I am not an organization nut. I can live with a lot of clutter and chaos in my life, but I do like pretty things. These are my five favorite things in my kitchen that are attractive AND useful.
My kitchen isn’t exactly ugly. Especially for a rental apartment. But, it is very old, worn and dingy. That doesn’t mean I want to give up on aesthetics completely though. In fact, I think it’s even more important that everything I keep out and in view is pretty. These are the things that are on display on a daily basis that I don’t mind looking at.
// mat //
The floor is the main eyesore in the kitchen (okay, well, maybe the floor is second to the cabinets…I so wish I was allowed to paint them!). No matter how much I clean it, it just never appears to be so. This mat covers at least part of the floor and as a bonus, it is so much easier on my feet when I’m doing the dishes or just generally working in the kitchen. Plus, it both wipes easily and is easy on the eyes.
I don’t have enough storage to house all of my large spoons and spatulas, but even if I did, I would probably still keep them out for easy reach in a utensil jar (similar). Unfortunately I don’t have beautiful metal and wood utensils, but the ones I do have are definitely improved by the crock they’re kept in.
I actually use a shockingly small amount of paper towels. It takes me a very long time to get through a roll. Since none of the apartments I’ve lived in have come with paper towel holders installed (although they should…I’ve also never lived in an apartment with ample counter space), I have always required a countertop holder. This marble one was a gift and I love that it’s both simple and beautiful.
The most obvious pretty kitchen object is a beautiful salt and pepper set. I have these mills from Peugeot. My only complaint is that I have the seven inch version and I wish they were larger. I think the nine inch are probably ideal. They work like a dream though and are super attractive. If I didn’t have these already, I would be very tempted by this brass version that seems to be very popular.
I cook a lot less than I used to. I just have a lot less motivation to do it these days. Everything ebbs and flows, and I’m sure I’ll find enjoyment in it again. But, I have collected quite a few spices over the years. I got sick of digging through my cabinets and mismatched jars and invested in this lucite version (six?!) years ago and it has kept my spices organized and in easy reach all while looking pretty. It wall mounts, so it doesn’t take up precious counter space. I ordered labels from Etsy to keep the jars looking their best.
Honorable mentions:
I have two Staub Dutch ovens that I don’t always keep out, but they are by far the most eye catching cookware items I can imagine.
I always have a wood cutting board on my counter. I don’t use it for most day to day chopping (although I will on occasion, I just don’t use it for meat or fish, only fruit, veggies, cheese), but it’s great as a serving platter or tray. My less attractive plastic cutting boards that I use more frequently are stashed away out of sight….not everything can be pretty.