Is your kitchen an unsightly, chaotic mess? Is the bathroom sink besieged by toiletries and cleaning products? Simplify your life and keep your countertops clutter free for good with these 6 organizing tips.
Kitchen and bathroom surfaces are prime dumping grounds for stray household items like junk mail or the hairspray you used before you rushed out the door. However, with just a few clever changes and additions, you can ensure these spaces stay functional and organized once and for all.
1. Install open shelving
Open shelves in the kitchen are a wonderful way to store large items like serving dishes, pans, vases, or cake stands. It frees up space in your cupboards for smaller and less display-worthy pieces and gives the area plenty of character. Another great use for these shelves is ingredients (in pretty containers, mind you), candles, and crockery you need often (such as breakfast bowls or mugs).
Likewise, in the bathroom, shelves are ideal for decorative items, dry brushes, towels, toothbrush holders, or toiletries. If you don’t like having your hygiene products out in the open for all to see, pop them in a small basket or storage bin.
2. Hang it up
Instead of taking up valuable room in drawers, cupboards, or on your precious counters, suspend knives from a magnetic strip and hang pans or cooking utensils from hooks on an accessible wall or ceiling rack. A spice organizer on the inside of the pantry door is also a creative space saver.
In the bathroom, hang towels, robes, toilet paper (in a basket or bag), and other accessories from hooks or pegs. A bamboo caddy is also a stylish place to keep products you access often. Need a spot for hairdryers, curling irons, and brushes? Invest in an over-the-door rack for large tools and electrics so you can easily stash them out of sight after each use.
3. Use trays
Arrange small daily cooking essentials (such as salt and pepper, potted herbs, and olive oil) on an elegant bamboo tray. This keeps the items nearby while you’re making food, but also maintains the aesthetic of your kitchen.
In the washroom, a pretty tray prevents fragrance bottles and cosmetics from sneaking across the vanity as you’re more likely to return them to their dedicated spot than to leave them randomly on the counter. Decant liquid soap into a stylish dispenser, transfer cotton swabs to a decorative canister, and showcase the lot on a dish that matches your finishes. The space will be looking chic and organized in no time!
4. Maximize storage space
Make the most of drawers, kitchen cabinets, and display cases by stowing appliances, recipe books, cookware, and glasses in an organized and functional way. Reserve counter space for small objects you use daily, such as the kettle, toaster, and coffee machine, and create a habit each night of loading the dishwasher, cleaning surfaces, and putting items away. You’ll be greeted by a clutter-free zone every morning, which is bound to boost your mood!
Pack towels, cleaning supplies, makeup, and other toiletries in drawers or a cupboard under the bathroom sink. Baskets or bins will keep things tidy, and organizer trays are perfect for smaller items that could get lost, such as hairbands, bobby pins, and headbands.
Consider replacing your mirror with a version that comes with built-in storage as this also makes it easier to tuck objects out of sight. Lastly, if the counter surrounding your sink is lacking, add a side table or stool nearby for extra towels, toiletries, or décor.
5. Display beautiful pieces
A clutter-free worktop isn’t necessarily a bare one, so don’t think that you must rid yours of everything. Beautiful and functional kitchenware (such as a Dutch oven or ceramic casserole dish) can reside on your stovetop or counter, especially if it’s something you cook with often. It clears real estate in your cupboards and gives the room a homely, lived-in look.
6. Create attractive groups
Once you’ve decided what will live on your countertop, bunch items together in charming colour-coordinated displays. Arranging pieces in clusters gives the impression of order, meaning, and consideration. The effect is more stylish and elegant than if you were to spread things out across the surface. Groups ensure that each product in your kitchen or bathroom has a home.
You love our ideas but need a little help to make them happen? Visit the Useful tips section of our site.
