Let me begin the Home Neat Home series by clarifying that I by no means think I have a mastered the planet of organization! I realize that some of you live in tiny apartments and others in grand kitchens with five kids. Something else might work best for you. This is what works for me!
Might as well begin with the hardest room in the house to organize:
Unlike other rooms in the house, it seems there is more in the kitchen that HAS to be there than any other room, making it hard to simplify. Still, simplification is still the most helpful starting point.
Everything in my kitchen has a place that has been thought out and chosen. Nothing is thrown in a drawer because I don’t have a clue what to do with it. We’ve tried to utilize the space in such a way that every corner is used yet nothing feels crowded.
Do you really need 10 spatulas?
I thought I did, but I have settled on 3. A sweet mini, a savory mini and a big. Two wooden spoons. Scissors. And a flat spatula. That’s all I need easily assessable on my countertop.
When we moved, I went through each and every kitchen tool and gadget and asked myself if it was something I use on a weekly basis. I also made sure I had ONE of everything – with the exception of a few items like sheet pans and the above spatulas and mixing bowls that one must have at least two of.
I donated many more sheet pans (ones that were gross!), spatulas and mixing bowls though. And I haven’t missed them!
The less used cooking equipment is neatly placed in a drawer next to the stove so my countertop canister is nice and airy
As much as it pains me to spend my dollars on metal baskets that should cost $1, I have learned in my organization life that if you invest once in these expensive metal organizers that they last forever. And with a price tag similar to a glass of wine, they make me very, very happy!
Can openers, garlic press, pizza cutter, ice cream scoop, zester, peelers, masher, mini funnel, food scale – all within easy reach and neatly place.
The measuring drawer is also paired down – I once had two of everything! And while if you’re a super baker you might need two half cup measurers, I do not. I just am mindful of moving from dry to wet when I cook and it makes my drawer more simple. I also believe in separating measuring spoons from their ring so you can wash them individually! In the back there are clothes pins and chip clips –
Tupperware is a PAIN to store, and I’ve tried tons of different ways to manage it all. Guess what worked best? Donate 3/4 of my stash! I’ve learned that you just don’t need 100 tupperware containers “just in case” you have a ton of leftovers at once. If you really get in a pinch you can just put leftovers in a small bowl with some wrap on top. Some of my containers are full in my fridge at this time, but they neatly stack in two piles. (KERF reader Samantha sent me this nice glass Anchor set when she was concerned with my plastic consumption 🙂 I love them! They definitely make me feel more grown up)
I have one “catch all” drawer for bulky items and don’t go in here everyday. Notice there is still some attempt to group like things with like!
More dividers. Lifesavers in drawers!
We have two large under-the-counter cabinets.
One features all of our big pots and pans (small ones go up top so you don’t have to bend!) as well as large tupperwares and jars on the shelf
The second houses the appliances. I am a stickler about maximizing counter space when you have a small kitchen, so these guys must be hidden!
Under the sink!!!! I linked the bottom of this with some ribbed plastic drawer liner I found in our basement. Makes it all super clean and neat!
We also have a little door for recycling – glass/plastic/bottles on the left, paper on the right
To the right of the stove:
That’s all the under-counter storage. Now we move to uppers.
I always believe in having your everyday pots and skillets up top – so you can easily reach them from the stove.
Also near the stove is our seasonings cabinet – with baking on the top. I love these circle turners for this stuff so you can easily find it.
Whenever you can utilize shelf space and walls (a la IKEA!) it helps!
We have one pantry (I hope someday we have a walk-in pantry!) to the left of the stove. I feel we’ve utilized the door well!
And inside are items we use almost everyday
These stand-up baking pan holders are awesome!!
I also love the addition of the open shelves in this kitchen – they work so well for all the bulk stuff!
Anything else cooking-related is in the basement. It’s all the stuff we don’t use too often, so I don’t mind going downstairs to use it. And I’m so glad it’s out of the way!
Where are all the dishes?
Well that’s another post!!
