How to Optimize Kitchen Counter Space

Remove clutter to make the most of limited kitchen counter space.

Small kitchens often lack adequate counter space for food preparation and appliance storage. Large kitchens, if poorly designed, can pose the same problem. Creative and practical organization can help make the most of the space you have, eliminating clutter and leaving only the most necessary items out on counter tops.

Things You'll Need

• Paper filing system
• Large basket or tub
• Space-saving appliances
• Pot rack
• Stacking bins and shelves
• Pegboard
• Portable kitchen island

Instructions

1. Remove clutter from the kitchen counters. The large, flat expanse is a convenient place to drop school papers, mail, art projects and shopping bags, but leaving them there only results in cramped, messy counter space. Create a home for papers with a filing system or inbox. Gather misplaced toys and household items in a large basket or tub to be returned to their rightful homes. Unpack grocery bags immediately after a shopping trip.

2. Use space-saving appliances that leave counters free, such as an electric can opener that mounts under an upper cabinet or a microwave with a fan designed to hang over the cook top. Downsize counter-top appliances if possible. For example, a two-slice toaster takes only half the space of a four-slice model.

3. Find homes for all appliances that aren't in frequent use. Leave the coffeemaker out on the counter, but put the stand mixer in a cupboard when not in use. Some large appliances such as toaster ovens and bread makers might go into storage in the basement or garage if they're rarely used.

4. Minimize the amount of food kept on the counter. Keep bread in a cabinet instead of in a large breadbox on the counter. Place a fruit bowl on the table as a centerpiece instead of letting it take up space on your kitchen counter.

5. Hang large pots and pans from a rack above the kitchen island or stove. This will free up space in your cabinets to contain some of the counter clutter. Use stacking bins and shelves within cabinets to further increase storage capacity.

6. Use vertical space. Hang shelves, racks and pegboards on the walls to hold utensils, spices and other kitchen sundries. Make use of the space over the stove and sink, exposed sides of upper cabinets, and blank wall space adjoining the kitchen.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a portable kitchen island if you have room in your floor plan. A butcher-block top can double as a cutting board, and wheels make it easy to move the extra counter space wherever you need it most.

References

• Good Housekeeping; 5 Steps to a Clean Kitchen; Carolyn Forte
• Apartment Therapy: 5 Fixtures That Save Counter Space