A clutter-free kitchen is not just aesthetically pleasing, but it can also significantly enhance your cooking experience. When it comes to your kitchen counters, maintaining a clean and sleek space while maximizing its potential is crucial. A cluttered countertop can impede your cooking process, disrupt your flow, and make the entire experience frustrating.
"It's important to have a clean and clear space because you'll be more motivated to get in the kitchen and make magic!" says Bai Ruskus, culinary artist, author, and chef.
"If the counters are cluttered and dishes are dirty then cooking will feel like work," explains farmer-baker-cook, Kaleb Wyse, author of There’s Always Room at the Table. Cooking is already a task in itself, so minimize your workload by incorporating a minimalist approach to your kitchen counters. We spoke with Wyse, Ruskus, and other experts to get their advice for how to do just that — and what items they ban from the counter.
Toasters
You can already picture it: the ubiquitous line-up on the counter of your toaster, blender, juicer, air fryer, etc. While all these gadgets certainly come in handy, they can also present quite an eyesore. Joshira Raposo, founder and head designer of Design By Casandra, confirms that these toasters and other small appliances are one of the biggest challenges she encounters in the kitchen. "While these gadgets make daily routines easier, they often come at the cost of a cluttered and visually crowded space," she says.
So how can you still use these babies without sacrificing style? "I always recommend integrating a tall cabinet specifically designed to store small appliances," Raposo tells us. "This solution allows for a functional and organized space while keeping these items accessible." Don't have enough space in your cabinets for them all? That means it's time to cull.
Wyse agrees, revealing, "My coffee maker is the only counter-top appliance you may see on my counter." He stands firmly behind the idea that toasters take up a lot of space and are neither exciting nor inspiring. "I adhere to the idea that my kitchen can be just as beautiful and inviting as my living room," he tells us.
Canisters
While you might have been *influenced* by trends on social media, canisters take up a lot of space on your countertop. They may be functional for holding a multitude of items, but they are better suited to your cabinets or pantry, explains interior designer Shelby Van Daley, founder of Daley Home.
Chef's Knives
While keeping knives handy and accessible seems like a no-brainer, these are something that you'll never find on Ruskus' counter. "Chef's knives should be in a case in a drawer or on a magnet on the wall," she says. "This not only keeps the integrity of the knives, but keeps your space safe."
Pots, Pans, & Skillets
While these items do take up a lot of cupboard room, that's no excuse to leave them out on the counter, according to a number of professional chefs.
"If all my pots, pans, or skillets don’t fit in cabinets it means I have too many and need to edit my inventory," says Wyse. Unless they are in use, you won't find them out on the counter. Ruskus agrees: "While I love my beautiful pots and pans, I like to store them away so that they last a long time." Not only does putting your pans away preserve them for longer, but it also makes your space look clean and beautiful.
Cleaning Supplies
While it might seem handy to have your cleaning supplies and dish soap out near the sink, ready to grab at a moment's notice, no one really likes looking at a dirty dishrag. "Eliminate, eliminate, and find ways to utilize everyday items with drawers or hidden organizers, especially those dreaded sink scrubbers and ugly soap bottles," says interior designer Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors.
Wyse is in agreement, claiming that you'll never find those items out in his kitchen. "A sponge feels messy, so if I have a cloth or something similar I keep it under the sink," he says.
Olive Oil & Spices
Ruskus says that keeping olive oil out on the counter is a big no-no. "I keep all my oils in a cabinet so they stay out of the heat and sunlight so they don't go rancid," she explains. This makes sense considering (good) olive oil is sold in dark-colored containers to prevent unnecessary light exposure. The chef also recommends storing essentials like salt, spices, grains, etc. nearby, but in a drawer, so that you can see everything clearly and access them easily to make cooking painless.
Items To Keep Your Kitchen Organized
EQI 8-Piece Set of Pop Airtight Food Storage Containers with Lids
BOIVSHI Spice Rack Organizer for Cabinet
REALINN Under Sink Organizer
MUDEELA Pots and Pans Organizer For Under Cabinet
