Today I’m sharing my tips on using trays to control kitchen clutter on the counter. I find that trays are not only great for organizing but they keep my kitchen looking pretty too.
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Pinterest Challenge
I’m always happy when our monthly Pinterest challenge rolls around, and this time it’s all about decorating a spring kitchen counter. If you’re new here, each month our host Cindy of County Road 407 selects an inspiration photo for us to recreate. Each participant puts their own spin on the photo according to our individual style of decorating.
The best part is seeing how everyone interprets the image, and we always have an interesting variety. Be sure to click through all the links at the end of the post. If you’re stopping by from my friend Lora of Create And Ponder, welcome. Don’t you just love her kitchen?!
To see last months Pinterest challenge click on Bird Theme Inspired Centerpiece.
Our inspiration this month comes from Marly Dice featuring her Fresh Cheerful Spring Kitchen Tour.
My first impression of Marly’s kitchen is that it looks spacious with clutter free counters and plenty of work space. I’m also taking in all the pretty details that work in with my style.
- cutting boards
- flowers
- stack of dishes with kitchen towels
- tiered tray
- bowl of oranges
- utensils
- appliance free counters
Using Trays To Control Kitchen Clutter
This months Pinterest challenge had me taking a step back, and reevaluating how to organize my counters. I’m already using a large platter as a tray by my coffee station, so by repeating the look I can keep other areas under control too.
The ironstone platter next to the coffee maker holds pretty dishes with just enough room for a cake pedestal. Now I have space to display ironstone creamers, a vintage glass cup and a milk bottle with spoons. It’s a pretty spot to store some of my vintage finds without letting them get out of hand.
Here’s a tip for your coffee bar: This little jar holds sweetener for my morning coffee. I think you’ll agree, it looks so much more attractive than a green plastic container on display.
The coffee maker is the only appliance that I keep on the counter, because I use it everyday. Mixers, blenders and the toaster are hiding in cabinets or in the pantry, but they’re easy to access when I need them.
To see more display and storage ideas click on Organizing A Coffee Station And A Free Printable.
Decorating With Cutting Boards
Cutting boards come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Is there such a thing as having too many? I don’t think so, as least I’m not there yet. I love stacking them in layers and appreciate the texture of vintage bread boards that show their age.
On this side of the kitchen I’m using a single round cutting board as a backdrop to create a vignette.
In front of the cutting board I’m using my largest platter as a tray to hold a crock of utensils, a salt cellar, a pitcher, and a mortar and pestle. I love that everything fits on here so neatly, and I can move the whole tray when I need extra work space.
By the way a cutting board makes a great tray too, and it’s so easily to arrange cooking supplies on top.
Decorating With Flowers
The third tray on the counter next to the cook top is just for decoration, but it still corals clutter. Currently I have an arrangement of pink asters, in my favorite ironstone pitcher sitting on more blue and white plates.
Once the flowers fade I may use the tray for potted herbs, or remove it all together if I need more room for meal prep.
Organizing The Sink Area
Using trays to control kitchen clutter works for the sink area too. We have an open kitchen that is visible from the family room, so I like to keep the sink looking tidy.
New bottles for hand and dish soap sit on a little bamboo tray. This is a recent improvement, and one I’m loving much better than the mess of bottles we had before.
Just like Marly I love having a bowl of oranges or seasonal fruit out on the counter and a stack of dishes. It’s one of those things I do before serving a meal without even thinking about it.
For ideas on how to get your kitchen in shape click on Easy Kitchen Organizing Tips and Organizing A Kitchen.
Follow Thistle Key Lane on Pinterest, where the boards are up to date with seasonal inspiration that you can use right now!
Shop The Look
- white porcelain cake stand
- extra large porcelain platter
- creamer pitcher 4oz
- bamboo tray
- wall rack for coffee mugs.
Want to spruce up your kitchen for spring? Give this Pinterest challenge a try too!
Up next is Kim from Shiplap and Shells sharing her spring cottage kitchen refresh. Visiting her home is always such a treat. Be sure to click through all of links below to see lots more kitchen counter inspiration.
Cheers!
Our Pinterest Challenge Continues…