One of my favorite rooms to design is the kitchen, and there’s nothing better than super-organization for this space. If you’re a cook, it keeps all your tools and ingredients within reach. If you love to entertain, it means that you’ll have spotless counters for serving. And if you have a family, it means less muss and fuss. Here are my top tips for keeping your kitchen completely organized:

1. Keep Counters Clean

It’s tempting to drop books, bags, and mail on kitchen counters, but these surfaces need to be kept clear of clutter. It keeps the workspace open and clean for cooking prep, and it’s more visually pleasing. I provide plenty of storage for my clients’ small appliances, dry goods, plates, platters, and more. Only leave one or two items out that you reach for all the time. If you don’t have enough storage, start thinking about what you don’t really need in your kitchen. Can you put platters in the dining room credenza? Could the juicer that you only use every now and then find another home?

2. Use Every Inch of Space

The kitchen I designed above was too small for cabinets on both sides - it would have felt constricting and tight. So I used pothooks and an ingenious hanging system for the pots and pans. Now the bulky items are up and out of the way, and the cabinets are clear for other important items. Everything is also in easy reach here, so it’s an efficient kitchen design, too!

3. Use a Pantry Effectively

If you have a pantry, you have the perfect small space to help keep your kitchen organized! However, this area can sometimes turn into that junk closet where you just shove everything in. Don’t forget that pantries need organized systems, too! Use clear storage containers that show you what’s inside. Label the exterior so you know just what kind of flour is stored in which container. Use market baskets or bins for fruits, veggies, or breads. Create a system that looks good and works for you!

4. Create Visual Interest

And some of you may still be saying, “Yes, Beth. I get it. But I just have a small kitchen without a lot of storage. So what do I do?!” Sometimes you just have to store things on the counter, there’s just no way around it. So create visual interest. Be sure everything is white, for example. Or arrange the items in groups that look smart. In the kitchen I designed above, I used the open shelves almost like display shelves. Everything there is used every day, but it is all in color groups that work together, and I’ve arranged each item so it creates a harmonious look!

Use these ideas to create a well-organized and gorgeous kitchen! If you need more tips, go to my Kitchens pinboard here.

Warmly,

Beth