Free Up Counter Space With These Simple Tricks
13 Storage Ideas That Will Free Up Your Counter Space
Counter space is kind of like a purse… The bigger your purse gets, the more stuff you cram into it. It seems that no matter how much surface space – or purse space – you have, you seem to “grow into it”. That’s why, when I stumbled across these simple storage ideas, I knew I had to share them with the masses!
Bonus! Some of these ideas are super on-trend.
Let’s get started:
Let It All Hang Out.
Hanging planters have been trendy for a while, but now, it’s time to bring back the hanging fruit basket. This modern-farmhouse style brings a dose of Fixer Upper vibes to your kitchen, even if you don’t own an inch of shiplap.
Move The Microwave Down Low.
This is a NorCal FAVE! We do this in a lot of our homes.
Your microwave can take up a huge chunk of precious counter space, but it’s not the type of thing you can pull in and out of a cupboard every time you want to use it. Young House Love has just the solution: Stick it in your island.
Make Your Sink Do Triple-Duty.
If you’re in the market for a new sink, consider one that truly makes your life easier. Kohler’s Prolific line has mini ledges inside the sink, so you can easily pop in a drying rack, wash pan, or cutting board, making use of that 36-inch space normally reserved for stacking dirty dishes. (And, okay, actually cleaning them. At some point.)
Strap Cutting Boards To A Cabinet Door.
Slim boards stay tucked away (but won’t stop your cabinet from closing) in this clever storage spot.
Get the tutorial at Tikkido.
Start A Domino Effect.
You have an over-the-door organizer for your shoes, but you really need one for your pantry. Just think: With those shelves clear, you’ve got room to stow that blender, Crock-Pot, and bulky knife block.
Hang Cooking Utensils Right Where You Need Them.
Crocks of spoons and spatulas are easy to grab, but they get in the way. In this Scandinavian-inspired kitchen designed by Susan Serra, a few workhorse utensils hang neatly over the stove.
Stow Cereal And Snacks Out Of Sight.
There’s nothing that cramps your granite’s style like a row of ripped cereal boxes. Designer Karin Edwards found a solution with a handy pull-out cabinet loaded with matching bins from the Container Store.
Give Magazines A New Home.
Unearth your favorite cooking mags from the pile of junk mail, and give them a dedicated place in your kitchen.
Float Shelves On The Side Of The Cabinet.
You’re not using that space for anything, anyway. Might as well make the most of it.
Ditch Your Fruit Bowl.
We admit this idea is a bit high-concept – but isn’t it totally genius? Designer Mick De Giulio revealed the built-in “bowl” in our 2012 Kitchen of the Year. As you prep ingredients for a recipe, you can just stick them there, so they won’t roll around (and off the table) as you work.
Give Your Tchotchkes A Boost.
Ah, what can’t the IKEA FINTORP system do? Here, it lifts produce and other odds-and-ends off the counter, and mimics the hanging knife rack nearby.
Get the tutorial at 17 Apart.
Choose An Island With Open Storage.
This piece started its life as sideboard. But repurposed as an island, the shelves provide a place to stash cookbooks and extra tools, keeping must-haves nearby, but not scattered everywhere.
Turn A Wood Pallet Into A Catch-All Organizer.
Check out the original on House Beautiful