12 Items Worth a Spot on Your Kitchen Counter
Keep these useful tools and accessories out in the open to maintain high function without spoiling the view
In certain areas of my house, clutter just shows up out of the blue. The kitchen countertop is a dumping ground for random, misplaced objects left by children and a naughty husband. On any given day I find junk mail, empty shopping bags, the ubiquitous unfinished glass of milk and spare change.
I like my countertops sparse, so I take responsibility for clearing them each night after dinner. As part of my nightly ritual, I clear the countertops, wipe them clean and then reposition all the things for the next day. I like a combination of functional things and pretty things out on my countertops, but I am very picky about my selections. It is a working area, after all, so function comes first. Here are some ideas for countertop styling that looks good and is functional, too.
I like my countertops sparse, so I take responsibility for clearing them each night after dinner. As part of my nightly ritual, I clear the countertops, wipe them clean and then reposition all the things for the next day. I like a combination of functional things and pretty things out on my countertops, but I am very picky about my selections. It is a working area, after all, so function comes first. Here are some ideas for countertop styling that looks good and is functional, too.
2. Herb plant
I like to keep rosemary on my kitchen counter for the fragrance and general softness it brings to the hard surfaces in my kitchen. Of course, I snip a bit here and there for cooking. Find a sunny spot on your counter and water your plant once a week. Other herbs to try growing are mint and basil.
Get more flavour out of your herbs
I like to keep rosemary on my kitchen counter for the fragrance and general softness it brings to the hard surfaces in my kitchen. Of course, I snip a bit here and there for cooking. Find a sunny spot on your counter and water your plant once a week. Other herbs to try growing are mint and basil.
Get more flavour out of your herbs
3. Mixer
I know an appliance garage is a handy thing, but I honestly like seeing mixers. I love the colour and the simple engineering of a mixer. We use ours all the time, so it earns a counter spot in our house. Try a baking corner with a mixer, measuring cups and a rolling pin.
I know an appliance garage is a handy thing, but I honestly like seeing mixers. I love the colour and the simple engineering of a mixer. We use ours all the time, so it earns a counter spot in our house. Try a baking corner with a mixer, measuring cups and a rolling pin.
4. Condiment canisters
You can place canisters for sugar and flour, plus salt and pepper shakers, right on top of the counter. These canisters can be glass, ceramic or tin. The styling details are endless, but I suggest airtight versions to keep out pests.
You can place canisters for sugar and flour, plus salt and pepper shakers, right on top of the counter. These canisters can be glass, ceramic or tin. The styling details are endless, but I suggest airtight versions to keep out pests.
5. Coffeemaker
Another power appliance in many homes, the coffeemaker need not be hidden away. Those who drink coffee every day should consider a coffee section for their counter.
Kitchen appliances on display? Here’s how to make them shine
Another power appliance in many homes, the coffeemaker need not be hidden away. Those who drink coffee every day should consider a coffee section for their counter.
Kitchen appliances on display? Here’s how to make them shine
6. Fruit bowl
I keep a bowl on my counter filled with fresh, seasonal fruit to encourage healthy snacking.
I keep a bowl on my counter filled with fresh, seasonal fruit to encourage healthy snacking.
7. Cookbook stand
The book stand is one of my favourite countertop accessories. Use it for a hard-copy cookbook or an iPad with a recipe app. The best book stand is heavy enough to support even a large book. Consider a cast iron one with felt pads on the bottom to prevent scratching.
The book stand is one of my favourite countertop accessories. Use it for a hard-copy cookbook or an iPad with a recipe app. The best book stand is heavy enough to support even a large book. Consider a cast iron one with felt pads on the bottom to prevent scratching.
8. Utensils and ingredients
I really like a container for tall utensils right next to my stove. I use a slotted spoon just about every time I cook, so why not have it there at the ready? And I think it’s fine and interesting to keep oils and salt and pepper right within arm’s reach.
I really like a container for tall utensils right next to my stove. I use a slotted spoon just about every time I cook, so why not have it there at the ready? And I think it’s fine and interesting to keep oils and salt and pepper right within arm’s reach.
9. Silverware caddy
We use a silverware caddy for three square meals a day and just leave it on the counter. It makes perfect sense on a countertop close to the table or dishwasher.
We use a silverware caddy for three square meals a day and just leave it on the counter. It makes perfect sense on a countertop close to the table or dishwasher.
10. Oversized bowl
Here is an idea sure to appeal to some but not others. Oversize bowls can sometimes be hard to store, especially with standard-depth upper cabinets at 28-34 centimetres. I use oversized bowls a lot for pasta and salad. Find the best-looking and thickest one you can and leave it on the counter.
Here is an idea sure to appeal to some but not others. Oversize bowls can sometimes be hard to store, especially with standard-depth upper cabinets at 28-34 centimetres. I use oversized bowls a lot for pasta and salad. Find the best-looking and thickest one you can and leave it on the counter.
11. Blender
Another kitchen tool available in any colour, a blender is handy for blending soups, juices and smoothies.
Another kitchen tool available in any colour, a blender is handy for blending soups, juices and smoothies.
12. Toaster
My family loves toast. I bought the biggest toaster I could find, and there still is a line at breakfast time. The toaster definitely gets a spot on the counter in my kitchen. Keep yours next to a bread drawer or bin for a complete toasting section.
Tell us
What do you leave out on your kitchen countertop? Share in the Comments below.
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My family loves toast. I bought the biggest toaster I could find, and there still is a line at breakfast time. The toaster definitely gets a spot on the counter in my kitchen. Keep yours next to a bread drawer or bin for a complete toasting section.
Tell us
What do you leave out on your kitchen countertop? Share in the Comments below.
More
Browse more kitchen photos for design inspiration
Find a renovation professional in Singapore
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This is a handy kitchen tool, especially for those who track portion sizes. A scale can also be useful for baking and weight conversions. You can find scales online in every colour of the rainbow and digital versions, too.