12 Simple Tricks to Gain More Counter Space

Got a small kitchen? Learn how to maximize your piece of work and storage infinite without spending a mint.

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A common casualty of many adorable kitchens-in vintage houses, craftsman bungalows, cottages and fifty-fifty urban apartments-is a lack of space. From teensy countertops to cramped cabinets, it tin can be frustrating to work in a too-cozy kitchen.

No need to remodel! Follow our handy tips to maximize your small kitchen, from making storage space piece of work harder to freeing upward counter space. (Cheque out our pared-down list of the merely kitchen tools y'all need.)

ane. Install a pot rack

Mount a rack either to a higher place or near your stove, and hang frying pans, saucepans and colanders from it. You'll costless upwards precious chiffonier infinite and feel more organized. (Bonus: less scurrying effectually the kitchen.) Many utensils, such as pasta stirrers or serving spoons, are equipped with holes or hooks; loop those through the pot rack, too.

ii. Stick knives on the wall

A magnetic strip hung horizontally above the countertop or stove keeps knives in achieve but out of the mode. (Pocketknife blocks can take a sneakily large footprint that you'd probably rather utilize for your java maker.) Make sure the magnet is strong plenty to concur your heaviest knife, and take care to dust frequently to keep knives clean.

3. Stow utensils in crocks or jars

Bundling serving utensils, such as spatulas and wooden spoons, upright in a ceramic crock or a large glass jar frees upwards drawer space. Expect a stylish boost if you lot can score, say, a brilliant orangish crock or a vintage bluish mason jar. (Nosotros've got xv hacks for your quondam glass jars.)

4. Amp up the light

OK…technically this won't make your kitchen more than spacious. But bright light gives the illusion of openness and airiness that many kitchens lack. Install a fresh, strong overhead light, add LEDs under the cabinets or even plug in a job lamp. Don't take the budget for new lights? Brighten the walls with white or calorie-free-hued paint, or slap a fresh coat onto the cabinets.

v. Peel down on convenience appliances

Which appliances do y'all really need sitting out? If your coffee maker steams upwards every morning time, information technology'southward earned its identify on the counter. If your blender simply comes out for an occasional smoothie, stash it in an out-of-the-way cabinet. (Or, if space is really short, store in the basement or another room.)

six. Mount the microwave

Information technology can be tempting to drop your microwave on a countertop, but look at how much space that hogs. Hanging information technology below a cabinet or above the stove frees up space without sacrificing utility.

7. Bring in some piece of furniture

Many pocket-sized kitchens have floor space to spare. If yours does, consider investing in ii key furnishings: an island and a metallic storage shelf. An island provides instant counter space; virtually also have shelves beneath for storage. Many stores sell small square islands that can skid into the dead space beside the stove or fridge. If you've got a wider gratuitous infinite, consider a metallic storage shelf. Dear past restaurants everywhere, these workhorses aren't the prettiest, but they can hold anything from stand up mixers and small appliances to cookbooks, crocks, pantry items and more than. Many also come up with hooks that can hold small tools, pots and pans.

8. Apply stackable storage

Become up, not out, when considering storage on your countertops. Whenever possible, hang things from ceilings or walls or incorporate multi-level storage units. Fruit baskets hanging from ceilings allow air to circulate around the fruit, keeping information technology fresher longer. A spice rack can stash several tiers of spices. Hooks under cabinets can hold mugs. Arrange cookbooks on top of the fridge. Look around, and get creative. You've got more than infinite than yous'd call up!

ix. Remember lazy Susans?

During the '70s, lazy Susans were pop at dinner parties, in part because they enabled dishes to be passed effectually the table easily. Set a lazy Susan by the stove to stash everyday spices and oils. Information technology'll take upward less space, and with the flick of the wrist, your ingredients spin over to y'all. Here are 10 more genius ideas for using lazy Susans.

10. Annex extra workspace

If countertops are seriously small, it might be fourth dimension to consider taking over some real estate. Set a large, sturdy cut board over your stovetop and use information technology for slicing and dicing; move it away when information technology's time to cook. Over-the-sink cut boards go far like shooting fish in a barrel to clean, chop, and discard scraps.

eleven. Go on a compost or garbage bowl on the counter

Keep droppings to a minimum while you lot're working. Identify a minor bowl by your cutting board and put nutrient scraps and crumbs into it as you become. This makes even pocket-sized cutting boards feel bigger considering information technology helps banish the waste product. (Makes it easy to haul stuff out to the compost, as well.)

12. Make clean dishes every bit you go

Got a big day of cooking or blistering? Your gratuitous space can chop-chop go cluttered with piles of dingy dishes and utensils. The secret of nearly pro chefs is to clean while you work-proceed a pan of sudsy water ready, and load the dishwasher as you lot go.

