)

Storing cooking supplies on your countertop is practical, but too much food packaging out on show can look garish. Joanna advises decanting dried foods into tightly sealed glass storage jars, just as you might if organizing a pantry, and we’re fans of using transparent containers when organizing a refrigerator and organizing a chest freezer, too.

On the countertop, glass jars make for a stylish display, plus ensure it is easy to spot when you’re running low on ingredients.  

‘Use a chalk label to write on any best-before dates as well as the product type, to keep things organized,’ she recommends. 

Thinking of organizing spices this way? Keeping them out of the light is recommended, so think of putting them into kitchen cabinets, or stashing them neatly as part of organizing deep pantry shelves instead.

12. Make wall space work overtime  

An easy way to claim back workspace – especially if you’re organizing a small kitchen – is to think vertically. A cumbersome knife block can be replaced by a kitchen organizer such as a wall-mounted magnetic strip for example, while bulky cook books are better suited to wall-mounted shelves rather than stacked on your counters. 

While open kitchen shelving ideas are the obvious go-to for clearing countertop clutter, the humble hook has the potential to add flair to your kitchen design, whether hung from a rail or simply mounted on a wall. They can even be used for organizing pots and pans.

‘Hooks are one of the most creative (and homely) solutions. They can turn your apron collection into textured wall art, your chopping boards into wooden focal points and your backsplash into an untapped storage spot, all while freeing up other space too’, says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr . 

13. Hide behind closed doors 

‘Modern kitchen design features such as bi-folding breakfast cupboards enable countertop items such as appliances, storage caddies and food containers to be hidden away yet still easily accessible for an uncluttered finish that frees up countertop space’, says George Forsyth, director of Drew Forsyth & Co . 

You could also look to your dresser or pantry for extra worktop space: ‘You can have these fitted with outlets at the back so you can store and use appliances, then simply close the doors on clutter,’ says Emma Cowburn, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones . Pantry organizers can be used to keep foodstuffs and other items neat in here, too.

When it comes to organizing under the sink – we’re talking dish detergent, sponges, dishwasher tablets, cleaning products, etc – store them in caddies attached to the inside of the under-sink cabinet so they’re hidden out of sight but still close to hand. 

How do I keep my kitchen counters clutter free? 

As the hub of the home, the kitchen tends to accumulate a lot of ‘stuff’, so a daily declutter is essential for keeping counters clear. Move everything back to its original position, file bills, receipts, mail and any other paperwork that’s come in that day, put dirty plates in the dishwasher and wipe down surfaces. 

Keep appliances to a minimum, just one or two that you use every day, such as a sleek coffee machine. Store the rest behind closed doors. Try to arrange items in deliberate groupings where you can, ideally on a tray to keep them as one – tea and coffee making essentials, cooking oils and seasonings, for example. Decant items from their packaging into coordinating containers where you can. Smaller items can be stored together neatly in stylish storage boxes – designate one for your keys and wallet rather than leaving them out on the side. 

Whether it’s a portable kitchen island or freestanding kitchen, creating more countertop space is one way to ensure you avoid a cluttered feel, particularly in a small kitchen. Similarly, a slimline trolley positioned at the end of a run of units is handy for keeping jars, packets and cartons off counters but still within easy reach. 

What should be left out on kitchen counters? 

A kitchen must foremost be functional, so it’s inevitable that some items will remain out – not to mention a totally clutter-free kitchen can look a little stark. However, err towards clearer countertops, particularly if you’re following Marie Kondo’s advice on organizing a small kitchen.

When making your decision, ask yourself two questions – do you use it everyday? Secondly, is it attractive? If the answer is yes to both, then it’s a contender.  

Ultimately, you’re looking for items that combine form and function, to ensure your kitchen remains both stylish and practical. Vintage-inspired salt and pepper grinders, richly grained wooden cutting boards, a ceramic food waste pot, for example. 

