6 Items Minimalists Avoid Keeping on Their Kitchen Counters: Expert Insights to Transform Your Space
If you’re aiming to make your kitchen feel more spacious and serene, you’ve come to the right place. Say goodbye to countertop chaos and embrace a streamlined, efficient kitchen like a pro minimalist. Professional organizers emphasize that not every item needs to reside on your kitchen counter. Let’s explore six essentials that minimalists deliberately keep off their surfaces to achieve a clutter-free aesthetic.
Too Many Decorative Canisters: The Visual Clutter Culprit
It’s easy to be tempted by an array of decorative canisters filled with sugar, flour, or other ingredients. However, Angela Nguyen, founder of Bring It Home Style, warns against this practice. *“Having a line-up of jars just adds visual clutter,” she notes. Instead of adorning your counters with multiple containers, consider storing these essentials in your pantry to maintain a clean and open feel in your kitchen.
A Knife Block: A Space-Hogging Relic
Ditch the bulky knife block; it’s time to revamp your knife storage! Maria Bear, founder of The Baer Minimalist, opted for a drawer insert, which not only saves counter space but also allows for a more streamlined kitchen look. Sure, you may need to declutter your knife collection, but the reward of having open counter space is well worth the effort.
Small Appliances: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Do you find your countertop cluttered with a toaster, blender, or coffee maker? Consider this: if you don’t use these small appliances daily, they should be stored away rather than occupying precious counter real estate. "It just feels cleaner and lighter that way," Bear advises. Get into the habit of taking out and putting away your appliances; it might seem tedious at first, but your kitchen will thank you.
Piles of Paper: The Clutter Magnet
Your kitchen is not a landing pad for mail and miscellaneous paperwork. Dana Reder, founder of Winnow & Bloom, aptly points out that one should handle paper items immediately. "As mail comes in, deal with it right away," she insists. Make it a point to recycle or toss out unnecessary papers, and designate a space in your home office for anything essential. Reder also has an organized system for her kids’ artwork, ensuring it doesn’t pile up on the countertops.
Tech Items: Keep Your Work Separate from Cooking
While it’s common to catch up on emails at the kitchen counter, it’s essential to pack away laptops and tablets when work is done. Reder highlights that keeping tech clutter off your counters will help you unwind and prevent potential accidents while cooking. Nothing ruins a meal prep session like a spilled drink on your laptop!
Cleaning Supplies: Keep It Discreet
Although it’s practical to have cleaning supplies readily available, they should not clutter your countertops. Reder emphasizes that storing them out of sight is the most sanitary approach. Consider using a bin or a lazy Susan stored under the sink for easy access without the clutter.
By implementing these minimalist principles, your kitchen can transform into a peaceful oasis, free from unnecessary distractions. Eliminate visual clutter and enhance your cooking space! For more tips on maintaining an organized, minimalist kitchen, check out this insightful guide on The Spruce.
