Cooking is, to me, a fundamentally joyful act—but it’s made all the more enjoyable when your kitchen is lined with items that are as beautiful as they are useful. While the product tester in me will usually argue for prioritizing performance over aesthetics when it comes to cookware, tools, and appliances, the organizational items that dot your countertop provide more leeway for making design-minded choices.
Now, do you need a rowboat-shaped salt cellar for your Maldon salt or a marbled concrete lazy Susan for your oils and condiments? No. But why shouldn’t our kitchen counters be as worthy of decor as the rest of our homes?
Consider this your sign to inject a little personality into your kitchen setup—to do some counterscaping, if you will. To help you get started, I’ve curated a list of display-worthy trays, spoon rests, utensil holders, and the like that will keep your kitchen tidy while ensuring your tools and pantry essentials stay within arm’s reach at all times. There’s a little something for everyone here, whether your vibe leans sleek and minimalist or farmhouse chic.
Jump to a section
Spoon rests
If you’ve been precariously balancing your dirty cooking spoons atop various kitchen items—or worse, letting them rest directly on the counter—it’s time to get a spoon rest. If you often reach for two utensils when cooking a meal (say, a spoon and a pair of tongs), I’d recommend trying the Nest Spoon Rest from Holcomb, which features two pieces that can be stacked or used separately depending on your needs. For something more funky and futuristic, Alessi’s polished steel spoon holder delivers an ideal blend of form and function.