Natalia - a side of simple says
I’m in LOVE with this series! The only problem is I want to read KERF now like a magazine! Hmmm… ideas? 😉
Donna says
I love this series!!! Perfect timing for me since my husband and I are in the process of moving. We need all the tips we can get to get our house staged to sell.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
LOL @ the Simpsons bottle opener. Nicely done! 🙂
elaine! says
I have the exact same one! It’s hilarious… it says, “Mm, beeeeeer” when you use it. XD
Jess @ atasteofconfidence says
Everything looks so organized & put together- great job!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
This is SO useful. I made a promise to myself to stay organized in my apartment this year, but it’s TINY- I can definitely put some of these tips to use, thanks for sharing!!
ashley@quasichick says
Your kitchen is super neat and organized..I love it! I keep my kitchen pretty neat too, it drives me crazy when I can’t find something I need. I also keep my big appliances off the counter. I like to walk into my kitchen and not feel overwhelmed. Love this series, keep it coming! 🙂
Regina says
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! I cannot wait for more in the series, Kath. FANTASTIC!
Katy says
I love your kitchen! So organized 🙂 I definitely need to take some pointers to fix up my own.
Ellen @ Undercover Runner Eats says
Hahaha, I like the “Fun Stuff” area
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
Love the organization! I think we’re pretty organized but I also have half the kitchen items you do 🙂 My next purchases will be airtight storage containers and an organized spice rack!
Jenna @ Eating Green, Staying Lean says
Cool idea for a series!!
Andrea @ Run, Eat, Date, Sleep says
I woke up this morning wondering if you’d have your first Home Sweet Home post up. I love it! I’m so inspired to get my home organized! I needed this. Thank you!
Matt says
Better not be throwin away all the fun cooking utensils!
Katie (Sweet Tater) says
i love this. you need a full-color KERF lifestyle magazine. i’d buy it.
Kath says
My dream is to have an organization + cooking book one day 🙂
Kath says
Or a TV show 🙂
Stefanie says
It amazes me when people leave mean spirited comments (ahem… Kelly). I for one would love an organization-cook book (or a TV show!) from you! I love this series and can’t wait to see the rest.
Bridget says
Kelly needs a filter. Kath, I’d LOVE to watch your show and since when is being an RD and (soon) running a successful bakery not professional experience??
Kath says
Filter provided
Melanie @ Jon and Melie says
What did Kelly say? I must have missed something? Sad when people leave mean comments. 🙁
Sarah says
I would actually rather watch one with someone who is not classically trained and is average like me but able to create fun, healthy recipes while keeping a balanced and organized life.
There’s just no need for the snark. We’re all friends here!
missy says
Kelly, there are more diplomatic as to express an opinion. Perhaps you should learn that.
Also, different people look for different things. While you’d be interested in a professional hosting a show, there are tons of people (like me!) who would like to see a show hosted by everyday people.
Val @ Balancing Val says
BEAUTIFUL!
I always had that problem of having more than one of the same thing.
I always felt guilty getting rid of it because i thought I one day might need it, but once it’s gone . . . I barely remember it!
One question though, where did you donate all of that stuff you weren’t going to use and was it used when you donated it?
I’d love to find somewhere someone else can use what I dont need! 😀
Kath says
I took it all to the Salvation Army here in Cville, but I used to also use Goodwill in Charlotte
Val @ Balancing Val says
Thanks!
Ps nice talking homer Simpson beer opener 😉
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I want to live in your kitchen. We are always working on a better system. I think we have found on that mostly works now, but there is always room for improvement. We are learning to get rid of things we don’t use, but I seem to keep getting hand me down stuff. I love retro kitchen stuff, so I blame myself for the over abundance of crap in the kitchen. Oh well, maybe one day I will get it all organized.
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
I love this! I love seeing other people’s kitchen’s! 😀
Nicole (I have trouble with forward motion) says
I love your kitchen, especially the open shelves where you have your bulk goods stored. I have such a tiny kitchen- only two drawers (one of which can’t open all the way because the fridge blocks it) and some of the cabinets have useless/wasted space because you can’t reach that far back. We store a lot of non-perishables in the basement, too, plus big items that aren’t used often (or ever). I’m actually thinking about getting rid of my blender because I NEVER use it; I make smoothies in my food processor.
Emily @ One Sweet Vegan says
Loved reading that! We live in a small house with a tiny “two-way galley” kitchen. There’s very little storage space. Did you install those open shelves by the window? If so, where did you buy them?
Kath says
They were already here – we’re renting the house
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Kath this looks great! I think HGTV definitely needs a show called KERF Cleans, then Eats… or something along those lines, where you go through how to organize a room, then of course, cook up something really tasty. It’d be on my PVR for sure!
