The kitchen is usually a busy center where the hustle and bustle of everyday life takes place. It seems that kitchen countertops are destined to stay messy and messy no matter how hard you try. The question is, how can you maintain kitchen countertops that are practical but tidy? Comfortable but neat? We asked experts for their kitchen countertop organization tips to keep them that way. Below are 7 rules that professional organizers swear by to keep kitchen countertops clutter-free and functional.
Nothing says stylish like a well-organized kitchen worktop
Discover how to organize kitchen countertops like a pro
7 expert tips for organizing kitchen countertops
In truth, organizing kitchen countertops is a never-ending task. Clearing them of clutter is a daily task, but you need to revisit your kitchen countertop ideas every few months to make sure what’s out there looks good and is useful. While it’s good to set aside a few everyday essentials, minimalism is key when it comes to organizing a kitchen – and especially when it comes to countertops where everything is on display. The less you can leave out, the better.
Minimalism is the key to organizing a kitchen
#1. Decide which devices should remain on the desktops
The first step in organizing kitchen countertops is deciding which appliances need to be left out and which can be put away. Ideally, you should store larger items in cupboards, but only do so if it’s convenient for you. For example, if you reach for your blender every morning, it’s unrealistic to put it back in the cupboard after each use.
We have compiled a list of steps you can take when organizing kitchen countertops
Be realistic about the devices you use on a regular basis and remove anything from the countertop that isn’t necessary or isn’t used on a daily basis. Try setting up a small appliance section in your kitchen cabinets so you can quickly access the appliances you need and then put them away – this way you avoid leaving out appliances cluttering up your worktops.
Since the kitchen is often the heart of the house, a lot of “stuff” accumulates there
#2. Categorize your space
It is important that the drain in the kitchen is practical and convenient. A good way to ensure this is to keep similar items together so you don’t have to rummage through different closets while completing a task. Put your kettle and coffee maker in the same area as your cups and mugs, keep pots and pans close to the stove, and plates and dishes are easier to put away when they are close to the dishwasher. The better your items are organized, the more likely it is that your workspaces will remain clutter-free and functional because you can stick to a system that fits your everyday life.
If you’re short on drawer space, you can store utensils like wooden spoons on the counter
#3. Organize smaller kitchen items
Smaller items that you reach for frequently don’t necessarily need to be stored in closets. They can find space on the kitchen countertop if they are well organized and they can even look pretty and aesthetic with the help of storage systems. A spice rack, for example, is a much better choice than loose jars near the hob because it’s a convenient place for them. Transfer liquid foods like olive oil and vinegar to clear jars, which look much neater than branded bottles.
First, check all small appliances: appliances that are used daily or very frequently can stay outside
#4. Designate a place for random items
Random items are a normal part of every household and quite often the kitchen becomes the place where they are left behind. To stop the clutter and keep things tidy, make a special place for storing random items. You can use a basket system when you are in a hurry to put items away. You can put objects in there that don’t belong there and need to be put back in their place – this creates instant order and means you can put the items away when you have 10 minutes to spare!
A good rule is to only keep the devices you use every day – keep the rest away
A small basket at the end of the countertop is a far better solution than leaving loose items lying around indiscriminately. If you want to keep your work surfaces as organized as possible, you can also set up a kitchen drawer for small items – just make sure that the contents of the drawer are as organized and clear as possible.
The trick is to choose items that focus not only on function but also on form
#5. Always leave the kitchen better than you found it
With so much going on in the kitchen, clutter is inevitable throughout the day. The most important thing is to leave the kitchen as you found it. Interior designer Ryan McDonough recommends looking at the kitchen from an outsider’s perspective and asking yourself what little things you can do now to make the kitchen just that little bit better. By taking small steps throughout the day, you can ensure that your kitchen is always kept in perfect condition.
Just ten minutes a day can help you a lot in maintaining your kitchen
As for kitchen cleaning tips, keep in mind that a quick touch up after using the kitchen only takes 10 minutes – put everything back in place and wipe down the surfaces. If you commit to doing this every day, your kitchen worktops will remain functional and clean well into the future.
When organizing, think about how you move around your kitchen every day
#6. Stick to a schedule
In addition to investing in high-quality (and good-looking) appliances, it is also worth considering the choice of material and color when designing kitchen worktops. Stephanie Nix, kitchen designer, says it helps to buy kitchen appliances in a similar color to the walls, tiles, and countertops so they blend in with the environment. Professional organizer Darla DeMorrow not only agrees, but suggests using this tactic on a larger scale. She says that not only does she keep the gadgets a single color, but also the soap, sponges, and anything else you display.
This ensures an orderly appearance and creates a calm overall feeling
#7. Choose stylish storage for smaller items
Another step in organizing kitchen countertops are the small items that are usually lying around. Instead of organizing kitchen drawers to create more space when they might already be overcrowded, consider a countertop shelf that won’t bother you when it’s on display.
Think of a countertop shelf that you like to display
To make the most of space, opt for storage ideas with a narrow profile—think small stirrups, vertically stacked jars, and baskets with fine metal mesh. Choose the same style of storage or pieces that go well together for a cohesive look.
Glass jars are great for organizing kitchen countertops – they offer a stylish look
