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It happens slowly, then all at once—you put out that big bottle of olive oil that doesn’t fit in your cupboard and a bowl full of produce. But soon enough, your countertop is so full that you’re left with hardly any room to prep your food. It’s admittedly a challenge toeing the line between tidy and messy when you can’t realistically leave this space completely clear (especially if you have a cooking space to begin with). But a few kitchen counter organization ideas can help you find a method to the madness.
Paring back on any unnecessary clutter is always a good start, but beyond that a bit of strategy goes a long way. Sorting your essentials into zones (just like you would in your cabinets) is especially helpful when it comes to kitchen counter organization, and containment is key to keeping everything neat in the long run. Take a look at these spaces for inspiration, and find the perfect solutions for your own space.
Make Good Use of Nonessentials
Realistically, you’re not going to use that cake stand every day—or even every week. Instead of letting it collect dust on a high-up shelf or sit in a china cabinet, set it on a tray and use it to keep smaller essentials (like your everyday spices or oils) elevated and in easy reach, yet out of the way.
Jadeite Ruffle Cake Stands by Martha Stewart
QVC
All-In-One Cake Turn Table by Totally Sweet Products
HSN
Find Your Window
Just because you want to keep your kitchen as neat as possible doesn’t mean you have to give up any nonfunctional decor. Here, an extra-wide window ledge makes the perfect space for more decorative elements.
Nuovo vase
CB2
Favrile Glass Henna Vase
HSN
Add a Shelf
Even if you have ample cabinet space for all your dinnerware and essentials, don’t underestimate the power of a super-simple shelf, where you can store the things you use every day: Your coffee maker, olive oil, and so on. Clearing them off your counter leaves extra space for finally trying out that complicated recipe.
Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil by Thea
Ratio Eight Cobalt Glass Coffee Maker
Williams Sonoma
Hold It All Together
You can be a maximalist and still have a kitchen where every loose item has its place—People of 2morrow founder Sybil Domond’s home is proof. While long, narrow shelves serve both a decorative and functional purpose, two key elements on the countertop keep things tidy: a tray that acts as a makeshift spice rack and a basket that holds often-used liquids like maple syrup and soy sauce.
Bamboo Tray by BergHOFF
Woven Bread Basket by Longaberger
Create a Hub
Paris apartments are not known for having especially ample space—which is why this one keeps all countertop essentials, like cooking utensils and cutting boards, in easy reach of the stovetop. Opting for simple, visually pleasing tools reduces visual clutter, even when objects are grouped together in one zone.
End Grain Round Chop Block by Architec Madeira
Walnut Utensil
Set of 6, Williams Sonoma
Hang Up Your Knives
When clearing out space on your countertop, you can quickly rule out the knife block. But you don’t want to keep knives in a drawer—instead, install a metallic strip like this on the wall to store them safely in place and out of the way.
5-piece Knife Set by Antigua
Magnetic Knife Rack
Get Hooked
If you don’t have upper cabinets, a shelving system is a must when you’re in need of extra storage. But you can get even more use out of that shelf if you add hooks to it, where you can hang cooking utensils, mugs, towels, and other necessities that might otherwise take up space in your meal-prep zone.
Porcelain Mugs by Risa Nishimori, Coming Soon ($60 each)
Accessory Hooks by Range Kleen
Assemble a Serving Station
Even when you’re entertaining, a simple trick can keep your countertop looking neat: Stack plates and utensils on a tray or large cutting board, and you can easily transport them all as needed.
Jungle print enamel serving tray
CB2
Melamine Salad Plates by Le Cadeaux Antiqua
See more organizing stories: You’re 3 Steps Away From Your Most Organized Kitchen Cabinets Yet 7 Kitchen Organization Hacks That Make the Most of the Storage You Have A Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing Your Kitchen Pantry