Kath says
Oh what a cute idea!
Britney says
Thanks for this! I read your post, got up and put the mismatched tupperware container and lid in the recycling bin (I had been saving them “just in case” – but as soon as I have space I am getting glass containers anyway!) and then I reorganized my half of the food cupboard. I knew everything would fit in there, and it did.
Kath says
That makes me feel good just reading about it!
Tracy says
I did the same thing – got up and filled up 2 bags of stuff to donate just from my kitchen drawers – took 15 minutes!
Cathy says
I am donating all my glass baking dishes to my daughter after seeing your neat kitchen. I was just hanging on to them & I dont even bake. She has my Kitchen Aid stand mixer too. 🙂 Keep up the great site. Love it.
Richelle says
I love your organizational skills. I can’t wait to have my own place to organize again.
Sophie says
Love your storage! The house we are renting right now is a little smaller than yours so our kitchen space is also at a premium. Do you not wrap up your silver to prevent tarnishing? I’ve always wrapped it up (even if it’s just plastic wrap) because that’s what I had always heard! May be an old wives tale 😉
Kath says
If it was wrapped up I would never use it! I just polish every now and then.
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
I love those stand-up baking sheet racks! Need to get some of them. I have a zillion baking sheets, and actually do use many of them at once, lol.
I agree, a walk-in pantry is a must when house hunting! 🙂
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Our kitchen will never look like that. Maybe one day when I have my own place, I can start from scratch and only bring in things that I will definitely use. We have stuff that dates back to before I was born…although most of those things are the most used! I will revisit this page for inspiration though!
Elizabeth @ The Sweet Life says
Great post–and really helpful to suggest just getting rid of stuff you don’t use instead of fighting the spatula battle every day!
Heather says
I wish I had as many cabinets and drawers as you have! Very organized – I have a few of those metal baskets and love them as well.
Great tips! Can’t wait to see some of your other posts!
Katherine: Unemployed says
skip opening a bakery, you should publish a magazine!
jen @ taste life says
Love this series already! Think I might need to invest in some metal baskets…
Kate Z. says
So question: my husband and I can never figure out a good solution for the whole dishrack dilemma. We like the look of an uncluttered counter but we also kind of need the dish rack for drying! We just hate having it out all the time, but it’s also a pain to keep putting it away and pulling it out. What do you guys do for dish drying?
Kath says
Ahhhh!! You made me realized I left out the “under the sink” photo!! I put it back in above near Recycling.
We have these drying mats from Bed, Bath, Bey. that we put on our counters to try the bigger stuff. I leave them out for a bit and then put them away. They are machine washable and so far I like them. (We used to just use tea towels to collect the water)
Darlene says
If you live next to christmas tree shop I got one there for $2.99! I am going back to get more they are great!
steph@stephsbitebybite says
So excited to see where this series goes! I’ve often wondered how you always seem to be so on top of everything, and have been waiting for more organizing tips ever since your gmail videos 🙂
steph@stephsbitebybite says
oh…will you be doing any blog/computer organizing tips?
Kath says
YES!
[email protected] says
I love this series. My kitchen definitely needs a overhaul!
Dorry says
Love seeing your organization tips. My husband and I have a teeny tiny kitchen and we just got married so we have an redundancy of kitchen gadget, etc from wedding gifts. We’ve done the best we can and look forward to a more spacious kitchen at our next home! I definitely need to invest in better drawer organizers.
Laurie says
This raises a question that has been on my mind…your fridge is usually close to bare, you don’t seem to have alot of food around the house. How often do you shop? I know its easier for just the two of you that it is for a family with teenagers that always want to snack, but I am in awe of it. Maybe because I always stock up on food when its on sale.
Kath says
We shop once or twice a week and get JUST what we need. We have a lot of staples like quinoa, millet, beans, sardines, pasta, frozen things on hand at all time and I always have fruit and veg in the drawers – just not a ton. It makes you use what you have. And yes, there are just the two of us 🙂
sarah (the SHU box) says
great minds must think alike b/c my kitchen is organized SO similarly 🙂 and we also went through a big purge when we moved. we have 2 spatulas!
Katelyn says
This makes me want to organize my house! Too bad it would end up super messy again in less than a month!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
loooove this series, kath!
