Guest Picks: A Clean Start In the Kitchen
20 stylish ways to get your cooking area organized
At the beginning of every new year, I make promises to myself to get better organized in the kitchen — it helps save time and prevent waste. Here are some items that score in both form and function to help de-clutter your cooking space. — Tami from Running with Tweezers
Rectangular Biscuit Tins
I love using accessories as a pop of color in my otherwise slate and white kitchen. These bright orange tins are great storage pieces that you won't mind sitting out on the counter. The larger size would make a perfect bread box.
Tiered Tin Basket
I like to think of the fruit basket on my countertop as a display piece as much as a storage item. This galvanized tin, two-tier storage tray is rustic yet modern and minimal.
Homemade Cookie Jar
Cookie jars aren't something I normally think of as being particularly stylish, but this one with its tonal lettering and retro design makes me want one for my kitchen.
I love the idea of this grocery list flip board. Mark the tabs by these everyday fridge and pantry items, and the shopper in your home will know what to pick up at the market.
Joseph Joseph Index Stainless Steel Chopping Board Set
I don't know about you, but I have several cutting boards in my cabinets that I use for different things: one for cheese and bread, one for chicken, etc. They're always shuffling around and disorganized. This set of four cutting boards is color coordinated by use and contained in a sleek stainless holder.
Daily Reminder Rectangular Chalkboard
Skip the magnetic dry erase board on the fridge, and add a bit of shabby chic to your space with an old-school chalkboard. It's such an easy way to add a decorative touch to a wall or the side of a cupboard.
Latigo Journal
I'm determined to wrangle all of the recipes and notes I take in the kitchen into one journal. This one from Anthropologie is so unique and has such great colors.
Our Label Maker With Translucent Case
While a label maker isn't exactly the most glamourous thing to suggest for a stylish kitchen, being able to read what's in spice jars and storage bins is definitely en vogue. You'll be surprised how many uses you'll find for one around your home.
Verdant Bread Bin
I just love the girly, but not overly so, design and dual functionality of this storage jar; the top doubles as a cutting board for bread and rolls.
Martha Stewart Collection 16-Piece Food Storage Container Set
Leave it to Martha Stewart to make colorful and stylish plastic food storage containers. The aqua snap handles add great function and modern form.
Valencia Bottles, Set of 3
I don't like having lots of branded, labeled food in my home. I almost always transfer milk and juice into bottles such as these. They're so versatile while being easy on the eyes.
Over-the-Cabinet-Door Coupon Pockets
Everyone has a "junk drawer" in the home somewhere — mine is in my kitchen. It's where flyers for new restaurants, take-out menus and appliance manuals go. This over-the-door pocket tucks away and puts these things at arm's reach and out of sight at the same time.
Cucina Wall-Mount Kitchen Roll Organizer
I love the idea of getting all of those clunky, raggedy paper rolls and boxes out of my kitchen drawer, as well as making rolls of craft and wax paper a design element in the room.
Shun Kai Pure Komachi2 9 Piece Set
I think this set is such a cool design element and a great way to showcase great quality knives in a non-traditional way. It's an easy pop of color in kitchens of all styles.
Hanging Oak Stemware Rack
Wine is something I really enjoy here at my house, and I love this non-traditional way of storing great glassware with this hanging rack. It's a fun switch-out from the usual pot rack.
Berard Olive Wood Twine Holder/Cutter
Nothing makes me crazier than my roll of cooking twine rolling around and unraveling in a utility drawer. This spool keeps it tidy and makes it a fun piece to keep on a kitchen counter or craft table.
Wine Enthusiast - 2-Zone Wine Refrigerator
Having a wine fridge seems like the ultimate luxury, but it's also a great way to clear off kitchen counters and fridge shelves. It's a win-win: better organized space and perfectly chilled vino.
Oil and Vinegar Pipettes
I am a firm believer in keeping the olive oil and vinegar that I use the most right at hand near the stove — they're the two things I use most in my kitchen. These glass pipette bottles are a far cry from the clunky ceramic ones most of us know.
Zinc Antique Style Mug or Glass Holder with Hooks
If you have the space and the height in your kitchen for a coffee cup display piece like this, then I'm a little jealous. I love the thought of this being a centerpiece on an island or coffee service area.
STENSTORP Kitchen Cart
I would be lost without the kitchen island/work table I bought for my open kitchen. It's extra cutting and table space. Folks gather around it for drinks and noshes, and the shelves provide extra storage for pretty ceramic serving pieces and bakeware.
Next: 12 Great Ideas for Organization In the Kitchen
Next: 12 Great Ideas for Organization In the Kitchen