Kitchen Utensil Holders

Kitchen Feng Shui

Given the constantly expanding universe of kitchen gizmos and gadgets, a kitchen utensil holder is the ideal way to organize, store, and access cooking tools.  What good is it to buy the latest garlic press from Tuscany if you can't find it when it's time to make dinner?  A prominent mainstay of counter tops, kitchen utensil holders come in a vast array of shapes, styles, and finishes. 

Aside from being the perfect, functional organizer for all manner of devices, kitchen utensil holders can be decorative workhorses as well, showcasing the personality and style of their owner.  Unlike counter tops, floors, and wall coverings, kitchen utensil holders require little commitment and are inexpensive, easy to move, and portable. 

Since they are displayed so prominently in the kitchen, utensil holders make it easy to establish a theme, complement an existing design, or create a point of interest.  And since they are so inexpensive and easy to change, utensil holders should be bold, fun, and dramatic.

Material transformations

Utensil holders can be found in every conceivable material. 

Gleaming stainless steel containers are popular because of their versatility and durability.  The luster and shine of the metal surfaces can play off of other similar finishes, on refrigerators and stoves, for example. 

Copper containers imbue a kitchen with a rustic, homey feel, recalling as they do the days of iron stoves and open fires.  As the metal ages, it takes on a personality every bit as unique as that of its owner. 

A one of a kind piece of handmade pottery used as a utensil holder lends the whole kitchen a sense of artistic energy.  Available in specialty shops and markets, these pieces resonate with creative types and inspire feats of culinary derring-do.

A blast of color

Instead of sticking to tried and true kitchen colors - white, yellow, or avocado - consider edgier kitchen colors: fire engine red, cotton candy pink, powder blue.  Ceramic utensil holders come in every imaginable color and make for fun and expressive conversation pieces. 

A little bit of contrast can snap a whole design scheme into place.  Changing counter top accessories every few months keeps the look up to date, but also allows the colors of the seasons to enter the heart of the house.  Colorful patterns or holiday themes can cheer up any space.

Get Into shape

Instead of sticking to cylinders, accessory designers can use more novel forms: squares, cubes, or organic shapes. Whimsical containers in the shape of a fruit or vegetable can pick up decorative threads from window treatments, towels, napkins or even dishes. 

While still performing the vital function of keeping all necessary kitchen implements at hand for the cook, utensil holders in organic or geometric shapes create visual excitement.

To have and to hold

A mainstay of countertops in kitchens everywhere, utensil holders come in a truly immense array of shapes, styles, and finishes.  Aside from being the perfect, functional organizer for all manner of kitchen gadgets and gizmos, utensil holders can be decorative carryalls as well, expressing the personality and style of their owner just as much as the more thoroughly considered counters, floors, and appliances. 

The prime position of kitchen utensil holders in countertop real estate makes them the ideal site to establish a décor that is as well put together as any gourmet meal.  And since they are relatively inexpensive and easy to change, utensil holders can veer towards the more stylized, dramatic, and playful end of the decorating spectrum.

Material world

Utensil holders can be found in every conceivable material.  Stainless steel containers are popular because of their versatility and durability.  Copper containers give a kitchen a rustic, homey feel, recalling as they do the days of old cast iron stoves and wood fires.  A unique piece of pottery used as a utensil holder imbues the whole kitchen with a sense of creativity and respect for craft.  Handmade, quirky holders can be eccentric showpieces in an otherwise austere set up.  If your kitchen is modern, a vintage-inspired metal piece could be a perfect finishing touch.

Don't be afraid of color

If the counters, floors, and cabinets all respect the same basic color scheme, a splash of wild color could liven things up.  Instead of sticking only to classic kitchen tones - white, yellow, green, stainless steel - consider nontraditional kitchen colors: fire engine red, cotton candy pink, powder blue.  Ceramic utensil holders come in every conceivable color and make for a fun and expressive focal point.  Think of it as an exclamation point for the look of your kitchen.

Shape up

Utensil holders can be novel as well.  Playful containers shaped like fruits or vegetables can pick up decorative threads from window treatments, towels, napkins or even dishes.  While still performing the vital function of keeping all necessary kitchen implements at hand for the cook, utensil holders in organic or geometric shapes create visual excitement when the chef is at rest.

Break out of old patterns

Patterns run the gamut from subtle to outrageous.  Try incorporating a patterned piece into your kitchen.  Intricate shapes and colorful detailing can bring energy and dynamism to a ho hum look.  A utensil holder with an abstract pattern can be the cap on a well-heeled room.  Look for bold geometrics, graceful lines, and exciting compositions.  Holiday motifs enliven a room and bring the change of seasons indoors.

More information on utensil holders