Mimi says
Next year if going to be a big test of just how organized I really am. Right now I have roommates, so all of our stuff blends together. When the to-be hubby and I have a place of our own, it will be interesting to see how everything pans out — I think (hope) I’m organized!
Did you install that shelf above your stove? I love that!
Kath says
It was already there but I want one in my next house! IKEA has some awesome ones
Faith @ lovelyascharged says
I love that you keep your grains in mason jars. I think I’m going to do that once I move into my own place. Right now, I just toss ’em on the shelf in the bags from the bulk section and that’s just…icky looking, haha. Such a cute and practical idea!
Emily says
I love your different organization techniques, especially the jars. I love how they are a display as well as a space saver and much more economical. Love the simplicity of the white with everything else popping 🙂
Allison @ Happy Tales says
WOW wow WOW, Kath!!! I Can already tell I will be coming back to this series for tips and tricks a lot!!! Loooove how you have neatly placed like-with-like. Also love that you use glass tupperware (what a nice reader that is!). My issue definitely lies in how MUCH tupperware I have… maybe i’ll have to get rid of a few.
Courtney @ the granola chronicles says
I like this series. What a fun idea!
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
The big appliances is what is so hard for me to find space for in our little kitchen.
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I am already in love with this series! I have kitchen envy 🙂
Katie J says
You donated gross baking sheets? I really hope you cleaned them beforehand… I use to work at a Salvation Army and we required everything to be neat and clean before accepting… otherwise it was into the dumpster!
Kath says
Of course they were clean. They were just well used. Would you rather I put them in the landfill? I’m sure someone was able to use them for something – even if it’s just in their garage.
Kristen @ Kristen, Sweetly says
I found that Pero hiding in the “salt, oils” category! I bet you thought you could get away with it. :-p
Kath says
🙂
Heather says
love this post! we are moving into a new house in a month, and our current amoun tof stuff and how it is stored is out of control! I want to start off right, and have gotten some great ideas from this post, so thanks!
JenATX says
I have the same coffee mug from Antropologie.. except mine has a J on it!
Meg says
This is lovely, Kath! I was going to ask you about the dish rack as well, but I see you’ve already answered someone else’s Q about it 😀
Bronwyn Coyne says
I <3 organization. Maybe I should do some organizing in my place. lol. You have an awesome kitchen, I really love the wood counter tops.
Gina@fitnessconcierge says
Love the organization and you have inspired me to go out and buy metal drawer baskets!
Emily says
I honestly think I’ve become slightly more organized since reading your blog- plus I’ve really started trying to use up our food that we have and making meals instead of running to the store. Why NOT cook the rest of that pasta? I have frozen chicken too! Hahaha!
Love this new Home Neat Home 🙂
Emily says
I cleaned and organized my kitchen this afternoon! Thanks for the motivation, Kath!
Amy @ Amy Starts to Run says
Metal draw baskets, hanging shelves for the pantry, and getting rid of clutter have all been added to my organization list. So inspired!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
Love this series! Everything is so organized!
Lauren says
We are building our house right now and it’s almost done! Yay!!! But your tips are giving me HUGE motivation to start with a clean slate. There is no need to clutter up a brand new kitchen! Great tips Kath.
Annie@stronghealthyfit says
Wow I wish I had your kitchen! It’s beautiful and I love how clutter-less it is 🙂
bobbi says
Kath it’s like you read my mind. I have been on an organization kick lately and am going to use some of these ideas for sure. I also will make sure to let people know where I got all the great ideas 🙂 I too am a bit of an OCD freak when it comes to my kitchen. It’s a hobby of mine.
Question: Where did you get that white cabinet for all your dishes?
Kath says
Crate + Barrel
Tami says
all those little dishes would drive me a crazy but I see them as “work/blog” thing that you need for your “business” vs just extra bowls that you have kicking around.
lauren says
this is inspiring! i think i should make myself post pictures of my kitchen — then I’d be forced to clean/organize it!
Dana says
Hi Kath!
Awesome post, so helpful. Wondering where you purchased the metal baskets and wooden cutlery divider?
Thanks in advance!
Dana
Kath says
I think Bed, Bath and Beyond
Amy says
Fantastic! This has inspired me to tackle my kitchen before too long … your drawers are enviable!
Nikki says
I love this post. I have 2 utensil canisters on my counter that are so full and not functional at all. I normally have a problem getting my husband on board with organizing, but I got him to read this post, and he really liked it! Hopefully, I can convince him to get rid of all our duplicates.
