Cleaning & Organizing Organizing Kitchen Organization

35 Styling Ideas for Organized Kitchen Counters

organized kitchen counters

Pluck Kitchens

The kitchen is a busy hub that can get cluttered in a flash, but there are plenty of ways to ensure that you maintain organized kitchen counters, so there's enough space for food prep and daily chores.

Kitchen counter organization can be precise and orderly or more effortless and flexible, depending on your home style, preference, and how you use your kitchen. From choosing complementary and functional storage vessels to arranging frequently used items to make them visible and accessible, check out these styling ideas that will help keep your kitchen counters looking their best. 

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    Choose a Color Code

    kitchen counter accessories

    Pluck Kitchens

    Using color-coded accessories can create a visually cohesive look that will make the assortment of accessories and containers on your counters look coordinated.

    Pluck Kitchens styled this colorful kitchen with blue and yellow accents that complement natural wood elements from the peekabo cabinetry to the wooden spoons in a jar.

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    Turn to a Lazy Susan

    kitchen countertop turntable

    NEAT Method

    This kitchen counter from NEAT Method stays organized thanks to a lazy Susan placed near the stovetop for convenience. The turntable keeps essentials like oil and vinegar, salt and pepper, and a mortar and pestle within easy reach. This will allow you to grab what you need with ease as you whip up breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

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    Stay Neutral

    kitchen counter styling

    Brexton Cole Interiors

    Brexton Cole Interiors stuck to a neutral palette in this kitchen, choosing accessories that rhyme in marble-effect, wood, and antique bronze finishes for a cohesive look.

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    Turn a Cake Stand Into a Fixture

    countertop cake stand

    JLA Designs

    If you're an avid baker who always has a homemade cake ready when a friend stops by for tea, consider a classic cake stand with a glass lid. It's a practical item that can also be a fixture on your kitchen countertop, like this space from JLA Designs.

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    Try a Cookbook Holder

    kitchen countertop cookbook holder

    Brexton Cole Interiors

    If you have a cookbook collection or a favorite tome that you enjoy using on the regular, your countertops can easily get cluttered with cookbooks.

    A simple and lightweight acrylic cookbook holder that can be moved around as needed can help keep your counters looking organized, like this space from Brexton Cole Interiors. Whether it's browsing from the kitchen island or trying a new recipe at the counter, the possibilities are endless.

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    Use Clear Containers

    kitchen pantry counter organization

    Michelle Berwick Design

    Michelle Berwick Design decanted pantry items into identical clear containers to create an easy system for keeping everyday items visible and accessible without looking messy.

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    Balance With Decor

    organized kitchen coffee station countertop

    Becca Interiors

    You can make a kitchen counter feel more organized by balancing out practical items with decor or art, like this kitchen coffee station from Becca Interiors.

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    Repurpose a Marble Board

    organized kitchen countertop

    Fantastic Frank

    In this kitchen from Fantastic Frank, a white marble slab cutting board located on the dark wood countertop next to the stove is repurposed to organize olive oil, herbs, and a small mortar and pestle for crushing whole spices. There's also a wall-mounted mini pantry which is perfect to store all cooking ingredients like spices and dried goods. This way, all essentials are front and center and it keeps countertops clear.

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    Use Corner Space

    kitchen counter organizer

    A Beautiful Mess

    In an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen, utilize the corner space by choosing adaptable pieces like this tiered wire basket from A Beautiful Mess that keeps fresh produce on display.

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    Use Vintage Containers

    stylish kitchen counter organization

    Pluck Kitchens

    The counters in this London space from Pluck Kitchens are full of life, with an effortless feel thanks to an assortment of vintage containers like a footed fruit bowl, blue metal canisters, and a wide-lipped jar. All the cooking utensils are both practical and stylish.

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    Think in Vignettes

    kitchen counter vignettes

    Casa Watkins Living

    If you like having countertops full of practical items as well as decor objects, it's useful to break up the length of a countertop with multiple vignettes, like this maximalist space from Casa Watkins Living.

