20 Kitchen Counter Organization Ideas from the Pros
Updated: May 25, 2022When it comes to kitchen counter organization, who better to gain inspiration from than the pros? The following ideas come straight from our Taste of Home stylists, so you can be sure they're the cleverest—and most stylish—picks to be found.
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Two-Tiered Lazy Susan
“I love the bare wood look on this space-saving lazy susan,” says Stacey Genaw, one of Taste of Home‘s set stylists. Its clean design will blend in with most kitchen aesthetics, and its two-tiered design effectively doubles its usefulness.
16-Cube Bamboo Spice Rack
There’s nothing less appealing than an assortment of mismatched, disorganized spices. This streamlined kitchen counter organization spice rack allows you to clearly organize and display your favorite herbs. The timeless bamboo frame and collapsible iron stand set this rack apart from the crowd.
Bamboozle Composter
By now, we should all start composting at home—but many tabletop composters are ugly, smelly or some combination of the two. This sleek compost bin gets our stylists’ stamp of approval for its modern design and its carbon filter, which keeps odors locked in. It also gets bonus points for being made of renewable, biodegradable bamboo fiber and cornstarch.
The Baker Dock & Utensil Crock
Modern chefs will instantly fall in love with this genius dock and utensil crock. It’s a multi-tasking kitchen counter organization tool that keeps your phone clearly displayed when scrolling through a recipe, while also providing a place to dock your most-used utensils. It makes a clever gift for cooks of all kinds.
Yamazaki Tower Bread Box
Among our favorite small kitchen decor and design ideas is to use multifunctional products. This bread box allows for storage inside and on top, making it a smart choice for small spaces. We like the idea of assembling a cute coffee station or tea setup on top for both style and function.
Macrame Produce Hammock
“I personally have one of these and love it,” says senior set stylist Missy Franco. “Countertop space is a minimum at our house and this does a great job freeing up much-needed space! And it’s so cute with its neutral design!” After all, why use a produce bowl when a macrame produce hammock is so much cooler?
Bendt Tiered Iron Fruit Baskets
When kitchen counter organization space is limited, think vertically. These fruit baskets—available in either two or three tiers—increase storage space with the same footprint. And since they’re made with a mesh material, they’ll provide good airflow and keep food fresh for longer.
Bamboo Magnetic Knife Strip
Save crucial drawer or countertop storage by sticking your knives to the wall. This knife strip uses magnets to hold your tools in place, but its bamboo exterior is a more stylish choice than your typical metal strip.
Mason Stacking Bin
Whether you hang this stacking bin on the wall or prop it up against your countertop, it’s a kitchen organizing idea that will save your sanity. No longer will spices be stored out of reach or often-used recipes be left in a drawer to stain and crumple—now, all your important items are right where you need them.
Iron Rail
Not only is this iron rail a sly way to display your pretty kitchen accessories, but it also keeps the utensils within easy reach when cooking. It does require some assembly, but it won’t be going out of style anytime soon.
Soap & Lotion Caddy
Upgrade your kitchen soap situation with this blacksmith-inspired soap and lotion caddy. We like that you can fill the two bottles with the liquids of your choice and easily refill as needed.
Chateau Wood Mug Tree
Continuing with the theme of utilizing vertical space, a mug tree is an excellent option when you’re low on cabinet storage. This one is made of chateau wood and comes in either a black or brown finish, so you can choose the one that matches your kitchen best.
Magnetic Kitchen Cloth Holder
“I like this for a different way to hang your dishrag instead of over the neck of your faucet,” says set stylist Stacey Genaw. The magnetic kitchen cloth holder comes in either stainless steel or black bio-steel composite, and both are attractive kitchen counter organization options.
Expandable Countertop Shelf Rack
We dare you to find a more clever—or customizable—kitchen counter organization idea than this one. This countertop shelf rack expands to your desired length, includes five storage hooks, and provides an additional level of real estate for all your essentials.
Rustic Memo Board
No more keeping your grocery pad on the countertop to get stained with spills. This memo board provides a space to organize your thoughts, and it’s an easy way to add farmhouse style to your kitchen.
Jute Hanging Basket
These jute baskets are “great hanging storage with a rustic feel,” says stylist Missy Franco. “I love the texture and shape of these baskets. They can be used for produce or even things like pens or message center-type items.”
Desktop Organizer
Why does it seem like the kitchen is always the place where all your bills, outgoing mail, coupons and notepads converge? This desktop organizer provides a home for it all, with a slim footprint that lays neatly against the wall.
Wall Mug Rack
If you can never resist buying a cute mug when you see one, you’re not alone—and now you can finally feel justified in your purchase. This wall mug rack turns all your favorite mugs into displayable works of art. The best part? It holds up to 27 (yes, 27!) mugs at once.
Wood-Handled Dish Rack
This isn’t your average dish rack. Sure, it’s just as functional as traditional versions, but it’s a whole lot more upscale. The wood-handled dish rack contains organization for plates, and its silverware caddy can be moved wherever it’s most useful at the moment.
Spice Organization Tray
If it seems like there’s never enough drawer space to contain your spices, consider installing this mounted organization tray beneath your cabinets. Simply lower it down when you need to access its contents, then lift and latch to hide it away again.
