Not all kitchens come with roomy countertops and that’s okay! There are amazing ways to work around skimpy counter spaces without giving the kitchen a major makeover.
In today’s post, we are sharing easy small apartment hacks to maximize the vertical and horizontal space in the kitchen, allowing you to save precious counter space without sacrificing functionality or style:
Wall Mount Storage
If you’ve got stuff in the kitchen that can be hung, do it. From utensil holders to knife magnets, hang all these space-saving items on the wall to free more space on your countertop.
The same thing goes for kitchen tools that you use frequently: hang them in the most convenient spots in the kitchen. This way, everything you need is within easy reach + your kitchen essentials are not cluttering what little workspace you have.
Hang Your Produce
Turn fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread into decorations by hanging a couple of fruit baskets or a multi-tiered basket from the ceiling. A hanging basket is one of the easiest small apartment hacks when it comes to eliminating clutter in the kitchen.
Apart from fresh produce and baked goodies, you can also use the hanging baskets to store table linens, snacks, small kitchen tools, and so much more. This way, your countertop is always clean and available for food prep!
Maximize the Fridge Top
Who knew the top of the fridge makes the perfect sub for a kitchen shelf? If you have zero space for bulky kitchen appliances, such as a blender, tabletop griller or a turbo broiler, you can use the top of the fridge as a makeshift storage space. This spot is perfect for appliances that you do not use most times because it keeps bulky items out of the way but on hand.
Whenever you need the blender or turbo broiler just get the stuff down from the fridge. No need to go all the way to the basement to fetch the kitchen appliance that you need. Just make sure to use a dust bag to protect your precious kitchen appliances from dust and dirt!
Reclaim the Space on the Stove Top
One of my favorite small apartment hacks for countertop-less kitchens is reclaiming the dead space on the stovetop using cutting boards. This is a great trick to try as long as the stovetop is turned off.
Just pop a couple of cutting boards on top of the stovetop and you have a makeshift space for food prep! This is a great trick if you need a second prep zone too.
Trays, Jars, and Canisters
Trays, glass jars, and canisters are extra useful in small kitchens! Keep bits and pieces from littering your tiny countertop by storing small utensils and kitchen essentials in decorative jars and canisters.
For major food prep, you can use trays to keep food prep less chaotic. You can use one tray to arrange the drinks, another for snacks, and so on. By grouping things together, your small countertop is free from clutter and you can prepare your meals in an orderly manner.
Levels and Layers
Space-saving over the sink shelves and sink organizers in any material is a must for kitchens with either limited or zero countertops. These portable shelves add a layer of storage space for your kitchen essentials without wasting precious counter space!
Portable sink shelves or organizers come in an array of designs and sizes to choose from, go for a design and size that suit your interiors.
Maximize the Cabinet Doors
If your kitchen lacks a proper counter space but the space comes with several cabinets, why not use the cabinet doors to hang everything from bottled spices to kitchen tools?
Just install several hooks on the cabinet doors’ interior and exterior surface areas to hang your most used kitchen tools! With this trick, you can create a functional, efficient space for cooking while also saving up on counter space.
Wheeled Kitchen Island
A traditional kitchen island might be out of the question if you have zero space to spare but a moveable unit just might be the thing you need to stretch your counter space. A wheeled kitchen cabinet works as an extra prep station while stretching your storage space.
Since it’s portable, you can use it only at times when you have to, like when preparing for a big dinner party. When it’s not needed, it can serve different purposes in the dining room and even the living room. Talk about flexibility!
Found these small apartment hacks useful? We’ve got loads coming your way! Sign up for our FREE interior design course to design the home of your dreams!








