Sometimes I get the impulse to upgrade my kitchen, but I’m immediately overwhelmed by too many ideas. I mentioned this to my friend Angela, an interior designer, and she shared a smart trick for seeing your space with a fresh perspective. First, close your eyes and walk (carefully) into the kitchen. Then, open your eyes. What’s the first thing you see, and how does it make you feel? If you love it, think of three more ways to echo that thing you love. If you hate it, find three solutions for improvement.
Believe it or not, this method totally works, and it led directly me to purchasing three new accessories for my kitchen (they’re in this list!). Whether your kitchen needs decluttering, cute decor, or solutions for daily cooking challenges, I’ve got you covered with *seriously affordable* products.
This Bamboo Countertop Organizer Is Functional AND Good-Looking
Kitchen counters are tough to decorate since you need a blend of function (important tools close at hand) and style (you have to look at the space multiple times a day). This bamboo countertop organizer is an easy way to add a healthy dose of both form and function to the kitchen! It’s adjustable, so it can work in a corner or straight against a wall. Four hooks on the end are perfect for scissors or other tools.
These 100% Cotton Dishtowels Are Just So Pretty
New linens are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to brighten up a room, and these 100% cotton dishtowels are absolute proof! With fresh designs printed onto sturdy cotton, these towels are perfect for dish drying and other daily tasks (though you may want to just hang them from the oven door and admire them!). There are nearly 30 designs to choose from; I’m trying to decide between the Birdies on a Wire and Rose Garden sets.
This Bottle Cleaning Brush Set Is Adorably Disguised as a Cactus Garden
A bottle cleaning brush set is a smart solution if you have a lot of tricky items to clean, like water bottles, baby bottles, and reusable straws. But why settle for any old bottle brush when you can have a set that looks like a cactus garden?! I can’t get over how cute this would look next to the sink. Click on through to see the shapes of the four bottle brushes and how they nestle into the terra cotta-inspired holder.
This Copper Sponge Holder Is an Elegant Solution to a Drippy Problem
I’ve tried quite a few storage solutions for my kitchen sponges and brushes over the years, but most of them end up in the recycling bin while my sponge goes back on the edge of the sink. Not great. That’s why I’m excited about this new copper sponge holder I just found. It’s simple, elegant, and looks fabulous. More importantly, it’s provided a safe spot for my sponge to dry between washings.
These Glisten Drain Freshening Capsules Make the Whole Kitchen Smell Like Lemons
Daily cooking and dirty dishes can lead to a kitchen that doesn’t smell its best. Fix that pronto with these Glisten Drain Freshening Capsules, which are like magic drops of fresh lemon essence! Drop one in the drain, turn on the garbage disposal, and the formula sweeps away food gunk while releasing a clean citrus smell into the air.
These Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Streamline Your Cooking Prep
If you’re operating with a hodgepodge of mixing bowls that take up too much space in your cabinets, I have a solution that will change your life. Give away your hand-me-down bowls and invest in a set of nesting mixing bowls like these. Since they stack together into the largest bowl, they take up very little cabinet space. Yet when it’s time to cook, you’ll have enough bowls for a proper mise en place. I love the colorful silicone bases on these stainless steel bowls–it keeps them from slipping on the counter!
These Cherry Measuring Spoons Are Guaranteed to Spark Joy
Okay, I can’t literally guarantee that a kitchen tool will spark joy, but I’m pretty sure these cherry measuring spoons will make you happy every single time you see them. The set of four sturdy plastic spoons come threaded on a holder that also includes a leaf-shaped egg separator.
This Bread Box Keeps Two Loaves Fresh
Growing up, I’d hear people say “bigger than a bread box,” but I had no idea what that meant since I’d never actually seen a bread box. It turns out, this is a real kitchen accessory that is actually darned useful! This bread box is not only a safe spot to store bread but also looks really cute sitting out on a kitchen counter or perched on a pantry shelf. Made of metal, the bread box holds two full loaves of bread (no plastic needed), so the bread stays fresh and doesn’t get squished.
