The Simple Organization Tip That'll Keep Your Kitchen Counters Clutter-Free

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People say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but disorganized countertops can quickly turn that happy space into a headache. Luckily, if your counters seem to constantly attract clutter, there are some simple solutions to help you keep the chaos under control. And believe it or not, one of the easiest ways to achieve clean, clutter-free counters is by incorporating a few multi-functional décor pieces right on top. 

Although it might seem counterproductive at first — like you're simply adding to the clutter — decorative trays, boards, and other flat-surfaced storage items can actually help organize your space. This is because they provide designated homes for everyday kitchen essentials like salt and pepper shakers or olive oil and vinegar cruets that don't always fit neatly in cabinets or drawers. Interior design content creator Shradha Thakur uses this same strategy in her own kitchen. "It helps to corral many small [items] together so it looks cleaner and purposeful," she wrote in an Instagram caption, adding that keeping certain kitchen items organized and easily accessible "is essential to be more productive while cooking, thus saving your time and resources."

There's no shortage of options for practicing this design hack. A product like the Homerays 10-inch Bamboo Lazy Susan or this stylish Cregugua Acacia Wood Cutting Board would do the trick for displaying smaller pantry items like coffee, tea, and sugar, or jarred herbs and spices. Cutting boards can be stored vertically against the wall, freeing up counter space and grounding clutter while still looking intentionally displayed. If you already have enough wooden accents in your kitchen though, try grouping staples together on a slate slab, as Shradha Thakur suggested on her Instagram. Slate offers a nice contrast to any wood-heavy space. Alternatively, a mirrored tray would add a touch of elegance. If you're up for a little DIY project, however, you could even reuse leftover tile to make the cutest decorative tray. The same can even be done with leftover marble from your countertops!

Not all kitchen items will sit perfectly on a flat surface, though, and sometimes you'll need to find an alternative way to store things that come in non-uniform shapes. That's where shallow bowls and baskets come in. With a slight lip, they make the perfect spot for bread loaves and fresh produce that doesn't need to be kept in the fridge. Wicker baskets are also a great place for storing dry goods like onions and garlic, while adding a warm and stylish touch to the kitchen. 

Of course, this decorative tray technique won't work for every kitchen — especially ones with super limited counter space. In these cases, you could incorporate a two-tiered storage tray, like this KLM Countertop Coffee Station. Or try utilize vertical space in a small kitchen with additional shelves and wall-mounted hangers for mugs, pots, and pans.