Organizing Kitchens and Clearing the Clutter

Photo 1: Cooking caddy

You always want salt, cooking oils and your favorite spices next to the stove because you use them every day. But they don't have to take up valuable counter space full time. Place them all in a caddy that you can instantly stow in a cabinet after cooking. You'll find caddies in various shapes, sizes and prices at any store that sells kitchenware.

Photo 3: Knife storage rack

Pull-down racks give you instant access to kitchen essentials without the clutter of spice racks or knife holders. When the cooking is done, the rack swings up against the underside of the cabinet. The acrylic knife rack like the one shown here, or buy a pair of hinges only and make your own wooden rack to hold knives, spices or other small items that take up counter space.

Photo 4: Kitchen cart on wheels

A rolling kitchen cart is the next best thing to adding cabinets and countertop space. The top provides extra workspace when you're preparing that big Thanksgiving dinner. And the shelves below hold items that would otherwise consume countertop space. If you plan to use a cart for food preparation, choose one with a tough top like butcher block, stainless steel or plastic laminate. Some cart tops are glossy finished wood—beautiful, but not very durable. Carts come in a variety of wood finishes, so there's a good chance you can match your existing cabinets. Or you can go for an eclectic look with a shiny metal or painted cart.

For a huge selection, shop online.

Photo 5: Dry-erase message board

Don't let shopping lists, phone messages and to-do notes clutter up counter space. Mount a dry-erase board and a plastic bin on the inside of a cabinet door with double-sided foam mounting tape. The bin will protrude into the cabinet, so be sure to position it where it won't collide with shelves or the stuff inside. Get the board, bin and tape at a discount or office supply store.

Photo 6: Organized files

Countertops are a landing pad for paper—mail, news clippings and other assorted notes. Get that mess off your counter with folders and a file holder. The one shown here (from an office supply store) mounts with screws or double-sided foam tape. If you don't have suitable vertical surface, get a file holder that sits on the countertop. It will take up less space (and look neater) than a stack of papers.

Photo 7: Backsplash that holds utensils

Backsplash racks offer easy access and stylish storage. Most versions take just a few minutes to install. Type “backsplash rack” into any online search engine to find a range of styles. You'll also find a huge range of prices. Backsplash racks have a few disadvantages, though. All your kitchen utensils have to look good, since they're on display. And if you ever decide to remove the rack, you&39;ll be left with screw holes in the backsplash; not a big problem with drywall, but ugly and unfixable in tile.

Photo 8: Entertainment center under the cabinets

Replace that countertop TV with an under-cabinet model. On most models, the screen folds up and out of your way when not in use. Basic models include a radio, and pricier versions play CDs or DVDs too. Find under-cabinet TVs at electronics stores. To compare more than a dozen models online, go online and search for “under cabinet TV.” You can even buy an under-cabinet TV system that includes a camera, which lets you monitor the front door or the backyard from the kitchen. Under-cabinet TVs are easy to mount—all you need is a drill and a screwdriver. But running cable or antenna wire to the TV probably won't be so easy. Make sure you can connect a TV before you buy one.

Photo 9: Coffee maker under the cabinets

For serious coffee drinkers, stowing the coffeemaker inside a cabinet just doesn't make sense; you'll only have to pull it out again in a few hours. Here's a solution: An under-cabinet coffeemaker is always available and doesn't take up valuable counter space.