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    Stack Your Cutting Boards

    more organized kitchen counters

    House 9 Interiors

    Grouping like items on a kitchen countertop will both keep it organized and turn everyday essentials into the decor, like this space from House 9 Interiors. The stack of various wooden cutting boards leaned against the backsplash creates a timeless display.

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    Keep a Fruit Bowl Out

    kitchen countertop

    Studio Peake

    Keep your kitchen counters organized by keeping a fruit bowl out at all times. The bowl can be filled or emptied throughout the day which will make organizing more efficient, like this London kitchen from Studio Peake.

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    Layer Items

    farmhouse kitchen counter organization

    Kate Marker Interiors

    If your kitchen counter space is limited, don't be afraid to layer items, like this space from Kate Marker Interiors. A small round wooden cutting board is tucked behind a jar of cooking utensils, with bottles of cooking oil leaned against a small framed painting on the other side of the stove. A simple rack for hanging a small collection of copper pots frees up extra space.

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    Keep It Simple

    organizing kitchen counters

    Becca Interiors

    In a neutral space, using simple dedicated storage pieces like a white jar for cooking utensils and a wooden slab for pepper and salt will ensure that everything has its place, like this kitchen from Becca Interiors.

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    Spread Things Out

    well organized kitchen counters

    Jessie Tobias Design / Sarah Szwajkos Photography

    This spacious L-shaped kitchen from Jessie Tobias Design has acres of countertops that are styled with an edited selection of well-spaced items from pantry staples to condiments that double as decor. The decorated countertops make the room feel homey and stylish.

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    Let It All Hang Out

    more organized kitchen counters

    Liz Marie Blog

    The open shelving in this modern farmhouse kitchen from Liz Marie Blog extends all the way down to the kitchen counters. It creates plenty of space to nestle appliances and large glass jars of baking supplies which will always be accessible when it's time to bake.

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    Reduce Clutter

    uncluttered kitchen counters

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    In a minimalist kitchen like this light-flooded space from Cathie Hong Interiors, countertop clutter is kept to a minimum by storing items on accessible open shelving and in nearby cabinetry. A few items on the countertop like a stack of books, a vase of flowers, and a folded kitchen towel make the space feel relaxed and keep countertops free for food prep.

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    Stick to Black and White

    organized kitchen countertop

    Becca Interiors

    Becca Interiors stuck to a black, white, and wood palette in this sunny kitchen that helps reduce visual countertop clutter.

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    Use Varying Heights

    boho kitchen counter organization

    Casa Watkins Living

    Varying the height of your countertop containers and accessories will make it look visually appealing while making layered items easy to grab, like this kitchen counter from Casa Watkins Living that is styled with kitchen equipment in varying wood tones.

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    Preserve Open Space

    minimalist kitchen counter organization

    Becca Interiors

    Becca Interiors created closed storage that reaches all the way to the ceiling in this streamlined black-and-white kitchen. The countertops are left mostly clear to maintain a streamlined look, with everyday items grouped together in a cluster for visual appeal and ease of use.

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    Outsource Clutter

    organizing kitchen counters

    NEAT Method

    NEAT Method kept countertops organized and reserved for fixed items like a toaster, wooden fruit bowl, and plant by utilizing the cabinets below to store pantry items. When they're not in use, the cabinet doors can be closed to maintain a neat look at all times.

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    Create a Home for Items

    small kitchen countertop

    Studio Peake

    In a small kitchen, creating a designated place for everything will keep countertops clear and looking intentional, like this space from Studio Peake. Sticking to a simple, fresh palette of white, green, and wood accents mixed with clear glass storage jars keeps the space looking streamlined rather than busy.

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    Use Hidden Space

    how to organize kitchen counter

    Pluck Kitchens

    Look for unused surfaces that can keep everyday essentials within reach but off the main countertop to keep things more organized. This space from Pluck Kitchens has an empty space between the sleek inversion stovetop and the kitchen backsplash wall.

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    Corral Items With a Tray

    kitchen counter tray

    NEAT Method

    A simple tray in natural materials is suitable for any room thanks to its minimal look. A tray will help add functionality and warmth to a neutral kitchen.

