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3 Solutions for Dealing With Cluttered Kitchen Counters

3 Solutions for Dealing With Cluttered Kitchen Counters

Is your kitchen counter a battleground of clutter? Discover expert-backed strategies to reclaim your counter space and transform your kitchen into an organized oasis. From vertical storage solutions to custom designs and energy flow techniques, this article unveils practical approaches to achieve a clutter-free kitchen that both looks great and functions efficiently.

  • Store Vertically and Organize Cabinets Strategically
  • Design Custom Storage Solutions for Clutter-Free Living
  • Create Energy Flow with Intentional Kitchen Organization

Store Vertically and Organize Cabinets Strategically

The obvious thing is to not keep all your appliances out - you're not baking cakes every day, so maybe your huge mixer shouldn't live on the counter. If you have limited storage space, try to expand vertically, rather than horizontally. That's going to take up less space - whether it's on the floor or on the counter. Whether it's a spice rack or a little storage solution with drawers for small kitchen tools, store them vertically; that maximizes your space.

Now, for limited cabinet storage, you want to make sure you're very organized. Don't just shove stuff in your cabinets; divide and strategize your space. Add extra shelving, dividers, drawers, boxes - anything that creates smaller spaces and eliminates wasted space - both horizontally and vertically. And place things according to frequency of use. The good china can live in the back of an upper cabinet; you never look at it, anyway.

Design Custom Storage Solutions for Clutter-Free Living

At Zimmerman Interiors, our top priority is designing kitchens that balance beauty with functionality. If we're renovating--and space and budget allow--our go-to solution is adding an expanded pantry or a back kitchen. These spaces are game-changers, allowing us to tuck away small appliances, overflow pantry items, and even meal prep zones, keeping the main kitchen serene and streamlined.

But that's not always viable, and that's where intentional cabinetry solutions become essential. We maximize every inch by incorporating customized built-in drawers and interior cabinet features designed for how our clients truly live. Appliance garages are increasingly popular--they offer a clean look while keeping toasters, coffee makers, and blenders easily accessible but out of sight.

Ultimately, it's about creating thoughtful storage that supports a clutter-free, joy-filled lifestyle--because we believe your kitchen should inspire you, not stress you out. We also love integrating tall cabinetry or pantry towers to provide vertical storage without eating into floor space. Light cabinetry helps visually open up the room while concealing hardworking storage zones. And for serious bakers, a mixer lift hidden within the island offers both convenience and a clear counter when it's not in use.

Katie Zimmerman
Katie ZimmermanOwner and Principal Designer, Zimmerman Interiors

Create Energy Flow with Intentional Kitchen Organization

From a feng shui perspective, a cluttered kitchen counter can block the flow of energy and even impact your ability to feel nourished and supported in your home. I believe the kitchen should function as both a practical workspace and a source of nourishing energy, so my goal is to create a space that allows for flow and efficiency.

Start by removing anything that doesn't serve a daily purpose. That includes appliances, paperwork, or random items that tend to collect on counters. Only keep essentials you use regularly, like a kettle or fruit bowl, and be intentional about how they're displayed.

To maximize cabinet space, I recommend using organizers like tiered shelves, clear storage bins, and lazy Susans to make the most of deep or awkward cabinets. Vertical space is often overlooked, so adding stackable shelves inside cupboards can instantly double your storage capacity.

In feng shui, a clean, clear kitchen symbolizes abundance and health. When your counters are free of clutter, it creates a sense of ease and allows energy to circulate more freely.

Jemma Salisbury
Jemma SalisburyClassical Feng Shui Consultant, Home Abundance

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