Cooking ingredients are handy when left within easy reach but group them together on trays to avoid a cluttered feel and rid yourself of packaging by decanting dried goods into glass jars. Similarly for utensils and knives, invest in an attractive container or block, or consider a wall-mounted magnetic strip or rail and hooks as storage options instead. 

When it comes to appliances, the same questions apply, but stick to just one or two – a good-looking coffee machine can make a striking statement when allowed to take pride of place.

For 10 years, Tara King worked as a Content Editor in the magazine industry, before leaving to become freelance, covering interior design, wellbeing, craft and homemaking. As well as writing for Ideal Home, Style at Home, Country Homes & Interiors, Tara’s keen eye for styling combined with a passion for creating a happy – and functional – family home has led to a series of organization and cleaning features for H&G.  

Essential Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Counters Organized

Kitchen counters often go one of two ways. If you have a small counter, you might spend a fair amount of time lamenting how little will fit on it. And if your counter is spacious, you might complain that it acts as a clutter magnet.

Here are five tips to help you keep your kitchen counter organized and neat, regardless of its size.

What to Store on a Kitchen Counter (And What Not To)

It's not superfluous: 8 things that will only decorate the countertop in the kitchen

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10/19/2020

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We'll tell you what to do if you don't like an empty table top and would like to leave something useful or just beautiful on it. nine0003

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To be clean and beautiful, it is not necessary to get rid of all the items on the countertop. Plus, it doesn't always look good. What can be left on the work surface so that it looks beautiful and at the same time is not cluttered, we tell in the article.

1 Stylish bread box

If your family loves bread, instead of hiding it in the cupboard and taking it out every time, you can provide a beautiful bread box. nine0003

Instagram @bohoandnordic

This accessory will fit on the worktop, even if you have a small kitchen. Choose a design that matches the general mood in the interior.

2 Small houseplant

A houseplant in a stylish flowerpot will help to add freshness to the room.

Instagram @thistlegrass

The flower can be left on the counter, but it is important that it is compact and not spreading, otherwise the leaves will interfere with cooking. nine0003

3 Tidy shelf with small things

A shelf can be an option for storing useful items on the countertop. Buy ready-made or adapt a three-story dessert stand for it.

Instagram @vicislandliebe

If you have a lot of small items that you always need to have on hand, whatnot is the most successful organization option. But do not get carried away and do not overload the compartments, store only what you need. nine0003

4 A bunch of ladles in a pretty glass

A variety of wooden ladles, skimmers and other cooking utensils can be left on the countertop. They look most aesthetically pleasing in the form of a "bouquet" in a stylish glass stand.

Instagram @_abouthome_

If you plan to store accessories openly, take care of their appearance: they must be clean and match the style of the kitchen interior. nine0003

5 Spice basket

The most popular spices in the kitchen are salt and black pepper. They are often used in cooking and added to dishes. It is logical that these seasonings are best left in plain sight and not hidden in the closet.

Instagram @cioccolatoalpeperoncino

Provide a beautiful basket for your favorite spices. It can be metal, mesh or woven from wood or straw. Such an organization will help to neatly decorate the countertop, and the decor will not look redundant. nine0003

6 Coffee "station"

A tea or coffee nook can be arranged on the kitchen worktop so that everything you need is at hand.

Instagram @poetit

Use decorative trays or baskets to hold jars of sugar, tea or coffee, and place coffee makers and teapots nearby. You can place the appliances simply on the countertop or organize everything on one large tray. The second option is more convenient when cleaning. nine0003

7 Bouquet of flowers

This is a purely decorative detail that is designed to fill the interior of the kitchen with a festive mood.

Instagram @mazale_

A bouquet of flowers from the store or your garden will perfectly decorate the countertop in the kitchen. Try to place it away from the stove, if the footage allows, so the plants will last longer. If the flowers have stamens with pollen, it is better to cut them off so as not to stain the surface of the countertop. This is especially true for flowers such as lilies. nine0003

8 Fresh Baked Goods

A tin of cookies or a homemade apple pie can be a great addition to your kitchen.

