You can change how a kitchen feels without touching the cabinets or the counters. Most of the difference comes from where things live and how easy they are to reach. These seven changes are small and cheap, and you can do them one at a time.
1. Bowls that stack
A set of nesting mixing bowls with lids takes up the space of one big bowl. Use them for prep, then snap a lid on and put the leftovers straight in the fridge. One set can replace a drawer full of mismatched containers.
2. Knives on the wall
A magnetic knife strip frees up a drawer, or the space a knife block takes on the counter. Mount it close to where you chop. It holds scissors, a peeler and other small metal tools too.
3. Spoons by the stove
Keep the spoons, spatula and whisk you use every day in a holder next to the hob. You'll stop rummaging through a drawer with one hand while stirring with the other.
4. Oil and salt within reach
Put the oil, salt and pepper you cook with on a small tray beside the stove. It saves a trip to the cupboard every time you cook, and a tray is easy to lift and wipe clean.
5. A small shelf for nice things
A floating display shelf gives your favorite mugs and a jar or two a spot on the wall. It makes the kitchen feel more like yours, and it frees a little room in the cupboards.
6. Fresh towels
Kitchen towels get used hard and look tired fast. A new pair in a bold pattern is one of the cheapest ways to brighten a plain kitchen. Waffle weave dries quickly, so the towels stay fresh for longer.
7. One plant
A pot of basil or mint on the windowsill is pretty and useful. Choose a pot with a drainage hole, because herbs left sitting in water rot quickly.
Nesting mixing bowls with lids
Eight pieces that stack into one.
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Magnetic knife strip
Frees up a whole drawer.
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Double-wall utensil holder
Wooden spoons out of the drawer, right by the stove.
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Walnut floating display shelf
A little stage for your prettiest pieces.
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Waffle kitchen towels, set of 2
Dries fast, looks crisp.
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Ceramic plant pot
Big enough for a proper herb plant.
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