The kitchen isn’t just for preparing and eating meals. It is where children do homework or create works of art. It’s the space where adults sort mail and charge their devices. It’s a gathering space for everyone in the home and a magnet for clutter. We’ve compiled some clever tips to help reduce the clutter and make the kitchen a visually calmer space.
Counter Balance
Counter space is the most valuable real estate in the kitchen. Only those items used on a daily basis should be kept on countertops. Small appliances like mixers and air fryers that are used less frequently should be stored in cabinets or a pantry the kitchen. Clever storage solutions like appliance lifts make it easy to store and access these items. Specialty cookware items and appliances that are used infrequently can be stored outside the kitchen to free up space for the things used on a more regular basis. If the kitchen has pantry space, make the most of it by using organizers for shelves and cabinets. Check out our blog post on butler pantries for some great ideas.
Refrigerator Reveal
Using your refrigerator to showcase a magnet collection from your travels or displaying the latest works of art by your budding artist does add personality to the kitchen, but it can also make the kitchen feel cluttered and untidy. Limiting the number of items kept on the fridge to only one piece of artwork or a maximum of three magnets will immediately make the kitchen feel more organized. If you want to keep a notepad and pen tacked refrigerator, put them on the side rather than the front so they are easily accessible but out of sight. Another smart solution to eliminate refrigerator clutter is to opt for appliances designed for panels that match the cabinets. The panels allow the appliance to blend in with the cabinetry in the kitchen giving it a clean, cohesive look.
Personalize with Purpose
The key to personalizing the kitchen without creating clutter is to choose décor items carefully. Items that have function as well as style are excellent choices. Things like dish towels, potholders, and trivets are available in a wide range of colors and styles to suit any décor. Bringing nature into the space with plants or flowers is always a welcome accent to any kitchen. Sturdy house plants that adapt to low light will thrive in almost any space.
Maximum Storage
Organizers are a great way to get the most out of storage space in the kitchen. Grouping similar items together and storing them in drawers with dividers makes it easy to find what you need when you need it. Cabinetry solutions featuring built-in utensil storage canisters and magnetic knife blocks keep tools out of sight but within easy reach.
Power Station
Creating a space for charging electronic devices outside the kitchen can be easily accomplished by using a multi-outlet power strip near a table or small cabinet. However, if the family’s lifestyle or a lack of space make it unfeasible to create a charging area outside the kitchen, consider installing angled power strips under kitchen cabinets from Task Lighting and Power. A typical angled power strip provides three to five outlets, so they support more devices than standard kitchen outlets. Custom lengths and optional USB receptacles are also available. In addition to providing more outlets, angled power strips offer the added benefit of being tucked away out of sight. Backsplash designs are clean and uninterrupted by traditional wall outlets. The result is a kitchen space that is visually less cluttered and feels more open.
Make a Date
Even with our best efforts, keeping clutter at bay requires commitment. Stay on track by setting a reminder to spend half an hour decluttering your kitchen on a monthly basis. You’ll be amazed how much better your kitchen will function when you’ve eliminated distracting clutter from your space.