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4 Objects To Remove From Your Kitchen Counter

4 objects to remove from your kitchen counter You’ve just spent time and money to renovate your kitchen, including the addition of a new countertop. Now is not the time to hide your investment. The kitchen counter too often becomes the dumping ground, both for small appliances and miscellaneous items. It’s a flat surface which makes it easy to store papers, kid’s projects, and all manner of debris. But why spend money on a new kitchen counter if you can’t actually see it and enjoy it?

The Toaster

Toasters can be used every day, but only for a matter of minutes. It’s time to put the kitchen toaster away. Place it in a cupboard directly under the part of the countertop that it normally sits on. If you move it further away, then it won’t be put away after being used.

It’s also a good idea to place the toaster on a tray. This way any crumbs are caught, and you won’t have to deal with the mess. If you’re not completely convinced, just try the move for a week. Hopefully you’ll realize that it’s not an appliance that needs a permanent home on the kitchen countertop. And, hey, as more people go gluten-free, the toaster might just become a bit of an obsolete appliance, anyways.

Kitchen Utensils

Chances are, you have a bin (or two) or kitchen utensils taking up space on the countertop. This includes spatulas, ladles, and flippers. Do they really need to be on the kitchen counter? It’s just as convenient to open a drawer and choose one while cooking. Find a drawer near the stove for easy use. Then, transfer the utensils into a basket or two, separating based on shape.

Knives

If you’re an avid chef, then there will be an assortment of knives in your kitchen. They might not have a home, and instead live on the cutting board, just waiting to be used. You could find a chopping block to place them in, but this just leads to more clutter. Instead, place a magnetic knife strip on the wall. This is a safe, efficient way of storing your knives.

Paper

No matter how hard you try, it seems like there is always a pile of paper on the kitchen counter. Bills to be paid, coupons to be used, forms to be filled out. You may think that at least all of the papers are in one place, so they can’t get lost. But look inside a junk drawer and there is probably even more paper to be found.

The solution is easy, but hard to follow. Create an organizing area. Have slots or baskets that you can place each item of paper in. And, be sure to go through everything regularly. There’s not point in keeping a basket of coupons that all expired last year. Having a clean countertop is worth the effort of decluttering.

How To Keep A Kitchen Island Functional

The kitchen island is often the focal point of a room, and it’s important that it not only looks good, but has a purpose. Here are some tips on how to keep a kitchen island functional.

Storage

The best way to keep a kitchen island functional is to use it for storage. Whether it is open shelves or hidden shelves, be sure to have a kitchen island that works for you, not against you.

Large, stationary kitchen islands often have shelves behind cupboard doors. This is great except, depending on the size of the island, these shelves can actually be quite deep and impractical. If you find this is the case, don’t be afraid of creating extra doors on the other side. This way you can access the shelves from both side and keep everything better organized.

If your kitchen island has open shelves, be sure to invest in stylish bins and baskets to keep everything organized. Wire baskets will fit in a rustic-themes kitchen. Stainless steel bins adhere to a modern look. This is an easy way to add décor and add to your theme.

Whatever the design, the best way to jeep a kitchen island functional is organize is so that it works for you. Keep utensils that you use every day close at hand. Put larger, less used items, farther back. Function is the key to organization.

Portability

A Kitchen island is often stationary, but if you have the opportunity to create a movable kitchen island, be sure to take it. Portability gives you the freedom to move your kitchen island according to your needs. If you are short on counter space, then an island can quickly maneuver to be extra prep space. It can also be positioned as a place for appetizers so guests can nibble and watch you in action.

If there are extra bodies in the kitchen than normal, then moving the kitchen island out of the activity zone may actually be the best bet. Move it to the side or out of the room completely so that nobody accidently stubs their toes.

Kitchen islands that are portable can also serve double duty as a table. You can move it into an open area, add some bar stools, and a cozy table for two is set.

De-Clutter

The biggest downside to a kitchen island is that they can quickly become a dumping ground for all sorts of odd and ends. There are two approaches to combat this.

The first is to have a clean surface rule. Under no circumstance is there to be anything on the kitchen island except meal prep. Be sure, then, to have adequate homes for all the junk mail, keys, and miscellaneous that often finds its way to the surface.

The other solution to keep your kitchen island functional is to acknowledge that it will always be a place for clutter. Then, create an organizing system. Have small baskets with labels ready. Put out a mail slot to keep flyers upright and accessible. And be sure to go through everything at least once a week to weed out expired coupons and children’s permission slips.