Martha Stewart's Best Tips For Keeping Countertops Organized

A messy countertop can throw off the aesthetic of any kitchen, not to mention your mood. Even if the rest of your home is organized, when your countertops are crowded, it doesn't go unnoticed. That's why Martha Stewart believes that kitchen countertop organization is the key to an efficient home. For the lifestyle guru, a tidy and thoughtfully arranged surface isn't about going overboard with minimalism. It's about striking a balance between efficiency and making daily life flow seamlessly. 

Stewart's approach to kitchen organization creates a functional and intentional space where organization and aesthetics work together. Every item should have a reason for being there, and ideally, you should use it almost every day. Counters shouldn't be extra storage, but instead thoughtfully laid out as workspaces, while elevating the overall look of your kitchen with purpose. For example, limit what belongs on the counter to the things you use most often, including small appliances like a coffee maker or air fryer, and store everything else in a cabinet that you use less often. Keeping practical items on-hand makes spending time in the kitchen much more enjoyable.

As an expert on everything home-related — from timeless kitchen cabinet styles to elaborate holiday tablescapes — Stewart turns countertop organization into an art form. Find out the simple ways you can make your kitchen work for you, rather than against you.

Although it might be tempting to keep your favorite small appliances on display, Martha Stewart's simple rule for countertops is to keep only what you use daily out in the open. You should think of your kitchen counters as workspaces, rather than storage for decorations or appliances you don't use regularly. Things you use all the time, like an air fryer, coffee maker, or toaster, can stay put. Everything else should be tucked away.

A lazy Susan is a Martha Stewart-approved way to keep your kitchen countertops organized while keeping essentials within arm's reach. Instead of letting stuff like cooking oils, salts, and spices monopolize your workspace, put them on a rotating tray. Lazy Susans keep everything visible and easy to reach, speeding up meal prep and making the space feel less cluttered. Place one in the corner or by the stove to create a tidy zone that keeps your kitchen looking mess-free. 

A countertop solution Martha Stewart uses to transform small kitchens (and big ones, too) takes empty, underused wall space and turns it into smart storage. Hanging up a small shelf gives you more counter space without making things hard to reach. Mini shelves can hold essentials you use the most, while keeping visual clutter off the countertops. Pick a shelf that complements your current cabinets so they can blend seamlessly.

Keeping the cooking utensils you reach for most in a vertical container is a great, Martha Stewart-esque way to maximize your kitchen space. Instead of putting them in drawers and fumbling around trying to find the one you're looking for, keep them in an upright container near the stove or prep area. Instead of a plain container, you can find a decorative one that matches your kitchen's aesthetic.

Instead of keeping sharp knives in a block where they can clutter the countertop, put them in a designated spot, out of sight and somewhere else. Whether you choose a cutlery drawer with individual knife inserts or elect to hang a magnetic knife rack on the wall, this will open up your counter space for other things.

Putting a pegboard on your kitchen wall is a nifty tip from Martha Stewart meant to bring a sense of order. Add it near your food prep space or anywhere you have an empty wall. It's great for keeping a cutting board, measuring cups, and little pans where you can conveniently grab them fast. This way, things won't clutter your countertops or cabinets, and you can switch things around at a moment's notice.

Regardless of whether or not your kitchen has an island, a rolling cart comes in pretty handy for extra storage. These carts, which don't take up a lot of space, are great for storing things you use often, like small appliances, ingredients, or other cooking supplies. You can move it around your kitchen depending on whether you're cooking, baking, or hosting. 

A genius solution to keep kitchen counters clean and organized is grouping like items with like items. Rather than spreading everything across your kitchen, these purposeful zones can be used to create a coffee or tea station or a baking or cooking prep area. This helps make your counters look organized, cuts down on clutter, and keeps your kitchen working better every day.