@mycozymoment

Freshly baked is not only beautiful, but also fragrant: no third-party flavors are needed to fill the house with delicious smells.

Prepared by

Elena Perlova

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what should always be at hand - Roomble.com

2021-06-01T02:46:00+00:00 2021-06-01T02:51:11+00:00 Secrets of a comfortable kitchen: what should always be at hand 2021-06-01T02:46:00+00:00 What should be placed directly on the kitchen worktop and always kept ready, and what is better to keep away? Detailed recommendations with explanations: revealing the secrets of a comfortable kitchen Secrets of a comfortable kitchen: what should always be at hand nine0003

What should be placed directly on the kitchen worktop and always kept ready, and what should be kept away? Detailed recommendations with explanations: revealing the secrets of a comfortable kitchen

The storage system is the basis of a competent organization of any space. This is especially true for the design of a small kitchen: the countertop is often full of all kinds of utensils and household appliances. How to avoid it? Take some time to organize your kitchen and understand what is worth putting in plain sight and what would be good to hide away. nine0003

Kitchen utensils. A ladle, a spatula, a whisk - we use all this every day in the process of cooking, so there is no point in putting them away. It can be placed on rails, on a special stand or in some beautiful jug near the stove.

Paper towels. In the kitchen, they are constantly needed - and therefore should always be ready. When something accidentally boils away or spills, it will be extremely inconvenient to get paper towels from the far drawer of the table. nine0003

Dishwashing detergents. Sponge, detergent, brush - all this is more convenient to keep at the sink, at hand.

Dish dryer. Even if you have a dishwasher with a drying function, a small tumble dryer by the sink is still a good idea: you wouldn't run the machine just for one cup, for example.

Our opinion:

— You can choose special dryers separately for mugs, plates and cutlery in order to organize the kitchen space as conveniently as possible. nine0003

Salt and pepper. As well as the most commonly used spices in cooking. Agree, every time reaching for them in the closet is not very convenient.

Coffee maker. If you love coffee and drink it every day, the coffee machine (or coffee maker) should take pride of place in your kitchen.

Our opinion:

— If you do not have enough space on the countertop to place a coffee maker or coffee machine, pay attention to built-in and wall models. Or organize a small coffee bar. nine0003

Stylish storage accessories. Containers, jars, baskets, various containers and other small storage helpers can fit perfectly into the interior and provide quick access to what you need, whether it be cookies, sweets, napkins, portioned cream or something else.

Cookbooks. If you cook from cookbooks regularly, it's wise to purchase a special book holder to save countertop space and not risk ruining your edition. And for gadget lovers, there are many desktop and hanging holders for tablets and mobile phones on sale. nine0003

Cutting boards. They tend to be quite bulky, but if you have a large cooking area, why not place the planks in plain sight? At least the ones you use the most. By the way, cutting boards often look very stylish and can also serve as an element of decor.

Fruit bowl. It has been proven that if fruits are in sight, they are eaten much faster. Place a bowl of fruit in a conspicuous place - and the likelihood that a snack will be healthy will increase significantly. nine0003

Electrical appliances that are rarely used. If you only need a combine, mixer and electric meat grinder a few times a month, there is no point in cluttering up the countertop with them.

Our opinion:

— When it comes to small appliances, be guided by your own lifestyle. If you often prepare vegetable and fruit juices and smoothies, there is no point in putting your blender or juicer far away. If you start your morning with toast, keep a toaster ready. Love homemade bread - place a bread machine on the countertop. Well, those devices that are used infrequently, put away. nine0003

Crockery. Pots, pans, plates, cups and other utensils for cooking and serving must not be placed on the countertop. Find a safer place for her.

Mini collections. Even if you collect cups or souvenir plates, they have no place in the cooking area. Try to place your mini collection away from the stove and kitchen worktop.

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