This Ceramic Owl Holds Utensils (And Looks Good Doing It)
I was using an ugly, scratched metal canister to hold cooking utensils for ages until it finally occurred to me that I could upgrade to something nicer. A lot nicer. Like this ceramic owl utensil holder, which brings just the right degree of whimsy and color to my kitchen counter. It measures 7 inches high and 5 inches wide, so it’s a good size for a few key items like spatulas, a whisk, and my trusty wooden spoon.
This Dish Soap Dispenser Classes Up the Kitchen Sink
Ditch the plastic bottle and add a touch of elegance to that humblest of spots: the kitchen sink! I’ve been using a dish soap dispenser like this one for years, and I will never go back to a sticky, unsightly plastic bottle again. This one is made of sturdy glass with a rust-proof, leak-proof pump. It comes with a nonstick silicone pad that keeps the bottle from slipping or tipping, as well as the tag you see in the photo (it comes blank, though, so you can write whatever you like on it!).
This Pantry Storage Set Streamlines Your Staples for a Neater Kitchen
One of the best things I’ve done in my kitchen lately is to transfer all my baking supplies to a pantry storage set. Every time I open that cabinet, I appreciate how inviting it looks and how easy it is to find exactly what I’m looking for. This set of 24 canisters (six each of four sizes) is an excellent value and gives a lot of versatility for storage. Includes chalkboard labels and a white chalk marker for easy customization!
This Expandable Silverware Tray for a Custom Fit
I used the same sad, faded blue plastic silverware tray forever before finally upgrading to this expandable silverware tray. What a difference! The bamboo is so sleek (and easy to wipe clean of crumbs…how do crumbs always end up in the silverware drawer?!). It starts off 13 inches wide but can be expanded up to 19.6 inches. This is especially handy when you have a lot of drawers of different sizes like I do.
This K-Cup Coffee Pod Carousel Has Over 46,000 Ratings
When I first got my Keurig coffeemaker, half the fun was trying all the varieties and flavors. Raspberry chocolate truffle coffee? Sure, I’ll try a pod! (And yes, that’s a real flavor!) That’s why I immediately bought a K-cup coffee pod carousel, so I could easily see every option at my disposal. It’s made of chrome-plated stainless steel, with a sleek modern design that looks fabulous on the kitchen counter next to the coffee maker.
This Glass Cake Stand With Dome Is Serving Up Cute Bakery Vibes
My creative friend Mary recently decorated her entire kitchen to look like a fancy French bakery, complete with macaron wall art and cake stands piled with tempting treats. Mary inspired me to order this glass cake stand with dome. Made by Libbey, a trusted glassware brand, the stand measures 13 inches in diameter with a 10.5-inch diameter dome. This stand is fabulous for showcasing cakes on special occasions, but it’s also lovely for displaying any baked goods for any reason.
This Kitchen Island Adds So Much Functionality (And You Won’t Believe the Price)
Have you ever wished you could add another cabinet, drawer, and workspace to your kitchen? Hello, kitchen island! This handy piece of furniture gives extra storage space along with a tabletop ideally sized for a microwave or to give extra prep or serving space. It also includes a towel bar on one side and a spice rack on the other. Check out the user reviews for lots of tips on assembly.
This Le Creuset Silicone Trivet Protects Surfaces From Hot Pans
Now that I’m on a mission to upgrade my kitchen on a strict budget, I’m looking for accessories that pull double-duty. It needs to be functional AND beautiful. This is why this Le Creuset Silicone Trivet is already in my Amazon cart! With a lovely design inspired by French architecture, this silicone trivet is heat-resistant up to 482 degrees and is dishwasher-safe.
This Agatha Spoon Holder Because Every Kitchen Needs a Little Witchcraft
Maybe you want her because she’s practical. Maybe you’re drawn to her whimsical purple shade. Maybe you’re a witch yourself?! Whatever the reason, there’s no denying the charm of the Agatha Spoon Holder & Steam Releaser, a funky little kitchen accessory that I think you should order immediately (I’m getting one too). Agatha perches on the end of your wooden spoon to keep it hovering over the contents of your cauldron. She’s even powerful enough to have a pot lid rest on her back, so you can let a little steam out when needed.
