7 Functional Kitchen Organization Hacks to Prioritize Space and Design

With appliances, decorative pieces, and last night’s takeout sitting on your counter, your kitchen may look more like a cry for help than the HGTV look you initially envisioned. But don’t feel discouraged! All you need are some kitchen counter organization ideas to maximize space and bring your vision to life. 

While kitchen clutter can merely be a side effect of the daily hustle and bustle, learning how to organize kitchen countertops was a lifestyle habit that took me a while to learn. If you’re a fan of the blog, you’ll recall some of my best kitchen counter organization ideas. 

But today, I want to share some kitchen organization hacks that do more than help you organize your countertop. I want to show you how you can decorate your kitchen counters while still being minimalistic and functional. 

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, so don’t let your kitchen mess be a source of stress. When you have a beautifully designed, clutter-free, and functional kitchen, you’ll have a space to feel proud of. A place to feed your body and your mind. After all, as the saying goes:  

“Clean your space, clear your mind.” – Unknown. 

If you’re ready for a kitchen transformation, keep reading. In this blog, I’ll give you 7 functional kitchen organization hacks to make it happen. I’ll also share some items I use in my home so you can snag some of my favorites for yourself! 

Trendy and Functional Kitchen Counter Organization Ideas

Before giving you my top trendy but functional kitchen counter organization ideas, I want to remind you that whether you’re shopping for trend or function, there’s almost always an option that matches or blends well with your aesthetic.  

When choosing organizers, baskets, or cleaning supplies, keep the overall aesthetic of your kitchen and home in mind. You don’t want your new items sticking out like a sore thumb when you bring them home.  

Got it? Alright! Let’s get your kitchen trendy and functional. 

Create Small Vignettes With Everyday Items 

One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is trying to put art into their kitchen space to liven it up. The problem is that your kitchen already requires so much to function that anything extra creates unnecessary clutter.  

The trick is to make art out of what’s already there, like a mortar and pestle, sugar pots, etc. Get creative by displaying what you need as features that are beautiful to look at. For example, look at how I used my mortar and pestle as a decorative display in my kitchen! 

 Remember, even for the tools and utensils you use daily, selecting versions that also look beautiful on display gives you the best of both worlds. Look at some of the items I’ve found on Amazon that can help you do that. 

Incorporate Vintage Wooden Stands 

Before we move away from my stove, I want to draw your attention to one more thing: the wooden stand where the mortar and pestle are displayed! While we’re trying to avoid unnecessary clutter, simple vintage wooden stands like these can be a stylish but functional way to display everyday items in your kitchen while still giving you the flair you’re looking for.  

Use a Decorative Bowl as a Fruit Bowl 

Alright, moving on! If you’ve got an island or counter that your family likes to congregate around, then I’m sure you have something like a fruit bowl or a snack bowl. While the mama in me wants to encourage it to be fruits (because we’re clearing your space, mind, and body here!), the designer in me just wants to make sure that bowl looks great in your space.  

Using a decorative bowl as a fruit bowl, you can create a focal point on your counter that’s beautiful and attractive to the eye. And because it’s housing the fruits your kids may be quick to snatch up, it’s also a healthy, fun, and functional way to dress up your kitchen. Take a look at my fruit bowl below!  

Update Regular Cleaning Supplies  

As adults, we all have our favorite brands when it comes to cleaning supplies (don’t tell my younger self I uttered those words, please). But as I mentioned earlier, aesthetics are everything.  

In the picture above, you can see some of my favorite cleaning supplies left out on display. Not only do they match my aesthetic, but because of the brand’s clear materials and fun designs (Mrs. Meyers, if you’re wondering!) I’m able to achieve style and function by keeping these products within reach for quick cleanups. So next time you’re shopping for cleaning supplies, look for options that will complement your kitchen more than your typical go-to brand.  

Check out some of my favorite items for more cleaning products that inspire this feeling. 

Optimize Drawer Storage 

Our kitchen counters often become a magnet for everything. Spices, appliances, cereal boxes, snacks, you name it. And while a kitchen countertop organizer can help clear up counter space, optimizing your drawer storage gives you way more control over what you choose to leave out on your counters – wondering just how to organize kitchen drawers? I’ve got the answer.  

Drawer dividers have become a staple for me in making the most out of my drawer space and achieving organized kitchen counters. And just as a suggestion, as you’re deciding what to fill up the storage space in your drawers with, make sure you’re asking yourself the tough questions. Like, do I really need to keep these bitten-up crayons? (Yeah, I’ve been there too!) 

Use a Hanging Rail Under Cabinets 

It’s safe to say that hanging rails will never get old. Nothing is more trendy and vintage than rustic or sterling silver pans hanging over a stove. It adds flair and urban vibes to your kitchen and clears up your cabinet space, giving you even MORE storage space to clear off your counters. 

I have yet to have the opportunity to install hanging rails under my cabinets, but until then, I’ve been living vicariously through a hanging paper towel holder. Is it as eye-catching as the pan rails? Not necessarily. But it adds a pop of color, clears up the counter space, and adds functionality. I’m happy! 

Make the Most of Your Pantry Storage 

Okay, I love playing with trends, but I can’t lie. I’m such a sucker for organization! Organized kitchen counters and optimized drawer storage makes my day. As you’ll soon see, my pantry reflects that!  

Personally, what I can’t find space for in my drawers goes in the pantry. This applies to food, extra supplies, appliances, and anything else you can think of. So I’ve used trendy baskets and clear containers to store everything from nuts and candy to packets of rice or soup. While the baskets add a touch of design to this very straightforward space, the clear baskets make it easy to find frequently used ingredients. 

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When organizing your kitchen, you may have felt you had to choose between trendy and functional, but I’m hoping this blog reassured you that you don’t have to! By getting strategic with how you approach your kitchen, you can achieve the balance you’re looking for.

Clean Your Space and Clear Your Mind 

Your kitchen space is important. It’s where you kick off your day, where you go for a midday pick-me-up, and where you return as you wind down. It’s an essential part of your home, and making sure your decor and organization reflects that is critical.   

Although you may feel pressure to get any ol’ standard kitchen countertop organizer to clear up some kind of space on your counters, making your kitchen trendy and functional doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Creating a place that not only pleases your eye but feeds your soul comes down to nothing more than strategy and creativity, and if you make the most of these 7 kitchen counter organization ideas and hacks, I have no doubt you’ll make that happen.  

For more inspiration, follow me on Instagram for free DIY design advice, and shop my home for direct access to my favorite things!