Without a doubt, the kitchen is a high-traffic, high-usage zone in every house. Regardless of whether you like to cook or not, it pays to have this particular space organized. Obviously, food storage is key. But there are a myriad of things (big and small) that need a home. The trick is keeping them close at hand, but tidy. Looking for a twist-tie? Need to pull out every baking pan just to get the cookie sheet? Dying for a place to keep stationery for grocery lists and family reminders? Too many garbage bins taking up floor space? Here are 11 ideas to keep your kitchen aesthetic tidy and functional.


Stainless steel kitchen accessories
Stainless steel accessories fit well into most kitchens, making these accessories particularly appealing. From magnetic boards and canisters to gallery ledges and cookbook holders, organize the kitchen your way. Pottery Barn, $19.87 – 131.17.
Modular drawer organizers
These mahogany boxes fit together in a host of different ways, so you can customize drawers to suit your needs. They’re also nice enough to live on the countertop if you want things more readily available. Williams Sonoma, sets of 2 or 3 for $29.95 – 36.95.

OXO 10-piece pop container set
Being organized means maximizing space. It also means knowing what you’ve got (and more importantly) where! These see-through, stackable containers in different shapes and sizes are perfect for dried goods storage. Crate and Barrel, $119.95.
Tiered cabinet organizer
No more re-arranging cupboards to see what you’ve got! This tiered organizer kicks things up a notch by keeping jars and tins elevated and visible . Crate and Barrel, $6 each.
Canister dispenser
Not enough counter space? Then the indispensable SmartSpace dispenser by Zevro is for you! It hangs on the wall and keeps food airtight for well over a month. Measuring cups hang at the base of the canisters … and for extra good measure, each turn of the knob releases an ounce of food.  www.spacesavers.com, $46.99.  
Herb keeper
Do you use a lot of herbs, but find they go bad before you’ve used them all up? This handy container lets you stand them up with their bases immersed in water, keeping them fresher, longer.  Crate and Barrel, $24.95.
Easy stack J hook
Maximize vertical fridge, shelf or counter space with this deceptively simple device. It creates a base for stacking bottles and jars, keeping them from rolling away. www.solutions-stores.ca, $7.99 each.
Magnetic knife bar
If drawers are too narrow or shallow and counter space is an issue, magnetic knife bars may be the answer. The wall mount keeps knives just above the counter and easily accessible. www.solutions-stores.ca, $14.99.
Lock-on baskets and dividers
Keep baking pans and cutting boards organized with wire storage baskets that clip to steel shelving and slide out, making it a lot easier to grab what you need when you need it! Plastic liners keep things from falling through the cracks. Williams Sonoma, $59.95 – 89.95. 
Fingerprint-proof butterfly recycler/trash
Reduce, reuse, recycle. All three are possible with this streamlined bin designed to fit small spaces or tuck under kitchen islands and countertops. Garbage and recycling can be sorted into the separate bins. Foot pedals and hands-free opening make it extra hygienic. Williams Sonoma, $159.95. 
Glide-out towel bar
Forget slinging dish towels over the oven handle. Keep your kitchen looking effortlessly tidy by stowing towels and oven mitts out of sight with the Knape & Vogt Glide-Out Towel Bar. Home Depot, $29.97.