This Magnetic Knife Bar Keeps Utensils Safe and Accessible
If you have a crowded kitchen, this magnetic knife bar is a must-have! Instead of putting knives and other metal utensils in a drawer, canister, or bulky knife block, store them safely and visibly on a strong magnetic strip that can be mounted to the wall. It measures 16 inches long and includes mounting hardware (though some customers install it with Velcro or mounting tape instead).
This Rustic Framed Chalkboard for Functional Art
I love a chalkboard in the kitchen; it’s perfect for shopping lists, holiday greetings, or menu announcements. (If you’re artistic, it’s also a great way to have fun with quick drawings!). This rustic framed chalkboard is a cute, affordable accessory that lets you bring a touch of functional art into your everyday kitchen chores. It measures 11 by 14 inches with a whitewashed wood frame and is designed to be hung vertically or horizontally.
These Oil & Vinegar Dispensers Look Whimsical But Are Secretly Practical
I can’t get over how cute these oil & vinegar dispensers are. At first, I just wanted them because they come in sweet pastels and look like alert little birds, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover they are actually incredibly handy in the kitchen. I keep one filled with olive oil for cooking (I appreciate how easy it is to control the flow), and I use another for homemade salad dressing.
This Rainbow of Mini Spatulas Is the Dose of Cheer Your Kitchen Needs Right Now
If you want to brighten up your kitchen RIGHT NOW for a few bucks, I heartily recommend this rainbow set of mini spatulas. You might be thinking you don’t need a fistful of 7-inch-long spatulas, but my friend, you do. They’re actually extremely useful for prepping food, serving condiments, and small cooking tasks like scrambling eggs. They also look extremely cheerful when displayed in a glass jar on the kitchen counter. Trust.
This Mueller Fruit Basket Offers Modern Design at a LOW Price
Big on design, small on price! Click through to see for yourself–I promise you won’t find a better-looking display bowl at this price point. Designed by Mueller, a popular Austrian company known for kitchen basics with modern aesthetics, this fruit basket is made of sturdy yet lightweight plastic in an open-weave design that allows airflow. It’s earning great reviews for both functionality and design; one satisfied customer writes, “The bowl came in a great size, and the white color on it is on the matte side – perfect as a centerpiece on our table. You can’t beat the price either! Really happy with this purchase.”
These Polka Dot Measuring Cups Are Way Cuter Than Your Current Measuring Cups
I cook and bake all the time, and I love cute cookware. Tell me why it is, then, that my measuring cups are an ugly assortment of warped plastic and ancient stainless steel? Especially when I could have something as cute as these polka dot ceramic measuring cups! There are four of them–1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and 1/4 cup–and they neatly stack for a pretty display or tidy storage.
This Over-the-Cabinet-Door Organizer Creates Storage Space Out of Thin Air
A lifesaver in small kitchens. A smart use of otherwise unused space. And best of all? No installation required! Pop this lightweight metal rack over any cabinet door and, voila! Instant storage space. They’re the perfect size for cutting boards, baking pans, plastic wrap, and other daily essentials that are tricky to store.
This Porcelain Sugar Bowl for More Elegant Coffee Breaks and Tea Time
Upgrading your kitchen doesn’t have to be about new appliances or expensive countertops. Something as simple as a porcelain sugar bowl can make you feel good each and every time you see it. This charming ceramic jar includes a lid and spoon and holds 12 ounces of sugar or–if you want to amp up the daintiness–a big handful of sugar cubes. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.
These Peel-and-Stick Tiles Instantly Transform Your Backsplash
If you like the idea of a DIY kitchen upgrade but lack funds and skills, this is the product for you! Instantly update your kitchen with these peel-and-stick tiles, which are as easy to install as the name implies. They’re basically 12-by-12 inch stickers made of flexible plastic “tiles” that you stick onto the wall or existing tile. The Amazon customer reviews are filled with photos and tips that show how easy these are to apply–and how great they look.
This Round Serving Tray Makes a Charming Centerpiece for the Kitchen
This is my kind of design hack: simple, affordable, and stylish! Get yourself this round serving tray made of bamboo, and style it with a small plant, candles, and/or other items you love to look at. It comes in two sizes, so check the measurements to see which will work better for your space.
