No matter how big your kitchen or bathroom is, counter space can get crowded very quickly. Especially if you’re entertaining guests or sharing a bathroom with another person, it’s easy to run out of that prime real estate.
It’s important to be intentional about space in a rental suite because it’s much easier to use your kitchen or bathroom with clear counters. But storage or organization options don’t have to be expensive or labour intensive. Check out our top four tips for creating tidy counters.
Give Your Counters The Marie Kondo Treatment
The KonMari Method is world-renowned for a reason. Go through your kitchen and bathroom with her famous question in mind: Does it spark joy? Bathrooms are especially prone to stockpiling unnecessary products, so if you’re not using them, it’s time to say goodbye. Consider donating dishware or kitchen utensils you don’t use so someone else can benefit from your cleaning spree.
However, even if your floss or cheese grater doesn’t spark joy, you still need to have it around. Put those items in a cabinet or drawer, rather than letting them take up precious counter space. Reserve that for items and products that are versatile, multi-functional, and essential to your daily activities.
Build Up, Not Out
This tip works for both sustainable housing and saving counter space. Add racks and shelves in corners or smaller spaces you can’t use for food preparation. Choose shelves that fit your space and work with your home décor. It doesn’t have to be a traditional “shelf” either — cake stands work great for displaying items and adding a nice décor piece to your kitchen.
You can also add magnetic strips or shelves to your backsplash or appliances to hold knives or other metal utensils. If you’re adding a wall-mounted shelf or basket, make sure to use one with self-adhesive to keep installation easy and avoid putting holes in the wall. If you don’t have room for a shelf, a simple plastic hook can work wonders.
Make Your Surfaces Multi-Purpose
You can multiply your counter space by simply creating multiple ways to use the same surfaces. Putting large cutting boards or butcher’s blocks over sinks and stovetops turn a cooking or washing space into a prep station. If you have a gas range stove, you’ll need to use burner covers to keep your appliance in good condition.
For the bathroom, baskets are your best friend. You can add baskets underneath your sink (if it isn’t attached to a vanity), on your shelves or even on top of your toilet tank. Baskets conceal the mess and make it easier to group related products together.
Get A Rolling Cart
Sometimes, the best way to create more counter space is to add more counter space. A rolling cart can make your space more flexible and adaptable, especially if it has drawers or other storage space underneath.
You can put this cart in between your toilet and sink, or tuck it away in a living or dining space if you’re using it for kitchen storage. If you want to use this cart for multiple purposes, choose a design that can work as a bar cart or side table.
Ultimately, the best way to organize your counter space is whatever works best for you. Make sure your most-used appliances, utensils and products are in the most convenient spot for you to complete your daily tasks.
If you’re looking for an affordable luxury rental suite with a different layout or more counter space, check out our Rentals page. All of our suites include high-end finishings and appliances to provide you with a convenient and modern living space.
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