Attempt Our Well-nigh-Shared Recipes

Taste of Dwelling house

Cheeseburger Soup

A local eatery serves a similar cheeseburger soup merely wouldn't share its recipe with me. And so I adult my own, modifying a recipe for tater soup. I was really pleased with the fashion this all-American treat turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin

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Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Need to bring a dish to laissez passer this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at whatsoever potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan

Italian Brunch Torte

Nosotros e'er serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. Information technology is one of our virtually requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Creamy Coleslaw

For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots actually cuts downward on prep fourth dimension. This flossy coleslaw recipe is groovy for potlucks or to serve to your family on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois

White Bean Chicken Chili

My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double information technology and add 1 extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough estrus to notice merely not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Amish Saccharide Cookies

These easy-to-make, old-fashioned sugar cookies just melt in your oral cavity! I've passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

I got this grilled chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli means "plow" in Hawaiian. This sugariness and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, besides. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California

Peanut Butter Chocolate Dessert

The desserts of my dreams have both chocolate and peanut butter. So when I came up with this chocolate peanut butter dessert, it rapidly became my all-fourth dimension favorite. Information technology'south a cinch to whip together because information technology doesn't require whatever blistering. My family loves this chocolate peanut butter loving cup lasagna! —Debbie Price, LaRue, Ohio

Simple Taco Soup

We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because information technology uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it'due south a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Scored Potatoes

These well-seasoned baked potatoes are a fun alternative to apparently baked potatoes. It'due south piece of cake to help yourself to just the amount you lot want, too, since the potato halves are scored into sections. — Barbara Wheeler, Sparks Glencoe, Maryland

Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet

I'g the proud mother of wonderful and agile children. Elementary, delicious and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for us to enjoy together afterwards school activities, specially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Pumpkin Bread

I proceed my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with domicile-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia

Bacon Macaroni Salad

This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy salary, chopped tomato, celery and light-green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It's a existent crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana

Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake

I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cutting the slider burgers recipe in half if you want to make but one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Lovely Lemon Cheesecake

Wait for the oohs and aahs when you present this luxurious lemon cheesecake recipe. The lemon season gives it a bright, tangy flavor. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia

Egg Roll Noodle Bowl

We love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll fabricated on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup

This is my favorite tortellini soup recipe. It'due south quick to ready on a busy night and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally called for spicy sausage links, only I've establish that turkey sausage, or even ground turkey breast, is just equally good. —Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania

Bones Homemade Bread

If you lot'd like to learn how to bake bread, hither'south a wonderful identify to start. This easy white bread recipe bakes upward deliciously golden brown. At that place's nothing like the homemade aroma wafting through my kitchen as it bakes. —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

For my female parent'due south birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama

Crustless Spinach Quiche

I served this crustless quiche at a church dejeuner, and I had to laugh when i guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled quiche recipe—and he was one of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin

Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup

A must for any Mexican meal at my house, try these enchiladas as a main dish or include them as part of a buffet. —Cheryl Pomrenke, Coffeyville, Kansas

Mamaw Emily's Strawberry Cake

My hubby loved his mamaw's strawberry block recipe. He thought no one could duplicate information technology. I made it, and information technology's just every bit scrumptious every bit he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky

Artichoke & Lemon Pasta

While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Attempt it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Slow-Cooker Pot Roast

I work full time, so this slow cooker roast beef is my go-to when I desire a hearty, home cooked repast. It's a comfort to walk in and odor this simmering irksome cooker pot roast that I know will be fall-apart tender and delicious. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York

Lemon Blueberry Breadstuff

Of all the quick breads we had growing up, this beautiful lemon blueberry bread is the best! The citrus glaze adds a lustrous cease and locks in moisture. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota

Mom'south Meat Loaf

Mom made the best meatloaf, and now I practice, too. When I kickoff met my husband, he didn't intendance for homemade meatloaf, but this won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

Mama's Potato Salad

This sometime-fashioned potato salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't every bit colorful as many that you find nowadays. Simply Mama fabricated it the mode her female parent did, and that'southward the way I notwithstanding arrive today. Endeavor it and encounter if it isn't 1 of the all-time-tasting potato salads y'all have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

CokeCola Cake

We alive in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist sheet cake made with the iconic soft drink. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia

Fiesta Pinwheels

Whenever I serve this make-ahead, easy pinwheel recipe, they disappear fast. When a friend at the office shared them with me, I knew in 1 bite I'd be taking her Mexican pinwheels home for the holidays. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin

Favorite Skillet Lasagna

Whole wheat noodles and zucchini pump upwardly nutrition in this delicious, family-friendly dinner. Topped with dollops of ricotta cheese, it has an extra affect of decadence. No one will believe this one's lighter. —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah

Broadway Brownie Bars

I named these dessert bars for Broadway because they're a hit every time I serve them. I especially like to make them as a souvenir for anyone with a sweet tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York

Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes

Take the chill off any blustery day and make something special to back-trail meaty entrees. This is the best scalloped potatoes recipe e'er, and my family loves when I serve it. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Chicken Quesadillas

Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The craven quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and gustation withal requires niggling preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado

Coconut-Pecan German Chocolate Pie

This German chocolate pecan pie combines the ingredients everyone loves in its classic cake cousin. Information technology's so silky and shine, you won't be able to put your fork downward. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas

Amish Breakfast Casserole

We've enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the acme of her head. I modified it to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana

Skillet Mac & Cheese

This flossy mac and cheese is so simple it'south almost besides like shooting fish in a barrel! Kids ever go for the rich cheese flavor, but I've never met an adult who didn't love information technology just equally much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas

Behemothic Cinnamon Curlicue

This must-effort cinnamon coil is all about the pillowy texture, the sweetness spices and the bootleg caramel drizzle. —Leah Rekau, Taste of Home food stylist

Corn Pudding

Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is existent comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York

Buffalo Craven Lasagna

This recipe was inspired past my daughter's favorite nutrient—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina

Sandy'due south Chocolate Block

Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole fashion. Merely it paid off. One seize with teeth and you'll meet why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won kickoff prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod

After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the commencement fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-but eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Buffalo Craven Dip

This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky

Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

Slab pie is a pastry broiled in a jelly-curlicue pan and cut into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous cherry raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cauliflower Soup

This cheesy recipe is mode tastier than any other cauliflower soup I've tried! Nosotros like it with hot pepper sauce for a footling actress kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia

Taco Lasagna

If you lot like foods with southwestern flair, this simply might become a new favorite. Loaded with cheese, meat and beans, the layered casserole comes together in a snap. There are never any leftovers when I take this dish to potlucks. —Terri Keena, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Banana Pudding

I didn't see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years subsequently he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I saw him go far at the airdrome, I just grabbed hold of him and burst out crying. When we got home, the first thing he ate was ii bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He's a true southern boy! It's a dessert, but you tin take it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

There'due south zilch like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just correct so it nearly melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish so that it doesn't overpower the frail salmon flavor. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington

Easy Crab Cakes

Ready-to-become crabmeat makes these delicate patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You can also course the crab mixture into iv thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania

Farmer's Casserole

Betwixt family unit and friends, we average 375 visitors a year! This casserole is handy—yous tin can put it together the night before, let the flavors blend, and then bake it in the morning. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado

Crispy Fried Chicken

If you lot've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried craven, this is the recipe for y'all. E'er a picnic favorite, this deep fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or common cold. Kids telephone call information technology my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana

Moist Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was 1 of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and information technology always brings back fond memories. The cake is lite and airy with a delicious chocolate gustatory modality. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania

French Toast Casserole

Topped with cinnamon and sugar, this fuss-free overnight French toast goulash is my favorite way to make the breakfast favorite. Since you assemble this baked French toast the previous nighttime, you salvage time in the morning, and if yous take an extra hungry crowd, it'southward easy to bake upwards a few batches. —Sharyn Adams, Crawfordsville, Indiana

Contest-Winning New England Clam Chowder

This is the best New England clam chowder recipe, ever! In the Pacific Northwest, nosotros dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily bachelor, the canned clams are perfectly adequate. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington

Sheepherder's Breakfast

My sister-in-law ever made this succulent breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come upward with good, easy breakfast ideas. Served with toast, juice and milk or java, information technology's a sure striking with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a big help while I was raising my nine children. Now I've passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon

Apple Pie

I remember coming home sullen i day because nosotros'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested, "Maybe a slice of my homemade apple tree pie will make yous feel improve." I seize with teeth, and Grandma was correct. If y'all want to acquire how to make homemade apple pie filling, this is really the just recipe you need. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington

True Belgian Waffles

It was on a visit to my husband's relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These bootleg waffles are bang-up with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered carbohydrate or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan

Favorite Craven Potpie

This is the all-time craven potpie recipe! Chock-full of craven, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes 2 gold pies, so you can serve ane at supper and save the other for a busy dark. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California

Favorite Banana Cream Pie

Homemade banana cream pie recipe is my mom's specialty. This dreamy dessert has a wonderful assistant flavor, looks pretty and cuts hands, besides. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri

Italian Stuffed Shells

A love friend first brought over this stuffed shells recipe. Now I accept it to other friends' homes and to potlucks, because information technology's ever a big hit! —Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri

Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight

This is a simple chocolate please recipe for any type of potluck occasion, and the pan e'er comes home empty. —Diane Windley, Grace, Idaho

Traditional Lasagna

My family offset tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. Nosotros were so impressed that it became our ain holiday tradition too. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sis's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois

Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to visitor, simply it's easy to set up. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska

Rhubarb Custard Confined

Once I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe then I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbreadlike crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to notice rhubarb that they can utilize to set up a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, S Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sour Cream Cucumbers

Nosotros have a tradition at our house to serve this flossy cucumber salad with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church. Information technology'due south particularly good during the summer when the cucumbers are freshly picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio

Creamy Grape Salad

Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, flossy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle it with brownish saccharide and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/12-simple-tricks-to-gain-more-counter-space/

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