Over the past few years, we’ve slowly upgraded our kitchen with products that make our space feel more functional, organized, and honestly just more aesthetically pleasing.
These are the kitchen essentials we actually use every single day in our small kitchen. From a space-saving toaster to our favorite Keurig setup, countertop organizers, and simple upgrades that help us make the most of our counter space without spending a fortune.
Best Space-Saving Toaster for Small Kitchens
If you’re short on counter space, this toaster is one of my favorite kitchen purchases.
We’ve had this compact toaster for about six months now, and it has earned its spot on our countertop. It saves space, works well, and keeps our kitchen from feeling cluttered.
Sometimes I flip the toast for a little extra browning, but honestly? Totally worth it for the extra room.
Shop the toaster: https://amzn.to/4g2uJdg
Kitchen Utensils That Look Good on Your Countertop
I bought this wooden utensil set for two reasons:
- It looks aesthetically pleasing sitting out on the counter.
- I wanted to ditch plastic utensils.
Embarrassing confession… our previous utensil set was still from college. Crazy, I know.
This felt like a simple “grown-up” kitchen upgrade and instantly made our countertop look more put together.
Shop the wooden utensil set: https://amzn.to/4uPnNFd
Salt & Pepper Shakers That Instantly Upgrade Your Kitchen Counter
True story.
We bought Costco salt and pepper and were literally using the giant containers directly on our counter.
My mom came over while watching our son and said:
“You need salt and pepper shakers. This is outrageous.”
So… I ordered these.
Simple fix. Cute countertop upgrade. Inexpensive. Happy mom.
Shop salt & pepper shakers: https://amzn.to/4dJWLZL
Our Keurig Coffee Setup We’ve Used Since 2018
My boyfriend at the time (now my husband and father of our son—time flies) got me this Keurig for Christmas in 2018, and it’s still running perfectly.
That alone deserves a review.
If you love quick coffee mornings, this machine has held up through apartments, marriage, parenthood, and a LOT of coffee.
Shop the Keurig: https://amzn.to/4o4cC8Z
Our current favorite coffee pods? Donut Shop K-Cups.
Shop our favorite K-Cups: https://amzn.to/4e571Lb
Easy Kitchen Counter Organization Ideas
A few small pieces make our coffee station feel much more organized.
Glass Coffee Pod Container
Ours actually came from my husband’s dorm room. LOL.
The one linked isn’t identical, but it’s very similar and perfect for organizing K-Cups.
Shop the glass container: https://amzn.to/43JzZv7
White Countertop Tray
Not the exact tray we own, but close.
I’ve had ours for years, and it’s one of those simple decor pieces that instantly makes a kitchen setup look intentional and organized.
Shop a similar tray: https://amzn.to/3RN7CJM
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Upgrade: Gold Cabinet Hardware
Want a kitchen refresh without remodeling?
Swap your cabinet handles.
Ours came from Home Depot, but I linked a similar gold hardware option because changing cabinet pulls is one of the easiest ways to update your kitchen on a budget.
Shop similar gold handles: https://amzn.to/4vhPLJw
Our Favorite Wooden Cutting Board Style
My mother-in-law is a woodworker and actually handmade our cutting board, which makes it extra special.
I linked a similar style because wood accents add warmth and character to a kitchen.
Shop a similar cutting board: https://amzn.to/4fUzRjE
Kitchen Knives Are Worth Upgrading
Our knives were a Christmas gift from my grandpa in 2024, so the linked set isn’t exact.
But if you’ve been cooking with dull knives… upgrading matters more than you think.
Shop similar knives: https://amzn.to/4x3Tg7Z
Simple Kitchen Butter Holder We Love
This butter holder came from our wedding registry and somehow became one of those little kitchen items we use constantly.
Functional, simple, and matches our aesthetic.
Shop the butter holder: https://amzn.to/4ucVteC
Quick Shop: Everything Linked
- Space-Saving Toaster — https://amzn.to/4g2uJdg
- Wooden Utensil Set — https://amzn.to/4uPnNFd
- Keurig — https://amzn.to/4o4cC8Z
- Donut Shop K-Cups — https://amzn.to/4e571Lb
- Salt & Pepper Shakers — https://amzn.to/4dJWLZL
- Glass Container — https://amzn.to/43JzZv7
- White Tray — https://amzn.to/3RN7CJM
- Gold Cabinet Handles — https://amzn.to/4vhPLJw
- Wooden Cutting Board — https://amzn.to/4fUzRjE
- Kitchen Knives — https://amzn.to/4x3Tg7Z
- Butter Holder — https://amzn.to/4ucVteC
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best kitchen upgrades for a small kitchen?
Some of the easiest small kitchen upgrades include:
- Space-saving appliances
- Countertop organizers
- Cabinet hardware swaps
- Attractive utensil storage
- Multi-purpose kitchen accessories
How can I organize my kitchen counter without spending a lot?
Using trays, glass containers, countertop utensil holders, and simple decor upgrades can make your kitchen feel more organized without a full remodel. Oftentimes, you’ll already have a few of these items somewhere around your house and can repurpose them before buying anything new.
Are compact toasters worth it?
In our experience, yes. A compact toaster can free up valuable counter space while still handling everyday breakfast duties.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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