When it comes to countertop food displays, I am a firm believer that fruits and vegetables are meant to be seen. Nothing brings more life to a kitchen than the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and with the right display, countertops can go from bland to eye-catchingly beautiful by adding just the right pop of natural color (think Dakota Johnson's viral lime presentation).
That being said, you want to ensure that you are choosing a display that optimizes organization, aesthetics, and the shelf-life of your food. If you're anything like me, it's easy to forget exactly what you have in your kitchen, then before you know it, you're throwing away your produce before you get the chance to cook with it. Finding clever ways to organize your food storage and keep your produce on display, will help inspire meals and brighten your cooking space.
The optimal kitchen counter organizers will act as statement pieces for your kitchen as well as clever storage solutions, and IKEA's latest addition to their kitchenware collection does just that. This stunning bamboo and rattan fruit and vegetable basket offers compact food storage that could rid your countertops of clutter and put an end to overspilling cabinets. Here's why we're loving this gorgeous storage piece.
The design of the collapsible KANELMOTT basket from IKEA is as functional as it is stylish. Nina Lichtenstein, founder and principal designer at Custom Home Design by Nina, says that 'the basket effortlessly marries form and function, offering a chic solution for fruit and vegetable storage that is sure to complement any kitchen decor'.
Counter space is always visible, so deciding on storage pieces that will harmonize with the rest of the room is essential to creating a stylish and timeless countertop. But of course, we often forget about function. Part of why this unique storage basket is a hit among designers is the clever collapsible design that allows for separate tiers and maximizes vertical space - elements that help you declutter kitchen countertops.
This element of adaptability helps cater to different household needs and varying kitchen sizes, too. 'The upper tier is ideal for produce that benefits from natural air circulation, while the lower tier, equipped with a lid, creates a darker, cooler environment perfect for items like potatoes and other root vegetables,' says Nina. 'The thoughtful nature of the design not only helps extend the shelf-life of your produce but also reduces food waste, too.'
CEO and Principal Designer at Luxury Interior Design, Elana Mendelson also notes how the natural materials play into current trends. 'The bamboo and rattan combination introduces natural texture and, aesthetically, would fit within any kitchen,' she says. The neutral tones mix well with a multitude of different style choices, so whether your personal preferences lean more towards rustic farmhouse styles or a Scandi decor style pieces like this will stand the test of time.
If you're wondering how to style your kitchen to incorporate natural material pieces like this one, Elana has some words of advice. 'I would love to see something like this in a kitchen with dark-colored cabinets, light counters, and some textured or woven counter stools,' she says. She explains that this combination would coordinate the decor and add visual interest to the space. 'Fill it with some brightly colored fruits and vegetables like eggplants, red apples, lemons, oranges (whatever you please) and you have a perfect and functional piece of art,' she adds.
Thoughtful storage pieces like this one from IKEA are the delicious cherry-on-top when it comes to planning stylish and practical kitchen countertop ideas. Keeping your workspace clutter-free not only helps invite peace but maximizes utility in your cooking area, and opting for storage solutions made of natural materials makes your kitchen feel effortlessly beautiful. Safe to say, this new IKEA fruit basket has our seal of approval.
Can't get to IKEA? Try these
Price: $88
Material: Copper wire & cane
This Anthropologie design is equally, if not more, stylish as the IKEA design, and still offers two tiers for storage.