Some people prefer to have a collection of daily used items, decor, or appliances on their kitchen surfaces, while others enjoy a completely clear countertop. Which group of people do you find yourself in? There is no right or wrong way, but rather an approach that best fits your current lifestyle . We’ll share a few thoughts on both options & some beautiful photos from Brooke Phillips Design & Studio McGee for inspiration.

Collected Countertops

The preference to set up your kitchen or bathroom countertops with more visible items does not necessarily mean disorganized or cluttered. The art of curating functional and stylish pieces on your surfaces can be a beautiful way to decorate and create “homes” for essential items. Storing specific items on your countertops may be the only option in areas where storage or cabinets and drawers are limited. Some people function better in spaces where they have visibility of important items. Knowing yourself and what brings you the most ease and peace of mind is crucial. There is no one size fits all. One way to keep countertops neat is to create sections by gathering similar items with a tray, container, or basket. Items like coffee supplies, cooking utensils & oils, fruit & vegetables, or vitamins & supplements are just a few examples of things that make sense to contain. It is important to designate certain areas of your counters that need to stay clear to allow space for cooking & prepping meals. If you use canisters to store grains, snacks, or other dry products - choose jars and containers that fit your design aesthetic and display them on your countertop. If you enjoy sentimental touches, consider choosing your favorite handwritten family recipe to frame and find a special spot for. If you have an impressive cookbook collection, pick a few of your favorites to display. A plant could also be a fun item to add to your countertops if space allows. Don’t forget to use a plant tray or plate underneath for drainage.

THESE COULD ADD TO YOUR COLLECTED COUNTERTOPS

Clear Countertops

In order to accomplish primarily clear countertops, you will need to efficiently utilize your cabinets, drawers, and pantry storage areas. Some people really thrive in a space with minimal visual clutter, if this is you - make a goal to clear your countertops as much as possible. You could substitute the classic paper towel stand by using a behind the cupboard door holder or a holder that mounts to the underside of an upper shelf. One alternative way to store fresh fruit & veggies instead of a bowl, is to use a hanging basket. If your family uses printed calendars and lists, try posting them on the inside of a cabinet door instead of your refrigerator to eliminate visual clutter. To avoid a utensil jar, you could invest in a hanging cooking utensil rack above your stove top. As with so many organizing projects, the key is developing a routine to maintain your desire for the space. If there are a few key cooking supplies that you’d like to have on hand, consider using a small cake stand to hold those items.

These may HELP clear YOUR countertopS

We asked a few of our team members which style they prefer: collected or clear?

Caroline: I’m a “collected countertop” kinda gal. Having a few carefully selected items like a fruit bowl, candle, and a pretty crock with wooden spoons on the counter makes a kitchen feel warm and lived in (in a good way).

Taryn: It totally depends on my countertop size. In my previous home, we designed them deeper and loved our “countertop collections” utilizing vintage trays and bins to contain oils, spices, bread, & coffee fixins. However, in my current home, countertop space is hard to come by so they are all clear except for the everyday items like the toaster oven, Chemex, bread bin, and coffee tin.

Katie: In our tiny London flat, I’ll create clear space anywhere I can. So in this season I’m a “clear countertops when possible” kinda gal.

DO YOUR COUNTERTOPS NEED SOME ORGANIZATIONAL ATTENTION?