Keep your kitchen functional and stylish with these simple kitchen counter decorating tips!
Kitchen counters are magnets for unnecessary decor and clutter.
Trust me, I know very well how quick and easy random clutter can accumulate.
I try to keep my kitchen counters clean, but it never fails, as soon as I get them cleared off they get covered yet again.
I finally decided I had had enough and cleaned, organized and simplified my kitchen counters in hopes of keeping them clutter-free for good.
Our kitchen, living room and dining room are completely open, so a cluttered and unorganized kitchen negatively impacts the way I feel about the rest of my home.
Can you relate?
Keeping the kitchen clean, the sink clear, the counters simplified and my plant babies thriving has definitely reduced my stress and improved my mood, which makes me one happy mama.
There can be a fine line though between having a clean, organized and lived-in kitchen verse one that feels bare, stark and more like a non-functioning model home.
Kitchens are the heart of our homes, so let's create a space that looks clean and simplified but also beautiful and perfectly functional for you and your family.
5 SIMPLE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN IT COMES TO KITCHEN COUNTER DECOR.
1. Do I use it often?
2. Is it functional?
3. Is it serving a purpose?
4. Is it a plant?
5. Is it taking up too much space?
WHAT'S CURRENTLY ON MY KITCHEN COUNTERS
1. Cutting boards
They serve a purpose, are a kitchen stable and double as stylish decor by adding texture and warmth. Having them throughout the kitchen and within reach while cooking is a must.
Tip: Only use one side of your cutting boards. This keeps the other side scratch-free and pretty when being displayed.
2. Glass jar with dog bones
We give our Golden Retriever treats often and since I had space, I filled a large vintage Planters jar with Milk Bones to keep them easily accessible. The touch of vintage adds a bit of stylish uniqueness to something that may otherwise be boring and basic.
3. Canister set - I don't do much baking (I prefer cooking), so I kept my canister set simple with a sugar and flour canister only. (The rest of my baking supplies are organized in a vintage locker basket in my pantry)
I prefer the clean look of solid canisters (as opposed to clear ones) and I also wanted them to double as decor, so I opted for these sleek black and wood canisters from Crate and Barrel.
Helpful Information: 12 Stylish Canister Sets
Side Note: I don't use a fruit bowl or stand and instead just keep my fresh fruit (bananas, pineapple and cantaloupe) on top or next to the toaster. I keep all other fruit (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, apples and oranges) in the fridge.
Vegetables that aren't stored in the fridge are kept in white storage bins on the bottom shelf of the pantry.
4. Plants
Do I even need to explain?
If you are a plant lover like me, you will appreciate the pop of green and the touch of life that plants bring to a kitchen. Our kitchen also gets a tremendous amount of natural light, which makes it an ideal place for my plants to grow and thrive.
Helpful Information: Low Maintenance House Plants
Blue Star Fern (the only fern I can keep alive) / Faux succulent / ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia Plant
5. Toaster
I don't use my toaster often, but I knew I wanted it out on the counter, so I splurged on a Smeg. It's sleek, stylish, completely functional, doesn't take up much space and is 100% worth the money.
6. Blender
A blender probably isn't an appliance you would choose or want to keep out on the counter, however, I use my blender every day. It was important for me to have it easily accessible and I don't mind it tucked in the corner next to the toaster.
(Larger small appliances like the Air Fryer, slow cooker and electric pot are neatly tucked away in the lower cabinet to the right of the stove)
7. Wood pedestal with dish soap, hand soap and sponge
Dish soap can be tucked away under the sink, but if you're like me and like having them easily accessible, opt for cute containers.
I buy glass amber soap bottles from HomeGoods and then refill them with Mrs. Meyers, which I have delivered every month through Grove.
9. Paper towel holder
Sadly, we go through a lot of paper towels. Having them out and next to the sink is a must. Luckily, there are a ton of great paper towel holder options to help this kitchen staple look stylish.
10. Coffee Station (with mug rack, coffee and sugar)
If you're not a coffee drinker then a coffee station probably isn't necessary or needed. For me, coffee is very much a necessity in order for me to function as a productive human being.
I've kept my coffee maker in different locations throughout the kitchen but found it to be most functional next to the fridge. I keep my Keurig, Coffee, mugs and sugar all in one area for quick and easy access.
A few key takeaways for simplified, stylish and functional kitchen counters
1. Aim to only leave out items you use daily
2. Use a tray or pedestal to corral, organize and gound like items
3. Pretty decor should also be functional
4. Keep the sink clean and free of dirty dishes
5. Incorporate fun, colorful or vintage items that also serve a purpose
Our kitchen counter setup may not be ideal for everyone, but for me, the current counter decor is the perfect combination of function, simplicity and style.
What are your must have kitchen counter essentials?
SIMPLE AND STYLISH KITCHEN COUNTER DECOR