Linda says
I love your kitchen!!!!!
Marie@feedingfive says
Envy! No really, this is great motivation. I am on my way to my Tupperware drawer right now. One of my favorite things is a pan rack right above my sink. I just wash my pans and hang them right up to dry.
Laura says
I’m impressed! Everything in your house is always so organized. You would be appalled if you opened my cupboards! One of these days, I’m going to clean house, KERF-style!
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
Love this – your kitchen is gorgeouss…I just wish mine had a bit more storage space.
Joanna@drizzleofsunshine says
WOW!! Amazing!! I love your tips!
First you motivate us to eat clean, then you motivate us to be active, and now organized? You’re good people.
katie says
Love this post and am surely going to be obsessed with the whole series. Can you recommend any other home organization/cleaning blogs?
Kath says
Not that I know of – but I would like some recs too! More organization (with photos!)
ali says
unclutter.com
ali says
Love this series, by the way. Can’t wait to see the next one : )
Kerris @ Baby, Be Fit! says
Love it! Where did you buy the holders that attach to the pantry door?
Kath says
They were already there!! But I think BBB has everything in this kitchen!
Heather says
WOW! Fabulous thank you for the tips. When you went on your trip this last month you wrote a blog of staples of foods that you take. Do you recall when it was I was going to try and get some ideas to take things with me on vacation. Do you have any great ideas for healthy portable snacks and some lunches for kids. I do not want them eating fries and nuggets all the time.
Thank you!
Heather
Kath says
Foods that I take on vacation? I don’t remember that one.
Mary Frances says
Heather is probably asking about your post from January 9, 2011 (Travel Tips). There is a photograph of all of the Oatmeal, Cereal, Granola, homemade bars, coffee, dried fruit and nuts, real food bars and cut up carrotts (the kind of stuff that would easily, semi-compactly fit into a carry on bag and easily pass through TSA screening at the airport and save you tons (money and calories for not being tempted to purchase on the road which would probably be unhealthy choices due to availability at the time). Also, you suggested making a trip to the local grocery upon arrival to purchase bulkier foodstuffs such as bread and perishables such as yogurt and beer 🙂 (which could be put into the mini-frig in the room).
sarah (sarah learns) says
i’ve come away from this post with a huge list of ideas for our kitchen when we move in a couple months – number one is to go through every single item & decide if it’s necessary. hopefully i’ll be able to get rid of a lot of stuff!
Kathy @ newlywedindc says
I love this series! I like your tips about getting rid of what you don’t need…important in so many areas of the house. I also noticed that you store nuts in old jars – I’m going to start doing that! I’m always looking for new uses for jars; they’re so much better than tupperware.
I’m jealous of all your space; I have ONE, count ’em, ONE drawer in the kitchen! My utensils definitely don’t have as much breathing space. 🙂
Kathy @ newlywedindc says
Also, I meant to add that I’ve always read that you are not supposed to store oil, vinegars, or spices above the stove, because the heat can alter the quality and taste of these items. So you might want to re-think their locations.
Kath says
yeaaaaahhh…or stove doesn’t get that filled up just the two of us. We use the front burners so I’m not too worried
Chelsea says
I am envious of all your cupboards and drawers! So much storage space!!! This reminds me that I need to do an update on my blog about my kitchen and it’s 3 drawers.
Kath says
It doesn’t feel like much to me!! 🙂
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Beyond amazing post, Kath! I do the same in many respects…organizers, drawer dividers, donating 3/4’sth of my tupperware stash too. Moving things i dont use to the garage (we have no basement in CA) and decluttering, paring down, and keeping counter space at it’s maximum.
LOVE THIS POST! 🙂
Samantha says
I couldn’t help but think of you today at the store. I only bought 3 things and they were 1.26 each! Even the bulk item. Weird!
I’m wondering if all great harvest breads are 100% w.w? Are any of them 50/50? Any white four in the breads?
I use 10 spatulas btw:)
Kath says
The bread flours depend on each individual owner, so you are best asking them what’s in them
Wine Girl @ Kitchen Doesn't Travel says
Gotta tell ya, Kath, I’m super excited about this series. I’m an organizing…let’s just say it -FREAK! There’s nothing about labeling, scheduling, and containerizing that I don’t love. I’m in the midst of a “beginning of the year” revamp in my own house. Can’t wait to hear your ideas!
