1. TAKE EVERYTHING OFF YOUR COUNTERTOP
When it comes to tackling a cluttered kitchen countertop, you should always remove everything from it before you start to resist the temptation of leaving items there unnecessarily. 'We often assume that the items we've always stored on our countertops need to stay there, but if you're short on countertop real estate, you'll want to carefully evaluate what is worth keeping out,' The Simplicity Habit's Julianna explains.
2. REMOVE ANYTHING THAT DOESN'T BELONG IN THE KITCHEN
Are you guilty of storing catchalls on your kitchen countertop? Before long, you have bowls and trays brimming with sets of keys and miscellaneous bric-a-brac. Don't fall victim! While decluttering this space, make sure remove any items that don't belong in the kitchen and return them to their rightful place (wherever that may be).
3. PAIR STYLE AND FUNCTION WITH CONTAINERS
If there's one thing we're strong advocates for, it's that style needn't be sacrificed for functionality. This mantra has never rung more true than when applied to kitchen countertops. If you do decide to keep items on your surfaces, make sure your kitchen storage solutions also contribute to your overall design.
4. INSTALL HOOKS TO HANG OBJECTS BENEATH CABINETS
If you're wanting a more minimalist kitchen this point probably isn't for you, but for those with small kitchens, vertical space can be a fantastic space saver. 'If you can, go vertical and use your wall and under cabinet space,' Lucy says. 'You can hang a paper towel holder from the bottom of a cabinet, and use a magnetic strip mounted on the wall to store knives.' Tea towels or mugs on hooks underneath your cabinets can also be a great way to free up space on your countertop. Melissa suggests using stackable wire bins like these ones from Amazon, for vegetables like onions, garlic and potatoes if you want to keep some food items on display. You could also invest in some hanging wire shelves like these, also from Amazon, inside your cabinets if you need to maximize storage space behind closed doors.
5. CONSIDER AN APPLIANCE GARAGE
'All small kitchens have a common problem, a cluttered counter space stemming from improper choice of appliances and inadequate storage configuration,' says Julianna. 'Thankfully, there are always solutions to maximizing small kitchen space by utilizing modern design techniques and devices.'