No one likes looking at clutter. When your space is a mess, your brain can become a mess, too. I know that I find it difficult to get any work done when my workspace isn't visually appealing. And the same goes for my kitchen. Who wants to cook—and, more importantly, host guests—when your kitchen is unsightly? Maintaining a clean and clutter-free kitchen counter not only helps you to maximize your cooking space and your cooking experience, but it also looks significantly more put together.
"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. Too true.
Similarly: "If the counters are cluttered and dishes are dirty, then cooking will feel like work," says farmer-baker-cook Kaleb Wyse, author of There’s Always Room at the Table. And who wants cooking to feel like work?! Whipping up your next great meal is already an effort, so to help minimize your workload, it's best to incorporate a minimalist approach to your workspace, aka your kitchen counters. We spoke with Wyse, Ruskus, and other experts to get their advice on how to do just that—and to learn what items they ban from the counter.
Toasters
You can already picture it: the ubiquitous line-up on the counter of all your hand appliances—your toaster, blender, juicer, air fryer, etc. While all these gadgets certainly come in handy, they can also present quite an eyesore, if you ask me. Joshira Raposo, founder and head designer of Design By Casandra, confirms that 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 countertop 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. Love that.
Canisters
While you might have been *influenced* by recent trends on social media, canisters take up a lot of space on your countertop. They are certainly functional for holding a multitude of items, but they are better suited to your cabinets or pantry, where they won't clutter your counters, 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." Beautiful and safe? We're listening.
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, numerous professional chefs tell us.
"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 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 and 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.
Paper Towels
I know, I know. This one might sound a bit cray, but there's an easy solution to not storing your paper towels on the counter. If you're building your home anew, consider adding a built-in paper towel dispenser in a kitchen drawer or cabinet. If that's not accessible to you, there are plenty of hanging paper towel holders that will help clear up that coveted counter space.
Fruit Bowls
We get it—a well-arranged fruit bowl can make for a beautiful addition to your kitchen. However, it does add clutter and takes up precious counter space. And if, like me, you find yourself tossing in that random snack pack or lone leftover muffin, it can wind up looking a bit less gorgeous than you had originally envisioned. If you need to find room for your produce, experts suggest a hanging fruit bowl or hammock to free up counter space while still giving you that aesthetically pleasing look.
Items To Keep Your Kitchen Organized