Melissa says
I love how organized you kitchen is, I have bookmarked this page to use a few of your ideas! 🙂
Jill says
Wow–please come to California and help a girl out! 🙂 I will feed you.
Fancy says
I LOVE THIS POST! I can’t wait to read more…I’m hoping you do one for organizing bathroom beauty products (hair, makeup, lotion, etc.)
rebecca lustig says
my Tupperware and measuring spoon drawers are always a mess. as soon as i move, i’m stepping up my game!
dana @ my little celebration says
Excellent ideas you’ve shared! My husband and I have an apartment right now and we hope to get a little more organized than we are now, so this post (and I’m sure this neat home series) will be a huge help! Thanks for sharing!
Dana
Michelle @ six-oh-one says
Well, I feel like a total slob now! Haha, seriously though, this is really impressive! Good point about investing in organizers. I usually hate spending money on things like that, but if it’s going to last you for years and keep everything neat and tidy it’s probably worth the money! I’m looking forward to more posts in this series!
Kathy W. says
LOVE this post!!
Takeaways: Will unhook last set of measuring spoons from ring, get rid of the cheapie set of spoons; WANT WANT WANT a bunch of wire baskets in various sizes (especially the one that fits above the rest in a drawer!), and hope to install a narrow shelf above the stove. (I have a metal one that came with/fits on the stove, but there’s also room for one that would float above that. Plus, the stainless steel shelf on the stove actually CUTS YOUR HANDS when you take it off to wash it. Not a good design.)
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
Kath – it seems that we have the same philosophy when it comes to kitchen organisation!!! Some of those photos could have been straight out of my kitchen!!!
Kathy W. says
P.S. : Your photo with the Home Neat Home “logo” looks like it should be the header of its own blog–a tip a day with some great photos? I could definitely see a book deal coming from that…
Kath says
oh that would be fun!
Stephanie says
Your kitchen is so beautiful! May I ask if you painted the kitchen yourself? I have been looking for a great green to paint my kitchen and I love yours. Do you know the brand/color name? I love all your organizing suggestions. So inspiring!
Erin @ the office appetite says
I LOVE the ideas on this new series!! The huz and I are actually house hunting right now and I can’t even tell you how much I’m looking forward to having an organized kitchen!! (hellloo 10 square feet of kitchen apartment space!) I’m definitely bookmarking this page and am looking forward to more ideas!! 🙂
Leila @ Spinach and Skittles says
I have that same Homer beer opener 🙂
Lena says
Thanks so much for sharing, I love seeing how other people organise and live in their house.
By the way I love those T-shirts you bought last week, my favorite is the ‘Live Simply’.
Sarah says
I have some serious kitchen envy right now! My kitchen is so small and dysfunctional. It makes me sad. I do need to simplify though. Great ideas!!
Dee says
OMG. I love, love, love, love this new series!
Your kitchen + organization skills are on point!
Maddie (Healthy Maddie) says
Great post! You have inspired me to make my kitchen a little more organized 🙂
Jess says
you totally inspired me kath! i cleaned and organized two of my cabinets and even cleaned out my spices. i love productive sundays:)
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Oh my word. You seriously need to be in Real Simple magazine. This is wonderful and totally inspires me to get myself organized. Everything looks beautiful and perfect! 😀
Lu says
Love all the ideas! We’re looking to buy a house in Cville and I wish we could find a cute cottage like the one you’re renting – esp with a basement!
One question though – where do you store the lids to your pots and pans? I can never seem to find a good way to stack everything.
Kath says
They are behind the salad spinner! I hate them too, but have yet to find a great solution
Run Bunny says
My mom has a lid organizer that she really likes. I just ordered one myself – http://www.amazon.com/Schulte-Wire-Lid-Storage-Rack/dp/B003I5J186/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1295825825&sr=8-7 The Container Store has SO many cool things like this. After reading your post, I browsed the website for about an hour. Ooops…
Kath says
I’ve always considered buying those but we have stupid bit pot lids and they don’t fit! If I ever get new pots one day, I will definitely get flat lids and one of those!
Sabina says
We have a vertical, wall-mounted pot lid holder from IKEA (holds 5 lids), which works fabulously in our tiny kitchen, as it doesn’t take up cabinet or counter top space. 🙂
upinthebush says
I have that same pot lid rack but us it to store newspapers and magazines I’m currently reading. If I recall correctly it was pretty cheap and can hold any size lid.
