List #70 - 5 ways to use your kitchen counters better and what I keep out on counters on purpose

I looooove an aesthetic kitchen space, I really do. But sometimes aesthetic quickly becomes impractical. Here are my five tips to making sure your kitchen counters look great and are working for you!

1. Remove all the crap you’re not using every single day

   This is step one because it allows you to prioritize. Does that KitchenAid Stand Mixer need to be out? Or it is taking up space for no reason? If you’re actually using it, great, otherwise lets find a better more spot so you have room to breathe and move. Side note: my rule is if you’re using something less than four times per week, its off the counter.

2. Pull out stuff you’re using every single day

   A logical step two. Pull out the spatulas, tongs, coffee pods, everything that you need access to every single day. Then, organize it how you like. For pots and pans, the ones you use most often should be within easy reach. Others can go to the back or in a different cabinet (wherever or however you like to store them).

3. You probably need a good coffee/morning station

   The last thing anyone wants to do is be shuffling around in the morning to get the coffee made. Create a space dedicated to morning time, whatever this means, and make it easy to grab everything. Note: do not clutter this space. It is for coffee/tea accountrement only. I have seen this happen before and people get cranky when they can’t find what they need.

4. Keep olive oil and salt out, and use turntables accordingly

   I live by this turntable and include daily ingredients (basics like salt and olive oil) there for easy access. That way you have them right where you want them, and you’re not knocking over that weird vinegar in the pantry to reach the olive oil.

5. Things I keep out on purpose include:

   1. Olive oil and salt

   2. Containers with tongs, cooking spoons, spatulas right next to the stove

   3. Paper towels

   4. Containers with beans, oats, nuts that I have along the side wall of my kitchen, with scoops for grabing easily

   5. Knife block

   6. Spoon rest

   7. Bowl for grating garlic/making salad dressings

   8. Pasta/rice (not all of it)

   9. One massive cutting board with cheese boards stacked behind that I can easily grab

   10. Apple cider vinegar

   11. Coffee canisters for instant and regular

   12. Manuka honey