Indeed, making your kitchen both aesthetic and functional requires a bit of planning. And a big part of this involves knowing what to store on your countertop and what not to. Remember that this is one place that is prone to clutter, and as such, you ought to know what items belong there to guarantee both visual appeal and purpose.
A rule of thumb is to reserve your counter for items you frequently use, basically small appliances and containers of kitchen staples. This is to ensure you have easy access to them when preparing meals or cleaning after cooking. The countertop is a working area, after all, so function should be a top priority when organizing this particular area of your kitchen.
After organizing the essential items, it’s time to work on the aesthetic part. In any case, the kitchen should be inviting and visually appealing, and for you to achieve this without compromising on the functionality part, you have to employ appropriate strategies to strike a balance between pretty and function.
Below are the top 10 things to put on your kitchen countertop to guarantee function, style, and ultimately achieve your desired kitchen counter organization:
Canisters
Canisters can be useful in various ways, including storing napkins, grab-and-go snacks, napkins, etc. You can have a few canisters (large and small) on your countertop to store your preferred items and condiments like sugar, pepper, and salt. Depending on your style, canisters can be glass, tin, or ceramic. They can go a long way in keeping your countertop from becoming cluttered and disorganized.
Coffeemaker
If you are one of the people who take coffee every morning, be sure to have your coffeemaker where it is easily accessible. And not only the appliance but everything else that goes hand in hand with it, including mugs, coffee, and coffee filters. You can even consider having a ‘coffee section’ on your counter.
Cooking utensils
Utensils are some of the most used items in your kitchen and should therefore be within reach. Things such as spatula, spoons, plates, tongs, and ladles should be placed right next to the stove for easy access. Here, you can buy a utensil crock or improvise one to suit your kitchen décor; ideally, you can use a vase, planter, or even a Mason jar.
Veggie/fruit bowl
Having your fruits and veggies where you can see them is a good way to encourage healthy snacking. Also, not all fruits and vegetables can be stored in the fridge, so a fruit bowl comes in handy here. Be sure to fill your bowl with fresh, seasonal fruits at all times for healthy eating as well as to make your countertop look nice.
Mixer
Most kitchen cabinets are not designed to store large appliances like a mixer, which makes it an automatic candidate at your kitchen counter. Plus, its big size and weight can damage your cabinets and therefore not advisable to keep it there. If you happen to use yours all the time, then you have every reason to place it right next to the items you use frequently.
Cookbook stand
As an item you use in most of your cooking endeavors, your cookbook stand should not be far from the stove. You can use it for hard-copy cookbooks as well as iPad to help you browse recipes and tips while cooking. To keep it from scratching and damaging the countertop, ensure your choice of cookbook stand has felt pads on the bottom.
Cutting board
If you have enough room on your kitchen countertop, you can add one or multiple cutting boards to enhance the visual appearance of your kitchen. The key here is to ensure your cutting boards don’t clutter the place. In case there is not enough space on the counter, you can have them stashed away until they are needed.
Toaster
If your breakfast is not complete without a toast, placing your toaster within reach is a good idea. Consider keeping it next to a bread drawer or bin to make things seamless for you and your family. Since toasters come in different sizes, be sure to assess the size of your countertop to avoid having one that doesn’t fit in the available space.
Paper towels
You need to have your paper towels where you can reach them without having to move the paper towel holder around. A preferable spot would be next to the sink, where you can grab one after getting your hands wet or when washing utensils.
Dish rack
This is one of the things you should have on your kitchen countertop, whether you have a dishwasher or not. It is useful for putting dirty dishes to wash later, especially if you run your dishwasher a few times a week. Generally, it is essential in keeping your kitchen organized, so you don’t have dirty utensils lying all over the counter.
How to decorate your counter
With all the essential things in the right place, you can now shift your focus to what to put on kitchen countertop for decoration. Here are a few tips to help you decorate your kitchen while maintaining its function:
• Add warmth and style with natural texture – Depending on your preference, you can choose items and colors that accentuate the look of your kitchen. For instance, you can include rustic bar stools and brass light fixtures. An expert can help you combine the best colors.
• Place art against the walls – Artistic murals and carvings are a nice way to add design to your kitchen’s interior. Again, choose art that compliments the overall look of your kitchen.
• Include pretty jars and containers – Use attractive jars for your flour, cereals, and condiments and arrange them according to sizes and colors. This will make your counter more aesthetic.
• Place colorful flowers – Placing vases and plants strategically can help make your kitchen more natural and earthy. Ferns, palms, and some succulents can make a good combination.
• Incorporate color touches – For a more chic and elegant look, take time to think through the right color coordination. You don’t want to end up with a kitchen that has all the colors of the rainbow, do you?
• Add patterned accent – Complement your kitchen by adding patterns on your countertop. You can consider using marble tiles to ease the cleaning process and bring a touch of elegance.
Summary
Knowing the things you should have on your kitchen countertop is a viable way not only to avoid clutter but also to keep your kitchen organized. These tips can go a long way in helping you achieve the kitchen of your dreams. Interested in upgrading this space? Take a look at our gallery.