Tips to Maximize Kitchen Countertop Space
No matter how much kitchen countertop space your have, it seems that you never have enough. Whether you have a large kitchen or an apartment size kitchen, more countertop space is always welcome. The truth is that most of us have enough countertop space; we just don’t use it efficiently.
Here are six tips that will help you maximize your kitchen countertop space:
Find Another Home
Do you use your countertop space like a parking lot? Do you park your wallet, purse, cell phone, or car keys on your kitchen counter tops? What else do you throw on the countertop that doesn’t belong in the kitchen? Look at everything on your countertop and ask yourself, “When is the last time I used this? Does it really belong here?” If you haven’t used it in a while or it really shouldn’t be there, find another home for it. Clutter is the enemy of a functional kitchen.
Add Cheap Countertop Space
You don’t have to remodel to add more countertop space. If you have the room, a small island would offer additional counter top space and storage. Many manufacturers offer island cabinetry made to fit in existing kitchen layouts. The finishes are designed to blend, so don’t worry about trying to match your cabinetry. Some pre-made islands have wine racks, open shelving, or cabinetry below for added storage. One island I found had a fold-down leaf for additional seating. For added flexibility, islands can be moved out of the way when not being used.
If you don’t have room for an island, maybe a smaller base cabinet would work. There are a variety of small freestanding cabinets available in different sizes and finishes. Space at the end of a cabinet run or beside an appliance could offer enough room for a small cabinet, which would give added counter top space or room for a microwave and storage below for wine bottles, cookbooks, or small rarely-used appliances.
Any type of cabinet will do; it doesn’t have to be a kitchen cabinet. Think outside the box. How about a tool chest with drawers and a butcher-block top?
Move the Microwave
If you have a microwave on the countertop, free up that counter space by adding a small base cabinet (see above). You could replace your current microwave with a microwave that can be installed under a wall cabinet, or a micro-hood that can be installed over the range or cooktop. Micro-hoods have a task light and built-in exhaust fan. Some microwaves have kits that allow them to be built into either wall or base cabinetry. Install a shelf and put your microwave at a convenient height. Just 18” of wall space will accommodate a nice size microwave.
Add a Shelf
Empty wall space is perfect for a shelf. Shelves are inexpensive and easy to install. A shelf is not only good for setting things on, but is also good to hang cooking utensils, pots and pans, paper towels, and all sorts of kitchen miscellanea. If you have enough height, you can stack a shelf above the first shelf for seldom-used items.
Use the Sink
Make your sink do double duty—buy or make a cutting board designed to fit over the sink. Some boards come with attached colanders making it easy to wash and drain whatever you’re preparing. Cutting boards are available in wood and plastic and reasonably priced. Whether you have a single or double bowl sink, a cutting board that fits over the sink adds inexpensive counter top space.
Save Floor Space
With less than 24” of wall space, you can install a wall-mounted drop-leaf table that takes up two and a half square-feet of space or less. A fold-down table can double as extra counter space and can be folded down and out of the way when not in use. It’s a great way to add cozy seating for two. You can find wall-mounted drop leaf tables online in wood and laminate and they’re reasonably priced.
Hopefully, we’ve given you an idea or two to help reduce clutter and add extra countertop space, which will make your kitchen work easier and more efficient. Best of all, these options are readily available and inexpensive.
But if, after looking at all your options, you still can’t make the kitchen work for you, call the Pros at Kitchen Express and we’ll help design a kitchen that you’ll love.
