Guest Picks: 20 Easy-to-Add Kitchen Counter Spaces
Get more kitchen prep and storage space with islands, bar carts and sideboards — or even a folding cart for a tiny kitchen
When considering all of the appliances and necessities that hog up your counters, you realize that not a lot of room is left for food preparation, let alone presentation. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a huge kitchen with plenty of counter space, and sometimes settling on a permanent solution can be both tricky and costly.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to expand the amount of counter space you have, as well as add extra storage for dishes, silverware and wine. Take a look at these simple kitchen must-haves that are handy and so versatile — some of them can even go from your kitchen to your living room! — Suzy from Better Decorating Bible
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to expand the amount of counter space you have, as well as add extra storage for dishes, silverware and wine. Take a look at these simple kitchen must-haves that are handy and so versatile — some of them can even go from your kitchen to your living room! — Suzy from Better Decorating Bible
Belmont Black Kitchen Island
You can instantly expand your kitchen workspace and storage area with this no-brainer Belmont kitchen island. I love how the drawers underneath have sliding doors — perfect for a narrow kitchen.
Woodbridge 2-Tier Kitchen Island
A two-tier kitchen island is a lifesaver in my sister's apartment. She pulls up a stool and uses the higher end as a breakfast bar, while the lower counter is used for preparing food.
Abaco Server
I've always wanted a butler's pantry next to my kitchen. This rattan server is bound to keep bottles close at hand, and it makes for a great place to serve snacks and desserts.
St. Ives Baker's Rack
A baker's rack can hold all of your baked goods and delicacies. Use it in the kitchen or dining room, or even place it in your sunroom to hold potted plants.
Vitale Bar Cart
If you follow my blog, you know that I love anything gold. This bar cart certainly caught my eye. You could even place it in your bedroom when you are not entertaining.
Bamboo Kitchen Island
This kitchen island is a budget-friendly solution that is easy to move around. You can take it from your kitchen to the butler’s pantry, or even use it outside on the patio at your next barbecue.
Toulose Rolling Basket
This Napa-style rolling basket can free up some of your counter space. Instead of holding bread, fruit and vegetables on your counters, try this storage solution instead. It looks fun and is a great way to add some character and charm to your kitchen.
Kitchen Island
Even if you have only a few feet of extra space, do whatever you can to squeeze in a trolley or tiny kitchen island.
Benchwright Buffet & Hutch, Rustic Mahogany Stain
The buffet and the hutch in this set can be bought separately, so the possibilities are pretty endless with this early 20th century–style piece.
American Barn Wood Kitchen Island
If you are the ultimate homemaker, this kitchen island is for you. It has storage for spices, a magnetic strip for knives and hooks for pots. I love the rustic reclaimed wood, as it has an all-American barn look.
Home Decorators Collection Three-Piece Espresso Breakfast Set
This three-piece breakfast set is a real space saver. I love the fact that the stools can be neatly tucked in underneath.
Tasmin Chinoiserie Bar Cart
This bar cart is a gorgeous example of how furniture can be both stylish and multifunctional. I would definitely use it to prepare drinks in the kitchen, and then stow it away in the family room with a beautiful vase on top when I'm not using it.
Barrel Stave Kitchen Island
This has a great rustic charm, and it would make a great work station for food preparation.
'Tabitha' Sideboard
This is a pricey alternative, but it can seamlessly blend in with my current kitchen. I would use this buffet table to hold my blender and KitchenAid mixers.
Monarch Round Bar Serving Cart
Style and convenience all in one! Roll this cart around wherever your guests go.
Printer's Large Buffet
A buffet is the perfect storage solution for holding dishes, napkins and wineglasses. Maximize prep space on your counter by placing already prepared food on the buffet. You can use this piece in the dining room or foyer, or even as an entertainment center.
Folding Cart
If you have a teeny-tiny kitchen, try out this mini kitchen island. It may be small, but it sure will come in handy when counter space is minimal.
Palmetto All-Weather Wicker Bar Console
Limited counter space makes it hard to prepare drinks like a pro, which is a problem if you are a big fan of entertaining. Try this wicker side table that will get you on the way in no time.
Parson's Glass-Top Dining Table with Natural Dark Steel Base
When space is critical, you've got to get creative. A narrow dining table makes a great breakfast bar when pushed right up to the wall. Pull up some stools and you've got yourself a handy space to eat breakfast or hold extra dishes of food.
John Boos & Co. Butcher Block Table
Enlarge your kitchen's workspace with an old-fashioned butcher block table. I love this one's nick-resistant surface that also won't dull knives. What a lifesaver!
Next: How to Design a Kitchen Island
Next: How to Design a Kitchen Island