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solution to kitchen counter clutter

    No matter how hard I try, the kitchen counter just seems to collect clutter.

    lots-of-kitchen-countertop-clutter

    Paperwork, receipts, mail, sunglasses, random toys, cords, ipads, phones … it all accumulates right here.

    before-clutter-on-counter

    Ryan suggested that we find some sort of organizer to sort this mess.

    Then he went to the thrift store and found this beauty:

    old-metal-file

    He totally inherited his mom’s knack for finding good things in the midst of junk.

    The 70’s wood grain side panels were a bit much, so I took it outside and sprayed the whole thing green – partially because it is a fun color, partially because it was all we had.

    spray-paint-old-metal-file

    spray-paint-old-file

    I’m not always a great spraypainter, but this one actually turned out great. The key is making sure there is no dust or dirt on the item, shaking the can for a long time, then spraying one pass at a time, releasing the spray nozzle each time. I did several light coats {letting each one dry for a few minutes} and it came out smooth and without major drip marks.

    Now here it sits on the kitchen counter, organizing all of that kitchen counter clutter.

    organize-the-kitchen-counter

    I’m not sure if that basket will stay, and I will probably tire of the green and spray it white, but for now it serves its purpose of corralling the clutter.

    kitchen-counter-organization

    The random paperwork, receipts, cords, sunglasses are all still there, they’re just a bit more organized.

    kitchen-couter-declutter-file

    If you can’t find a funky 70’s metal organizer with faux wood stickers on the sides at your local thrift store, I have found a few great options available online:

    countertop-organization-items

    1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

    Here’s to practical solutions for the inevitable clutter.

    17 thoughts on “solution to kitchen counter clutter”

    1. It works just fine for me…what happened to all the glass containers you had lined up against the wall that are seen in previous kitchen posts?

    2. Wow, what a great find! I can never find something that I’m actually looking for in a thrift store. And I love that green color you sprayed it. It’s perfect for spring/ summer. I think your organizer is a much better choice than your picks and probably a lot cheaper!

    3. LOVE the retro organizer…such clean lines. And the pop of green really works. How sweet that Ryan is a thriftier!!

      Is that great floral print by you? I’d love to have it.

    4. I love this idea! I have the exact same problem! I am going to look for something like that. I bought something similar to #6 but the ipad and sunglasses, keys etc still spill over!

    5. That’s a great solution! And thanks for the spray paint tips! My new office has the exact same organizer–only a boring old grey. Love your green. :)

    6. LOVE!!! I thought my house was the only one with all that paper, cell phone ext. clutter! I already have an organizer but stuff tends to find its was on the counter. You have inspired me to pare down the “stuff”. If I was talented I would take a before and after pic! Terri :)

    7. Oh my goodness, you used rocks to hold down the dropcloth. I just had a ” duh” moment. Why didn’t I think of that? My dropcloth almost always flies up from the wind and sticks to whatever I’m painting. I tend to rush through projects and never really thought of it how to fix that, but now I will.

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