I know a lot of people like to keep their countertops as clean and clear as possible, which I’m totally into. My OCD minimalist heart loves nothing more then a shiny clear surface. However, if you have an open floor plan with the kitchen at the heart, and you cook as much as I do, there are just a few things that need to be ready to grab on the regular, all while of course looking gorgeous and pulled together. If these items are gong to be on display they better be really pretty and play to the rest of the homes aesthetic, naturally.
Clean off your countertops, use what you already have in your arsenal and only keep out whats in good shape and neutral in tone. This does not include any of the following small appliances: juicer, mixer, bread machine, blender, coffee grinder, steamer, dehydrator, even a toaster, unless it’s exceptionally designed of course. These things get used, but they take up way too much real estate on the already minimal counter space and no one wants to stare at anything electrical, modern, utilitarian or that reminds them they need to meal prep. I will make an exception for the coffee maker, as long as it has its own station, its clean, orderly and not the center of attention. This is used multiple times a day in our house and to pull that thing in and out of a cabinet is silly to me.
Some things I love to accessorize kitchens with:
Cutting boards. Natural wood tones are always welcome and you can lean them up right against the backsplash so they really don’t invade your prep space, easy to throw down at a moments notice.
Fruit Bowls: Fruit is always welcome on the counter, especially if in a pretty bowl. The pop of color is a nice reminder of the season and adds a little life to what can otherwise be a sterile space. You are also more inclined to eat the fruit if it’s out on the counter. We’re keeping it health conscious and stylish over here on the Modhemian ; )
Fresh Flowers or Greenery. Same thoughts as above, although we don’t eat the flowers! IDK, maybe you do, do you babe. Adds color and movement, gives us a little boost from season to season. Arrange in a simple ceramic or glass vessel preferably. Let the plants be the star here.
Trays for Kitchen Tools: I need my oils, salt, pepper, garlic, knives and some pretty utensils out for a quick grab and its nice to keep them in one space, confined to a pretty tray. Keeps things tidy and creates a home for these items, so people know where to look and where to return these tools. I think it goes without saying that your salt and garlic bowls, olive oil dispensers, pepper grinders and wooden spoons are all under the same critical lens and should be neutral, polished and in something other then what you bought them in the store in.
Soap Dispensers: There are few things in this world that make me cringe, and a plastic Dawn soap dispenser at the kitchen sink is damn near top of that list. Take the time to squeeze the dish soap into a pretty glass or ceramic refillable pump dispenser and it will just make you seem that much more pulled together.
Cookware or Tea Kettle. This isn’t completely necessary but I don’t mind gorgeous french cookware on display on the stove top. Hey, if you’re going to spend $900 on a dutch oven, you’ve earned the right to put that shit on display. The same goes for a sweet little tea kettle. Sometimes it adds just the right amount of, “we actually use this kitchen”, as long as it sticks to the overall color theme.
Doesn’t that just make you the happiest! Now go declutter your countertops and arrange pretty vignettes with purpose in your kitch.
Ciao for now!
xx
-K