    NEAT Method added a wood and cane tray to the counter of a large kitchen island that holds plants, books, and sundries which is an easy way to corral clutter on the largest countertop in the kitchen. The tray can be repurposed and moved around as needs arise or stored until you need it.

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    Decant Your Cleaning Supplies

    kitchen counter organization

    Liz Marie Blog

    In this farmhouse kitchen from Liz Marie Blog, decanting dishwashing liquid and handwashing soap into matching amber glass jars looks pretty and reduces visual clutter so that you don't mind leaving them out on the countertop where they are easy to access. The rest of the countertops are kept clear for food prep.

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    Add a Cookie Jar

    countertop cookie jar

    Studio Peake

    Whether you use it for actual cookies or for unsightly everyday items, dog treats, or anything else, keeping a lidded cookie jar in the corner of the kitchen countertop to stay organized, like this London space from Studio Peake. Look for items that can work in both traditional and modern spaces, like the warm and earthy terracotta finish on this lidded jar.

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    Label Your Storage Jars

    kitchen countertop canisters

    NEAT Method

    A half-used bag of flour and sugar lingering on your countertop after a marathon baking session, until you put it away, isn't a great look. But if you decant your pantry goods into matching containers with user-friendly labels, you can leave them out as long as you like without cluttering up your kitchen, like this space from NEAT Method.

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    Create a Coffee Tray

    kitchen counter tray organizer

    Design by Tina Ramchandani Creative / Jacob Snavely Photography

    Tina Ramchandani Creative corralled coffee-making items on a wooden tray that can be moved around as needed, and returned to the same place until your next caffeine hit.

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    Decorate With Essentials

    stylish kitchen counter organization

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    Choose simple containers, cooking accessories, dishware, and decor items made from quality materials that you can leave out on your countertop. You can style and rearrange them into an ever-changing series of vignettes to create a warm, minimalist space like this Northern California kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors.

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    Consider a Glass Cloche

    organize kitchen countertops

    NEAT Method

    NEAT Method added a tray with a large glass cloche to house baked goods in the corner of this kitchen counter that keeps the contents fresh and has an appealing cafe counter feel. The transparent glass cloche bounces light around and looks pretty even when empty.

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    Line Up Condiments

    kitchen counter organization

    Design by Emilie Fournet Interiors / Photo by Rachael Smith

    In this London kitchen from Emilie Fournet Interiors, the space behind the stovetop was used to line up a row of frequently used condiments and spices. This is a simple way to free up counter space while making everyday items easily accessible while cooking. It adds color and life to a space decorated with graphic tile, plants, and a vintage poster of illustrated mushrooms.

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    Organize Your Coffee Bar

    kitchen counter lazy susan

    NEAT Method

    NEAT Method created a small coffee bar on an open countertop with an espresso machine and a small wood turntable that houses a glass jar of pods and matching creamer and sugar jar, keeping everything in easy reach. If counter space is limited, consider outsourcing your coffee bar to a rolling cart or a repurposed console table.

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    Use Bookends for Cookbooks

    kitchen counter cookbook organization

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    If you have a small collection of frequently used cookbooks, keep them both accessible and neat by using a simple pair of bookends to keep them organized on the open countertop, like this midcentury modern kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors. For a pop of color, go for a bright tone to make a visual statement.

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    Use Bowls and Boards

    kitchen counter organization

    Design by Tina Ramchandani Creative / Jacob Snavely Photography

    Tina Ramchandani Creative warmed up this minimalist kitchen with cutting boards and large bowls for storing and displaying fresh produce that are both functional and stylish.

How Do You Keep Kitchen Counters Organized?

There are multiple ways to keep your kitchen counters organized, depending on how many items you may have and the look you want to achieve. You can use matching lidded storage jars, large bowls, or repurposed vintage pieces to store pantry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and cooking utensils. Corral clutter with simple wood or decorative trays. Keep baked goods fresh and on display on a cake stand or under a glass cloche. 

What Is the Most Versatile Material for a Kitchen Countertop? 

Kitchen countertops can be made from a variety of materials. The most versatile kitchen countertops are made from simple, neutral materials like quartz, marble, or butcher block. These materials will work with a number of design styles from traditional to modern to farmhouse.