The more I remodel this kitchen, the more I’m thinking of new ways to organize it. Since my kitchen is on the small side, I don’t have lots of extra cabinet or drawer space. So I have to be very wise in how I use this valuable ‘real estate’. I discovered by simply organizing the kitchen counter, I could free up a drawer and the cabinet over the microwave. It was perfect! So after a quick shopping trip and a little organizing, here is the results…
Like it? I really do! It was one of the easiest DIY projects I’ve done in this kitchen. 😉 Plus, I found some great sales last weekend and was able to score all of my kitchen organizing supplies for way cheap. Love when that happens! When my eyes found this round wood and metal tray and I knew it would be the perfect size to hold all my oils, utensils, and seasonings. Speaking of oils…I love the gold weighted spout on these little oil bottles (they only open when you tilt to pour). I picked up two of those. Then I needed something to organize my wood and metal utensils. I found two white porcelain holders that were a great size and price!
Once I got every thing home it was time to start organizing. But first I had to remove those pesky stickers off the bottom of my holders. I can never get those things off in one whole piece. I scrape and scrape and even after the paper is gone the stickiness remains! Ugh. At least, that’s what used to happen. Now I just use Goo Gone.
I simply spray the sticker, wait a minute and the just lift the sticker right off. Everything is gone super quick…including the stickiness.
It’s a beautiful thing. Almost as beautiful as my completely organized kitchen counter!
Did you notice something? I also just gave you a sneak peek at my new Quartz counters and my new (installed by yours truly) subway tile back splash! I’ll be sharing the back splash tutorial next week. I will have a ton of tips on what NOT to do. Hey…live and learn right?
So, do you like the way I uncluttered and organized my kitchen counter? I’m already finding it’s so more useful. Plus now I have more cabinets and drawers to fill with more stuff! 😉
(affiliate links may be used in this post for your convenience)
For you – I’ve sourced the items so you can get the look! When you click on each picture below, it will take you right to the website where I found it! 
I also put a round up of other trays for you to shop. There’s just so many styles and designs to choose from…have fun!
UPDATE: My kitchen remodel is now finished…come see what this space looks like now by clicking here.
If you are looking for other ways to organize your kitchen, be sure to check out this post on the FIVE organizers every kitchen needs….
Maria says
I did this for my kitchen as well. Like you, my space is limited in our kitchen and I got tired of rooting for the spoons and other cooking and pantry staples I used constantly. So I corralled them into a tray similar to this one and it’s worked wonders! Thanks for sharing your ideas with us on #shinebloghop!
Jean| DelightfulRepast.com says
Laura, I love a storage solution like this that is as attractive as it is practical. Good job! I’ve had quartz counters for nine years, and I would never have any other kind now!
bonbon says
I love this idea to free up drawers and to have items you need handy. Thanks for sharing at INSPIRE ME MONDAY. I am featuring you this week as one of my favorite picks. Come check it out. http://www.farmhouse40.com
Laura says
Thank you so much for the feature, Bonnie! 🙂
Lisa says
Love this idea, the pictures that will source the items where they can be bought are not displaying! Can you help please
Laura says
Hi Lisa, here are the links to the items I sourced:
Glass oil bottle: https://inspirationformoms.porch.com/oil
Wood tray: https://inspirationformoms.porch.com/jwtp
Porcelain canisters: https://inspirationformoms.porch.com/holder
Just copy and paste those links into your browser and you should be good! 🙂
Calindy says
What are the other items?? I know the spice grinder but can you tell me where the other 2 are from? I love love this!!
Laura says
Hi Calindy! Here are the links for the other items. Canisters: http://rstyle.me/n/byria2x8f6 Oil Bottles: http://rstyle.me/n/byricwx8f6 Tray: http://rstyle.me/n/byribsx8f6 Hope that helps. 🙂
Calindy says
Oh thank you very much but I have talking about the thing the salt is in and whatever that shaker is…THANKS!!
Janet Vinyard says
Hi Laura, I love trays for organizing so many areas in my house! Your kitchen counter looks great! Well done! Thanks for sharing! Blessings, Janet
Kate says
Nice, simple way to organize while still keeping everything at hand! I love the tray!
