I began working in ernest today on my kitchen counters project. I started with my worst corner first. Some time ago, I had the idea to use my cookbooks as decor for my counter. It started out cute, but then got out-of-control; the cookbooks started taking over. I also love those cinnamon-scented pine-cones that come out every Christmas. They might be a bit cheesy, but it’s just not Christmas without them. This year, I didn’t know where to put them, so I stuck them in my already crowded corner. Needless to say, that area needed some serious help!
Browsing magazines, books, and the Internet for kitchen ideas, I came to the realization that these beautiful kitchens have one thing in common — the counters are clutter-free. This is my goal this week — beginning with this corner, I am de-cluttering the counters. The pine-cones were the first to go; they had long since lost their scent and were always just an after-though, never really having a place. Next, I took a good look at the spice rack. I’ve had it for several years and the spices that I regularly use are empty. The others have long since expired. It too had to go (I’m washing it up and holding on to it for a bit just in case I come up with a brilliant idea for repurposing it — any suggestions?). I removed the cookbooks from the counter completely. I will display a few of the nicer ones on a shelf; the others were either donated or went into the cupboard. I then tidied the knife block and placed it closer to the kitchen sink, where it is most frequently used.
Notice the utensil holder to the left. It’s a large cookie jar that I have jammed full of all my wooden spoons, ladles and spatulas. I like keeping things handy so I can grab what I need as I’m cooking, but this is ridiculous. I needed to pare down. First, I had to look at what I really am using, and get rid of those that I’m not. I didn’t love the white cookie jar, so I used a cute water pitcher instead. It adds a bit of character and color to my counter. Finally, I moved it next to the stove-top so it is with-in reach while I cook.
My corner is now de-cluttered!
I even found a use for my shells (see previous post). I had a nautical-looking piece I’m already using in my decor. I simply added the shells. It took 5 minutes! I’m not sure why I waited so long. 
I still have some work to do, but I’m feeling good about that corner. My next dilemma is how to hide or disguise our Internet box. It has to be in the kitchen because of the location of the outlet, but it is UGLY!
Any ideas?