This Salt Box Is the Tiny Upgrade I Need in My Life Right Now
There’s something about this saltbox that makes me want to spend an entire Sunday in the kitchen, leisurely preparing dinner and baked goods for my family. Right now, I’m using the salt straight out of the container while I cook. Functional, sure, but it doesn’t spark joy. So I’m adding this saltbox to my Amazon cart, knowing that this tiny bamboo container (with spoon!) will surely bring a little more elegance to the most mundane cooking tasks.
This Slanted Pet Food Bowl for Less Mess and More Style
My dog Rosie has her food and water dishes at one end of the kitchen, so I consider her feeding area part of my kitchen decor, for sure! She’s had the same boring stainless steel bowls for years, but I’ve been thinking of upgrading to a new style. That’s what led me to this slanted pet food bowl, which not only gives a pop of color but has a slanted design that reduces spillage and also prevents indigestion in pets.
These Under-Cabinet Lights Provide Instant Gratification
Lighting is SO important in a kitchen, and there is no easier way to brighten the space than with this set of under-cabinet lights. The LED lights come with 3M stickers so that you can install them just about anywhere in two seconds flat. The entire set is operated by an included remote control, which lets you control the level of brightness and set a turn-off timer. They run on AA batteries, which are included, but some Amazon customers recommend you invest in rechargeable batteries for a more sustainable and affordable solution.
This SpiceStack Is Like a Filing Cabinet for Spice Jars
This might be the smartest storage solution I’ve ever seen for spice jars! The SpiceStack stores spice jars in a fraction of the usual space, with drop-down drawers that let you access the spices easily. It holds 24 bottles and includes 100 removable drawer labels (half printed with common spices and half blank).
This Set of 2 Kitchen Floor Mats Updates Your Space With a Pop of Color
Kitchen mats are not only practical–they absorb splashes and cushion your feet–but they’re also a fast and affordable way to make your kitchen look refreshed. This set of two kitchen mats is a great value, and the Moroccan trellis design blends seamlessly with just about any decor. Choose gray for a neutral, or go with one of the bright colors for a fun contrast. They’re also machine-washable (thank goodness).
This Tablet Stand Provides a Safe Spot for Your Screen While Cooking
If you like to use your iPad for recipes, you’ve no doubt experienced the frustration of having to lean over the tablet to see it or (horrors) spilling food on it. As you may have guessed, yes, I have a solution! This tablet stand has a sleek and simple design that looks great on a kitchen counter while providing a very practical home for your tablet while cooking or eating. It’s also the most popular tablet stand on Amazon, with over 32,000 reviews so far.
This Touchless Trash Can Is Worth the Investment
I’m all for saving money, but sometimes it’s worth it to spend a little more on a genuinely great product. This touchless trash can is the perfect example. My parents have had this exact model for years, and it still looks great and works flawlessly. Throwing trash away while keeping hands clean is as easy as a wave of the hand…literally! The motion-detecting sensor responds to your waving hand by automatically opening the lid. It closes automatically, too. It runs on either batteries or an AC adaptor (sold separately).
This Stainless Steel Wallpaper Transforms the Look of Appliances
I admit that I was skeptical of this stainless steel wallpaper at first. Made of vinyl, this peel-and-stick roll looks like stainless steel and can be cut to size. What convinced me were the user reviews and photos on Amazon. Um, wow. People have utterly transformed the look of their refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances. There are lots of helpful tips for application in the reviews, too.
This Under-Sink Organizer Rack Expands to Fit the Space
Make the most of an awkward space with this under-sink organizer rack. Designed especially for the cabinet under a sink, this rack has an opening in the center for pipes, as well as fully adjustable shelves so you can customize it to your space. It goes from 15 to 25 inches wide, and the shelf can be adjusted to four different heights.
This Wine Rack With Table Top Is a Fun and Practical Addition to the Kitchen
This wine rack with tabletop is whimsical enough to make me smile while practical enough to make me take measurements and decide where I’ll put it! Made of metal, with a marble veneer top, the rack displays 11 bottles of wine with a bonus tabletop just the right size for serving a glass of wine. It’s earning great reviews on Amazon, with several customers reporting that it’s very easy to assemble.