With a one-year-old in the house, our kitchen can get messy. I’m talking messy here people. Things get left out, baby food gets spilled, and Joe and I can be a bit clumsy in a rush. Our kitchen doesn’t stay messy for long (thanks to Joe and his willingness to pick up after August and myself). Even if everything isn’t put away perfectly, clean countertops go a long way. For as messy as I can be, I do keep my workspace clutter free when working, putting things away and wiping down the counter before proceeding to the next task. Being thoughtful with the styling of your kitchen countertops can breathe so much life into your kitchen, not to mention make you feel organized. I don’t constrain myself to any rules when placing things or choosing objects but I like to stick to some basic principles to make things easier. First, sometimes the practical things have to stay out. Small appliances that you use daily should remain insight, but if you’re not making yourself green juice every morning, you might want to find room in a cupboard to store the juicer. Second, I keep my prettiest vessels (bowls, vases, small plates) available for everyday items like Maldon salt, wooden spoons, avocados, lemons and apples, garlic cloves and shallots, red pepper flakes, etc. Keeping your olive oil in a lovely ceramic container is the easiest way to make those everyday items part of your decor. Lastly, I incorporate cookbooks, fresh cut flowers, and a big bowl of fruit to add some visual variety and freshness to the space.

We get a lot of questions about updating an outdated kitchen without doing a complete remodel. More often than not, a fresh coat of paint, new countertops, and updated lighting is all you need to do. But what if you don’t have the budget for new quartz? Well, you’d be surprised how restyling your kitchen can breathe so much life into it, not to mention make you feel powerfully organized. (I feel like I can take on anything when my house is clean, don’t you!?)

Here are 11 kitchens that’ll have you thinking up new ways to reorganize and restyle your kitchen!

1. (above) Admittedly, this is my own kitchen but I love changing up how my countertops and shelves are styled. I’ve moved things around probably 10 times since we finished our remodel. Doing a kitchen styling refresh every once in a while can really change how a space feels. I like to keep cutting boards, serving boards, and utensils right next to the stove top for ease. Everything else I put up on shelves or in cabinets to avoid clutter.

2. Bold and graphic elements, like that number 3, add punch to an area that might be looked over. I also love a good stack of cookbooks in the corner.

3. Make the most of your kitchen countertops and open shelving by being thoughtful with what you choose. Using elements that are both functional and beautiful is a great cheat. Natural elements bring a lovely warmth, especially when paired with ceramics and metallics.

4. Emphasize the industrial look in the kitchen by keeping small appliances out. Stainless steel floating shelves add dimension and much-needed extra storage. Pops of color in a sea of neutrals are sure to attract people to the heart of your home.

5. Make the most of a small stove area with hanging grids, shelves, and mug hooks. I also love having music and common ingredients at an arm’s reach!

6. Showcase that stunning small appliance splurge with small accents and an otherwise sparse countertop. Paying close attention to finishes can really pay off. There’s no need to hide a beautiful Kitchenaid mixer! Plus, having it on my countertop on the daily is a nice nudge to make muffins or pancakes on weekend mornings.

7. I can’t get enough of plants in the kitchen! Placing some smaller ones on countertops and larger ones on shelves keeps them out of the way. Using tea towels as accents isn’t a bad idea either.

8. Mix and match materials like wood, marble, and ceramic for a cohesive and interesting look. Arranging your objects according to size is unexpected and adds a welcome balance.

9. Take a cue from the interior design experts of Scandinavia and go monochrome and natural.

10. Use your kitchen countertops as an excuse to start an art collection! Small pieces leaned up against the backsplash make for a welcome surprise.

11. These are definitely kitchen countertops for the cook or baker! The storage jars, scale, and mixing bowls add personality. Keeping everything in the same color range is super chic.

shop Kitchen Countertop Essentials

Picnic Time ‘Horizon’ Paddle Wood Cutting Board • Picnic Time • $66.95
Marshall Stanmore Bluetooth Speaker • $350
Menu – Bottle Salt & Pepper Grinder – Set of 2 – Burnt Yellow • Menu • £60
ABC Home The Love and Lemons Cookbook: An Apple-to-Zucchini Celebration of Impromptu Cooking by Jeanine Donofrio • $31.50
Picnic Time ‘Horizon’ Paddle Wood Cutting Board • Picnic Time • $66.95
Marshall Stanmore Bluetooth Speaker • $350
Menu – Bottle Salt & Pepper Grinder – Set of 2 – Burnt Yellow • Menu • £60
ABC Home The Love and Lemons Cookbook: An Apple-to-Zucchini Celebration of Impromptu Cooking by Jeanine Donofrio • $31.50
Kitchen Aid KitchenAid 5-qt. Artisan Design Series Stand Mixer + Glass Bowl KSM155GBCA • KitchenAid • $399.99
Auden Bookends • Lulu & Georgia • $134
Martha Stewart Collection 12″ Cake Stand • $44.99
Kitchen Aid KitchenAid 4-Slice Long Slot Toaster KMT4166 • KitchenAid • $99.99
Wusthof ‘Classic’ 12-Piece Knife Block Set • Wusthof • $639.99
Williams Sonoma Marble Partitioned Utensil Holder • Williams-Sonoma • $129.95
Kate Spade New York Deco Dot Recipe Box • Kate Spade • $30
Mini Olive Wood Cutting Board • Shiraleah • $14.98
ABC Home Tartine All Day by Elisabeth Prueitt • $36
Polder Mini Retrobin Bread Box in White • Polder • $20.99
Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Glass Jar – 2 gal. • Anchor Hocking • $13.99

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Image sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11