Spice Up Your Kitchen Counters With These Clever Accessorizing Tips
If your kitchen counters are starting to look cluttered and disorganized, it may be time for an accessorizing refresh. A few simple updates can transform your counters from drab to fab. Read on for clever tips to maximize function and style.
Accessorizing your kitchen counters serves multiple purposes. First, it optimizes storage and organization so everything has a handy home. Second, it adds an infusion of personality to brighten your meal prep zone. Lastly, it clears clutter so you reclaim precious counter space for cooking and baking.
Keep Counters Streamlined With Smart Organization
The first step in counter accessorizing is editing down to the essentials. Be ruthless and remove any items you don't use on a near-daily basis. Donate or relocate anything that just collects dust.
Next, think through how you use your counters. Where do you prep food? Where do appliances and tools live when not in use? Identify your kitchen work zones so items have logical homes.
Use Trays and Turntables for Small Items
Gather like items into trays and turntables to keep small things corralled. Spices, oils, seasoning packets, and kitchen tools are perfect for these shallow containers. Not only do they look uniform and tidy, but you can access what you need quickly.
Lazy susans and turntables are excellent for corner cabinet organizing as well. You can spin to see everything in a small space and eliminate the dreaded "black hole" effect.
Store Dry Goods in Matching Glass Jars
Use clear glass canisters or jars to hold staples like flour, sugar, pasta, rice, and coffee. Square jars maximize space efficiently. Label jars clearly so you don't have to guess what's inside.
Aim for uniformity with matching lids and a cohesive look. But don't be afraid to mix materials like glass, stoneware, and stainless steel for an eclectic vibe.
Install Functional Racks and Shelves
Take advantage of vertical storage above counters with racks and shelves. Mount a stainless steel paper towel holder and knife block within arms reach. Or hang a pot lid rack for bulky but oft-used items.
Spice racks keep seasoning organized and accessible while freeing up drawer space. For a custom look, install floating shelves to hold cookbooks or decor.
Infuse Personality With Stylish Decor Touches
Once your counters are decluttered and organized, inject some style. Look for pieces that serve both form and function so counters don't get cluttered again.
Display Cherished Kitchenware
Turn your favorite kitchen tools and appliances into decor. Show off that shiny mixer or chic espresso maker. Mount a distressed cutting board or framed vintage utensil print.
Display cookbooks propped open to favorite recipes. Or lay out cutting boards, rolling pins, and marble mortars for an inviting cooking zone.
Add Pops of Color With Fruits and Flowers
A simple bowl of lemons, limes, pears or plums adds cheerful color and freshness. Swap fruits out seasonally for variety.
Fresh flowers or herb plants in ceramic planters inject life and aroma. Go for hardy varieties that thrive in your kitchen's light and humidity.
Style Practical Storage With Woven and Ceramic Pieces
Woven baskets or ceramic canisters upgrade boring storage. Stash onions and garlic in an oversized rattan basket. Decant bulk coffee and flour into urn-shaped stoneware.
Include some whimsy too. Vintage tins hold utensils neatly and add retro flair. Clothespin racks corral cooking tools on the cheap.
FAQs
What are the best countertop materials?
Granite, quartz, marble, and wood are top choices. Seek heat-resistant, non-porous materials that withstand cooking messes and wear.
How do I organize a small kitchen?
Focus on vertical storage with wall-mounted racks and shelves. Opt for shallow, narrow containers. And limit counter items to true essentials.
No - daily use items like oils, utensils, and appliances can stay. Just stash less-used items out of the way. Keep at least 1/3 of counter space clear.
With a thoughtful refresh, your kitchen counters can become both beautiful and highly functional. Just remember - edit ruthlessly, organize smartly, and add style in moderation.