Designers Say These Kitchen Eyesores Are Ruining Your Space—Here’s How to Hide Them

As the saying goes, the kitchen is the heart of the home—and where much of your day-to-day clutter ends up. On the other hand, a tidy, clear space isn’t just visually appealing; it's also more efficient. Extra space helps when you have to entertain guests at a moment's notice, or when you want to cook a memorable family meal.

So how can you conceal clutter and unsightly appliances? Ahead, we spoke with interior designers about some of these common kitchen eyesores and how they keep them out of sight.

Bulky Drying Racks

A drying rack is great for airing out hand-washed dishes or items that are still a bit wet after coming out of the dishwasher. However, it does occupy valuable counter space and contributes to visual clutter.

Kate Hartman, owner and lead designer of Kate Hartman Interiors, has a simple solution: a drainboard sink. “We added one in our home, and I’m obsessed,” she says. “It’s perfect for drying dishes, rinsing produce, or having a place to set something wet that isn’t the countertop."

You can also try a Finnish dish drying cabinet, a brilliant solution that keeps those dripping dishes out of sight.

Standalone Garbage and Recycling Bins

So much beauty goes into kitchen design, whether it's picking out the perfect cabinetry and hardware or creating a custom tile backsplash.

One thing not to forget? Where your garbage and recycling bins are going to live—because no one wants to see them out in the open. Instead, move them into your cabinets or a pantry.

“Integrated, pull-out trash and recycling keeps bins out of sight, while maintaining easy access and clean sight lines,” says Corinne Ekle, principal designer and creative director of C2 Design Co. 

Tangled Charging Cables

The kitchen is often command central—and likely where you charge your cell phone, laptop, tablet, or any number of other devices. Instead of leaving a jumbled mess of cords and devices on the counter, try a dedicated charging drawer.

“[They] help keep counters clear and the kitchen feeling effortless, organized, and refined,” says Ekle. You can usually retrofit an existing drawer in your kitchen with an in-drawer outlet that has a combination of standard USB-A and USB-C outlets.

Loose Produce

Not all produce keeps well in the fridge—some fruits and vegetables are better stored in cool, dark spaces. 

A cabinet drawer dedicated to produce can solve this issue. “We’re seeing more homeowners request purpose-built drawers for items like potatoes and onions—ingredients that truly benefit from a cool, dark, well-ventilated space outside of the refrigerator,” says Jen Hinesman, design director at Meadowlark Design + Build.

Small Appliances

Your air fryer, toaster oven, coffee maker, and stand mixer don’t need to take up space on your countertop. Instead, hide them within a dedicated appliance garage.

“An appliance garage with roll-out shelves is something I incorporate into almost every project,” says Hartman. “It discreetly hides the everyday appliances we rely on, keeping countertops clear and the kitchen feeling calm and cohesive.”

Freestanding Paper Towel Rack

Easy access to paper towels doesn’t mean they need to sit on the counter—you can integrate them above or next to your concealed trash and recycling, says Hinesman.

“We’re also seeing more homeowners request paper towel holders built directly into cabinets—often positioned above the trash or recycling—so cleanup essentials are right where you need them, but never on display,” she says.