Strategies to Revamp Your Kitchen Storage for a Minimal, Organized Appearance:
Tired of a messy kitchen? Here's a fresh take on decluttering your culinary space!
Ditch Open Shelves for Closed Cabinets
Open kitchen shelves might be trendy, but they can lead to a disorganized mess. Jen Williams, a custom storage expert, suggests opting for cabinets equipped with pull-out shelves, bins, and baskets. They provide easy access while keeping your goods tucked away, free from chaos. If you still love the look of open shelves, limit them to one or two displays for less-used items, while everyday essentials stay tucked behind closed doors.
Say Goodbye to Coffee Stations
While practical, coffee stations can take up a lot of precious counter space. Instead, consider a hidden pull-out drawer within a cabinet to keep your mugs, K-Cups, and accessories out of sight. This way, your morning routines stay smooth and your counters remain clutter-free.
Address the Issue of Small Appliances
Air fryers, espresso makers, and toasters are kitchen must-haves, but they can make your countertops look messy. Opt for a custom pantry with deep adjustable shelving to accommodate even large appliances. They'll be within arm's reach when needed, yet neatly hidden from sight. Alternatively, during a major kitchen renovation, consider installing an appliance garage for a sleek, streamlined design.
Streamline Your Spice Rack
A bulky, visible rack filled with mismatched spice containers can create visual clutter. Williams suggests a pull-out drawer with labelled jars for a tidy, uniform collection that's easy to access and organize. If a drawer isn't available, store your spice rack in the cabinets for more counter space.
Optimize Cleaning Product Storage
Storing cleaning supplies under the sink often results in a cramped, messy situation. Instead, create a pantry or closet space for cleaning products and tools. This setup keeps everything easily accessible while keeping your countertops clutter-free.
Keep Track of Water Bottles with Drawer Dividers
Staying hydrated is essential, but water bottles can take up valuable shelf space. Use drawer dividers to create sections for your bottles, making them easy to grab and go without causing a clutter mess.
Organize Oils and Vinegars with Turntables
Bottles of oil, vinegar, and cooking sprays often end up creating a chaotic bunch on the counter. Swap this for a turntable to keep your oils organized, accessible, and contained. This simple upgrade adds style and function, making the menagerie of bottles look purposeful. For a more polished appearance, consider decanting your oils and vinegars into labeled dispensers.
Store Knives in Drawers – Not Blocks
Bulky knife blocks can take up counter space and may even pose safety and hygiene concerns. Opt for a knife drawer insert instead for a sleek look. By doing so, blades are protected and organized, minimizing the risk of bacterial build-up in hard-to-clean crevices. If you don't have extra drawer space, a magnetic knife strip can also help clear up counters.
Display Kids' Art on a Display Board – Not the Fridge
Overflowing artwork on the fridge can create an overall cluttered look. To keep your kitchen intentional and less cluttered, set up a dedicated photo or art board in a hallway, mudroom, or kitchen nook as an alternative display space.
Create a Drop Zone for Mail
Mail tends to pile up on the counter, adding unnecessary stress to the heart of the home. To combat this, set up a designated mail drop zone using a tray or a wall organizer. Keeping paper clutter contained helps your kitchen feel like a place to cook and connect, rather than sort through junk mail.
Sources:
[1] "4 Kitchen Organization Hacks You Need to Try," Good Housekeeping, 2018.
[2] "Skip These 10 Kitchen Trends with a Bad Reputation," Houzz, 2019.
[3] "5 Kitchen Storage Solutions that Help Keep Your Kitchen Tidy," HGTV, 2018.
[4] "The Best Way to Store Spices in Your Kitchen," The Spruce Eats, 2018.
[5] "18 Small Kitchen Solutions for Smart Storage," The Spruce Eats, 2018.
- Realsimple interior-design strategies can help declutter your home's kitchen organizing, such as replacing open shelves with closed cabinets for a tidier look.
- Organizing small appliances like air fryers and espresso makers can be managed by installing a custom pantry with adjustable shelving or an appliance garage during home-improvement projects.
- Streamlining your spice rack can prevent visual clutter; consider implementing a pull-out drawer with labelled jars in your cabinet routine.
- Turntables can be used to organize oils and vinegars, keeping them accessible and adding a noticeable touch of style to your kitchen storage.
- Opt for knife drawer inserts instead of blocks to securely store knives, minimize countertop clutter, and improve kitchen lifestyle and hygiene.
- Creating a drop zone for mail, such as a tray or wall organizer, can help maintain a tidy kitchen, enhance home-and-garden living, and reduce stress in the heart of your home.