Marieke says
Maybe get a small drying rack you can stack them in? I was just thinking of that because the lids I have drive me insane
Kath says
That is a great idea!!
Stacy R. says
I would love to see a how to stay organized while cooking dinner….I always feel like my kitchen starts out so neat and clean at the beginning of the week, but by Friday after a few rushed meals it looks like a disaster again!
Ashley J says
Kath. Iloveyou. lol.
leatitia says
You did a great job with the kitchen! I just know I’m gonna love the series and come back for more. I’ll bookmark this page to give me ideas for my new home in April 🙂 Keep them coming!!
kelly says
First off, I’m not the Kelly everyone is referring to above. 🙂 That being said…I LOVE this post! I will be purging my drawers and cupboards after reading this!
Jill says
Can’t wait to see bedroom and bathroom stuff if you have it in the works. 🙂
Christin@purplebirdblog says
Well done!! I love how neat and clean it all looks!
Melanie @ Jon and Melie says
What a super organized kitchen! Made me start tackling my kitchen. Half way there and it already looks so much better. Blog about your other organized rooms too! Soon! 🙂
M says
Great post- looking forward to the others. Do you still get a lot of stuff sent for you to try from other companies? Do you keep that separately somewhere or try to integrate it with your regular stuff?
Kath says
If I get something for free I will mention it in the post the first time I use it. But in general, I accept much less than I used to.
Sara R. says
I look forward to this series! I definitely need to pare down just about every room in my house!
Also, I got my first taste of Great Harvest bread today! I live in MD and my closest one is 30 min away but we happened to be up in Rochester, NY which has a couple. It was AMAZING, and great fun to see my health nut husband’s eyes practically pop out of his head when he tasted the whole grain fruit and nut bread!
Kath says
🙂
Lois says
Nice organization… you must be a neat freak like me! 🙂
just one suggestion…. if you line the recycle bin that you use for plastic and glass with a plastic garbage bag, it will stay cleaner and then you won’t have to wash it.. just throw away the bag and replace occasionally.
Holly says
I really like this post, Kath. Your kitchen is really pretty! It was really nice of you donate a lot of things, but please keep in mind that people in need like to have nice things, too, not just “gross” pans. I’m sure the place you donated them to was very happy to receive such a generous donation, but as someone who has worked in a food pantry for low-income families, I’ve seen my fair share of “gross” things that no one would be able to use simply because of their poor quality.
Kath says
Some of the items I donated were brand new
Christine (The Raw Project) says
Great series and idea, we have the same Simpsons bottle opener. 🙂 The open shelves are lovely for bulk storage.
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
WOW that is one organized kitchen Kath!!! I live with 2 other girls and we have sooo much stuff that it usually falls out whenever we open a cabinet! I hate all the clutter but until I have a place of my own there’s not a ton that can be done about it. Love your minamalism though! It’s amazing how much we actually need vs. how much we’ve got.
Larbs says
can you come organize our new apartment when we move!?
Kath says
Yeah! I would have done your Boston one if I’d had more time!
Alyssa says
Great tips, Kath! You are certainly qualified to be giving them 🙂
Michelle says
You have inspired me to install a shelf above my stove! Also… is that a giant pumpkin collection I spy in the basement? 😉
The Robertsons of Mumbai says
Dear Kath,
What a beautiful post! I, too, am obsessed with organisation. However, I still love, love, love to see other people’s ideas, as I *always* learn something new. Your kitchen is so full of great little nooks and crannies in which to comparmentalize all of your special things! I did a fridge organisation post in the past, but you have inspired me to do a post something like this. I love historical houses like yours. Thank you for sharing. Such a fun post! 🙂
Jennifer
sarah says
Beautiful Kath! Thanks for the inspiration.
The Robertsons of Mumbai says
And I had to laugh about your statement that the silver metal organisers will last for ever. That is exactly what I tell my husband when I want to buy something like that (and we are overseas without an Ikea so this junk normally costs a fortune as it is imported)!
You interested in selling any of your pumpkin stash to a lady in need? Does being deprived of pumpkin make me worthy of a can?! 😉
Kath says
How much!?
The Robertsons of Mumbai says
What’s the going rate these days? Do you ship to Thailand?! 😉
Kath says
Probably a small fortune..
