We use an old wire basket for our utensils. DH had it before we were married. It is red and even though I am not a 'red person' I like it. I also use two smallish bowls from the early 20th c. that were my grandmothers. They are a pretty brown and we put fruit/veggies in them which also adds some color.

Have fun on your search. Check out consignment shops and antique stores. They often have interesting, inexpensive containers!

I used a yellow enamelware bucket, then we got another utensil holder to set next to it, and then we finally put everything inside a drawer! I have a tendency to buy a lot of different types of spoons, spatulas, etc.

But I'm still having a hard time decorating my newish kitchen countertops.

I use an antique French copper kettle. It's the kind you would use to cook in suspended over a fire - not like a kettle/teapot for heating water.

An oversized wooden or ceramic bowl filled with real fruit adds color and warmth. Can find at antique shops or potters.

To find crocks, do a search for colorful utensil crocks. It pulls up a bunch, all sizes and colors.

I have some of my cookbooks on one section of counter that is not in the food prep area. They add lots of color and pattern. As for a utensil crock, I finally ended up with one that is stainless steel and big enough to hold all of my spatulas, tongs and spoons. I also have a stainless steel Kapoosh knife block that I like much better than any other knife block I've had because it holds so many knives and allows for an assortment of shapes and sizes.

I found the selection of utensil crocks somewhat limited in terms of color/style and size. I finally found a cachepot in the garden section of my local home decor store, and it works great. They are available in such variety that you can always find something that doesn't scream "flowerpot" in a color and size that works.

I saw someone use an old silver loving cup for utensils. I tried to find one but I couldn't. so i use an old hotel silver pitcher instead. And a salt cellar.

My oils and vinegars and such are in a basket.

While I currently have all utensils stashed in drawers, I have used various containers on my counters to hold them. Some things I've used are a pottery bean pot, an urn, a large pottery cachepot, an enamel coffee pot, a vintage/maybe antique enamel pot, and a large ceramic rumtopf. Any large container will work altho if it's not heavy it can tip and I've sometimes placed something heavy in the bottom to prevent that. Most of the items I've used are are family treasures, have been found at yard sales, or while traveling. Large containers are everywhere, what you use depends on your style and preference. I prefer old things or unique items and can find them easily.

Some items I've used to decorate my kitchen counters are a small lamp, a small chalkboard on an easel, a pottery sign, a tray with condiments, a tray with pottery containers filled with dog and cat treats, a vintage 30's tin scale, cookie tin, and pie saver that belonged to my DM, a 3 tiered plate holder, apothecary jars filled with various things from time to time. I currently have a large clear glass lidded canister that's still empty as I haven't decided what to put in it.

I keep all my wooden utensils in a pitcher crock next to the stove.

Ooh Natal, I like that!

I have mine in an old crock that I got at the Portobello Rd flea market in London. I love it because it reminds me of that trip.

In our beach cottage, I have a polka-dot crock that I got from Fishs Eddy (one of my favorite places to get kitchen accessories!).

I found a vintage wooden ale box for my utensils. Also found a wooden one with metal strap across handle for napkins and salt/pepper. I've got various things purchased in local antique stores on the counters and the shelves on the island ends. There is a link at the end of the post (linked below) that takes you to another long, wooden container that is in front of the sink. It holds liquid soap, dish liquid and hand towel.

Here is a link that might be useful: wooden box

Since I accidently broke the top to it, I use my very colorful biscotti jar to hold my kitchen utensils.

Ahhhh! I love it here. Just the ideas I was looking for. I'm anxious to post pics of our kitchen so I can bounce a few more thoughts off of you all...loving this! Seriously cool pictures...such great ideas!

I use very old dark brown bean pots to hold teabags and sweetner packs. Another one holds kosher salt. Oils and vinegars and my mortar-pestle live in an old flatware basket next to the knife blocks and cutting board.

There are two very old copper lamps at each end of the counters -- inherited from my mum. Always LOVE to use small lamps around the kitchen for a softer warmer light at night.

Old wood bowls hold potatoes and onions. Old pottery bowls hold fruit. If I see them -- then I use them more often! LOL! :)

(Lovely to see a reference to the Kapoosh knife block- I have one, too, and will never use anything else.)

There are three old stoneware crocks in different sizes next to my stove - papa for the big long-handled things, mama for whisks and smaller spoons, and baby for shorter handled things. Seems like a lot, but it beats the heck out of rummaging about in drawers for all those things you use every day. I also keep a salt pig and a tall pepper grinder there.

I also keep three small straight-sided flowerpots in a deep drawer next to the stove, and stand the little tools like the veg. peeler, the lemon zester, the melon baller, and all my measuring spoons in them. So easy to use, and so easy to put away.