Kate | TheOrganizedDream.com
Christine says
Great job on getting things organized. Love goo gone. When I run out of it, I use WD 40. That works great too on getting those pesky stickers off. Thanks so much for sharing this with us at the DI & DI Link Party.
Kimm at Reinvented says
Your kitchen is beautiful! Love the tray and organization, a tray makes every day stuff more stylish! Thanks for linking up to Funtastic Friday!
CraftyHope says
Fabulous idea! I’m undergoing a kitchen remodel as well and how to downsize about half of my kitchen as we took out a wall. It’s been rough going. Your precious organization reminds me that it can still be pretty too. Thanks so much for the reminder!
Michelle says
I love what you did Laura. We have a really teeny, tiny holiday home and finding counter space in the kitchen is always a problem. Super functional and the hint of those subway tiles look gorgeous
Theresa says
I’ve been working on my home organization. I had to fix up my counter as I just got a new mixer. Yea! Happy new Year! Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & Shared.
Jacquie Falk says
Instead of paying the cost of Goo Gong, soak in fabric softener any kind. I dissolves all glues including wallpaper. Try it on stickers, scotch tape, duct tape, and bandage tape. Just don’t ever use it on your clothes. Clothes get hard and stiff from soap left in them when drying. Put vinegar in the dispenser instead . It dissolves soap to make clothes softer. Happy cleaning
amanda poland says
I love the idea and was wondering where you got the little (salt?) canister. Thanks!
Laura says
Thanks, Amanda! I can’t remember where I found mine (had it for years) but I found one that’s identical! Here’s my affiliate link: http://rstyle.me/n/cd6cinx8f6 Happy shopping! 🙂
Caroline Gill says
I love this idea and was thinking of doing something similar. I couldn’t get the link to the tray to work so was wondering if you could tell me the diameter, just to give me an idea of size. Thanks.
Laura says
Hi Caroline, the diameter of the tray is 16″Dia. x 4.7″H. And this link here should work. 🙂 –>> https://inspirationformoms.porch.com/tray
wendy says
I just found your blog! Your kitchen is beautiful! 🙂 Did you post the tutorials? We would like to paint our cabinets and fill in the space about the cabinets too! Thank you!!
Laura says
Hi Wendy! Welcome, I am so glad you found me! I haven’t posted the tutorials yet. I just finished the whole project right before the holidays so I was a bit wiped out. I will be sharing the tutorials on filling in the space above the cabinets, painting the cabinets, and installing the back splash soon. So stay tuned….they are coming! Promise!
Megan says
Where did you find the salt holder? Exactly what I’m looking for!
Laura says
Megan, here’s the link where I found it: http://rstyle.me/n/ckeicax8f6 Happy Shopping! 🙂
Betty says
I get the sticky off of my jars with a little olive oil, rub it on and let it set ,come back later hot water takes it right off.
Laura says
Great tip, Betty! Thanks! 🙂
nina hill says
Where did you find the spice grinder
Laura says
Nina, I believe I purchased it at Homegoods.
Tawnya M. says
Love this idea. Especially love those oil bottles. I’d wanted something similar but was afraid to have ones that just sit open. I have cats and dogs and the air always seems dusty so the closing spouts is perfect! My only concern is it being slippery and then breaking since it’s glass. Any idea of something to put around or on it for a “grippy” surface?
Laura says
Actually, Tawnya they aren’t slippy at all. I never once had one slip out of my hands — the glass just isn’t that slick. But maybe even a simple rubber band might add some additional grip? 🙂
Christine Vandormolen says
Hi Laura, pinning a bunch here. I just got the same utensil holder from World Market the other day! I see now that I need a second one just like you have!!! Christine from Little Brags
Laura says
Yes…those utensil holders are the best! Happy organizing, Christine! 🙂
Courtney says
I love your blog! I was wondering if you remembered where you got your pepper grinder? I love it and it matches my salt but I can’t find it!
Laura says
Hi Courtney! I got it at World Market but sadly, I think it’s been discontinued. Sorry. 🙁