Laura says
Is that your fridge under the counter?
Kath says
No? I think you see the dishwasher?
Hannah says
When the cat’s away, the mouse will…. clean? 😀
Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness) says
I love that you’re doing this series! You’re kitchen is very impressive! I know I’m guilty of having a few too many “junk drawers” in my little kitchen.
I’m glad to see you’re using the Shaklee spray bottle! 😉
Kristina says
Nice! I am definitely one of those small-apartment people, so I’m jealous of your drawers 🙂
sarah says
I wish I could stay home tomorrow and organize my kitchen all day!
Ling says
i’m in need of new containers for flour, rice, sugar- are yours glass? i love the size…just wondering if you remember where you purchased it. also, do/have you cooked with daikon root? amazing for you! here’s a link i thought you’d enjoy:
http://www.mitoku.com/products/driedvegetable/Healthbenefits_dai.html
Kath says
Every thing in my kitchen is Bed Bath n Beyond!
I’ve only had diakon in restaurants..
Eating Bird Food says
I love this post Kath. Wanna come over and help me organize? 🙂
Kath says
I will!! We have to coordinate a visit 🙂
Lena says
I just wanted to ask if you have a favorite home organizing blog?
Kath says
I don’t know of any!
Toronto Girl West says
Oh my . . . that’s a lot of storage!
Seriously, I never had a problem with kitchen organization until I moved into this house with a teeny weeny kitchen.
I have ONE drawer in my whole kitchen. ONE. As much as I would love to have drawers just for measuring it just isn’t happening.
But I make do with the space I have! 🙂
Kelly says
Thanks for posting so many pictures. How beautiful everything looks. You've inspired me to get at my kitchen. I'm off to purge some tupperware!
easylunchboxes says
Sharing this with my audience. I love a neat home and kitchen, and I especially love beautiful pics! Just gorgeous.
Amber K says
My husband and I definitely need a bigger kitchen. WE just need more storage space! We have two (or more) of everything because we have items that are gluten-free and others that are "contaminated." It can be frustrating in our little apartment! But these are some good organizing tips.
Laura @SuperGlueMom says
Wow, this really shows me that I can downsize what I have. thank you for giving me a visual of what i can do with my spatula drawer (yes, really… who needs that many?), tupperwares, and all the misc things that are just a mess! thank you for sharing this!
Bobbie says
Love this post and I am looking forward to more home neat home posts 🙂 I saw that you have a microwave in your basement. Do you also have one in the kitchen?
KathEats says
No, just one in the basement. I wouldn't give up the counter space
Andy says
Wonderful use of space and so inspiring! I need to weed out my plastics (I've been using mostly glass), spices and other "stuff" I rarely use and is probably outdated. Thanks for sharing and offering your tips – fabulous!
Sabina says
Great post!
I imagine that you already realize that your wine bottle opener can also be used to open beer bottles. 😉
A word of advice about basement pantries – be wary of bugs and rodents (I’m not insinuating anything personal; just a general suggestion). Storing cans is OK, but be careful with boxed food, especially if it’s already been opened.
KathEats says
Yeah, but most of the fun is hearing Homer say “mmmmmm bbeeeerrr”
Sabina says
That’s a GREAT reason for the redundancy!! 😀
Lisa says
My boyfriend and I recently went through our kitchen stuff and tossed sooo much. When I moved in a few years ago I brought all of my stuff and we never really sorted the duplicates. It took a lot of work but it paid off to condense everything. More space, less mess!
Melomeals: Vegan for $3.33 a Day says
I am sooo envious of your space. I live in an apt and my kitchen is the bane of my existence. I have a total of two drawers, no counters space and the cabinets that don’t fit anything! I KNOW I could be more organized, but have so much trouble!
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
This such a great/helpful post! I would LOVE to know what kind of cleaner you are using on your counter tops that makes them so shiny and clean-looking! Please share! 🙂
KathEats says
It’s just EO Peppermint Cleaner All Purpose!
Kristina says
I LOVE glass front cabinets! They motivate me to keep my dishes organized, plus they’re a great place to store my cute bowls and tea mugs 🙂
ered says
Have you done a post on grocery shopping and storage? I feel like it’s the final frontier in my organization process and would love any ideas! I saw a picture of your fridge on here and it was so simple…I was jealous! :0)
KathEats says
Not yet, but it’s on my radar