Style & Organization For Your Kitchen Counters

I’ve been in the kitchen a lot lately, which is so not my normal routine, but I’m trying to cook more and I’ve even tried my hand a baking .

All the time in the kitchen got me thinking about better ways to style and organize my kitchen counters.  Both style and organization can be challenging if you have more stuff than counter space. If you’re facing the same dilemma, I’ve rounded up some ideas that just might help both of us out.

First and foremost, I think kitchen counters should be pretty.  In my book that means you should use a mix of functional and decorative items to decorate your counter tops.  Some of my favorite decorative accessories to use on counters are:

Lamps–a pretty lamp on the counter is a great way to add task lighting and create ambient lighting at night when the kitchen is not in use.

Baskets–baskets are my #1 organizing tool and there is not reason they can’t be used in the kitchen to organized utensils and such.

Decorative Containers–there are some many beautiful glass and ceramic containers that can be use to store cooking utensils, dry goods, snacks and even pet treats.  You don’t have to settle for typical food canisters anymore.

Cutting Boards–Styling your kitchen counters with cutting boards not only looks great but make accessing the boards quick and easy.

Flowers or Plants–For those of us that don’t cook a lot, a vase of flowers will dress up the counter top.  For those of you that do cook a lot, potted herbs are a fun and practical way to add a natural element in the kitchen.

Now let’s check out some styling ideas….

Putting potted herbs or plants in woven baskets will add texture and I love the idea of using some type of riser to store and display bottles of  cooking oils and salt & pepper

Use vintage pitchers to store utensils–the more the merrier

A basket next to the stove can hold everyday cooking supplies and can be easily moved if the counter space is needed for something else

Cake stands are another item that can be used as a riser to hold kitchen essentials and if gives you a way to store the cake stand

In my own kitchen (above) I’ve put an old, patina filled thrift store champagne urn to good use as a utensil holder

When space is at a premium, layer elements by stacking books or standing trays or cutting boards up against the back splash

Standing silver trays against the back splash is a great way to create a backdrop for other accessories

 This collection of bottles makes this small counter space look stylish and organized.

If your kitchen is more pretty than practical like mine, do you have any styling tips to share?  Leave me a comment, I’d love to know.