A genuinely beautiful kitchen is more than simply appliances and countertops; it’s a living, practical room. Unfortunately, many kitchen countertops become cluttered with objects, making the space feel small, chaotic, and challenging to use.

Interior experts agree that knowing what should never be placed on kitchen countertops is essential for keeping your countertops organized and clutter-free. Being judicious about what you keep on display not only keeps your space clean, but it also assures that you’ll like cooking, entertaining, and living in your kitchen every day.

Some of the things you should do to keep your countertops clean include:

Get rid of the knife block

A knife block may appear to be a kitchen must-have, but designers say it is frequently one of the first objects to leave. It is bulky and takes up a lot of room, but it can also trap dust, bacteria, and mold, especially if the blades are still moist.

Instead of using a knife block, you should use an in-drawer knife organizer or a wall-mounted magnetic strip to keep blades clean, sharp, and neatly stored away.

There are also magnetic knife strips in the market that get the work done and are attractive enough to display.

Use stylish dispensers

Every kitchen needs soap, but simple plastic bottles can ruin a well-designed area. Instead of displaying generic containers, upgrade your sink area by decanting hand and dish soap into stylish dispensers.

For a cohesive look, choose a set that complements the style of your kitchen, or for a seamless finish, install a deck-mounted pump directly into the countertop.

Use a door-mounted holder.

Paper towels are a must-have in the kitchen, but they do not have to take up the entire countertop. Free-standing holders take up valuable space and may appear untidy.

A creative option is an under-cabinet or door-mounted holder, which keeps the roll within easy reach while completely off the counter.

Alternatively, for a more ecological and fashionable option, consider replacing dishcloths with reusable ones.

If you must have a kitchen towel holder on your countertop, find one that is both attractive and functional.

Hide the small bottles.

Toasters, blenders, food processors, and other appliances can quickly accumulate on your countertops. A good rule of thumb is to keep countertop equipment to one or two items you use every day, such as a coffee maker. Keep less-frequently used equipment in a cupboard, pantry, or appliance garage. This frees up surfaces for dinner preparation and gives the kitchen a more open vibe.

You should note that putting too much equipment on your kitchen countertops, such as toaster ovens, food processors, and bread warmers, may easily cause clutter and take up needless space.

Whenever possible, keep your countertop appliances to just one gorgeous statement piece.

When wall space is restricted, an appliance garage is an ideal alternative. You can have your coffee machine, milk frother, and electric whisk elegantly and securely housed in a strategic area. It’s a lovely way to keep countertops clean while remaining stylish and functional.

Stop using the countertops as a drop zone.

Kitchen counters can become magnets for arriving mail, overdue bills, and other clutter. This type of “drop zone” instability can make the room feel immediately unorganized and tense. To combat this, set up a dedicated drop-off place outside the kitchen, such as a small entryway table or a drawer in your mudroom.

If goods don’t have a place to go, they will inevitably end up on your countertops, and you don’t want this. The cool thing is that you don’t have to go the expensive route to keep your surfaces clean and organized.

Even a single drawer or a fashionable bin in the kitchen can make a significant difference in keeping papers neatly stowed away and surfaces clear for cooking and entertaining.

Establishing a designated area for everyday clutter not only protects your countertops, but also creates a calmer, more functional kitchen that you will like using.

Don’t leave items you don’t regularly use here.

Finally, your countertops are not a permanent storage solution. Avoid leaving out products that you aren’t using for cooking, such as half-empty spice jars, outdated cooking oils, or produce that hasn’t been touched in days.

Remember that a crowded counter frequently indicates a disorganized kitchen, and keeping surfaces clean is the first step toward a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience.

Have a special space for the home décor.

While certain décor can add personality, larger or merely decorative items such as giant vases, bowls, or statues can make a kitchen appear cluttered and limit its functionality.

Each item on a kitchen counter should have earned its position. You should note that a little dish of fresh fruit or a single plant is often enough décor to liven up the space without taking up crucial workspace.

Other tricks to keep your counters organized

Other than the above tricks, there are plenty of different tricks you can use to keep your countertops organized. These tricks include:

Make use of kitchen organizers.

After decluttering, it’s time to consider how to store goods efficiently. Kitchen organizers are your best friend. From utensil holders to tiered spice racks, the right organizers can help you create designated areas for everything.

The cool thing is that there are many types of kitchen organizers that you can go for. The most common ones being:

Tiered shelves: These are ideal for corner storage, allowing you to stack items vertically while also freeing up counter space.

Magnetic knife peels: Save drawer space and keep knives easily accessible without the need for a big knife block.

Lazy Susans: Lazy Susans are ideal for storing condiments or spices because they allow you to access items without having to reach around.

Parting shot

Granite kitchen countertops Durham are more than simply a surface; they serve as the focal point of your workspace, allowing you to cut, mix, and gather.

By simply removing the items that do not belong, you can transform your kitchen from a cluttered catch-all to a functional, beautiful space where you will enjoy spending time.

As mentioned above, there are plenty of tricks you can use to keep your countertops clean and easy to work on.