16 Strategies to Deal with Ugly Kitchen Eyesores Like a Designer

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From messy condiment bottles to awkward structural columns, kitchen eyesores are everywhere. But with a few smart tricks, you can hide (or style) around them like a pro.

Paper Towel Rolls

1. Embedded with the cabinets

The paper towel roll has its own little spot within the kitchen cabinet. It’s just the right fit, so everything stays neat and tidy.

Design: Casa Interior

Power Outlets

2. Beneath the cabinets

An open space tucked under the cabinets keeps all the unsightly outlets out of sight, while still making them super easy to reach.

Design: BuildBuilt

3. Pop-up plug

A pop-up outlet gives you power when you need it, then disappears back into the counter when you don’t, so the workspace remains clean and clutter-free.

Design: Blend by ImC

4. Countertop chaos

The power track outlet is installed along the side of the counter instead of the wall, which helps cut down on messy, dangling wires. Bonus: it also gets to be nicely hidden behind your kitchen decor.

Design: Cozyspace

Spices and Condiments

5. Behind the backsplash

This backsplash pulls double duty with a sliding panel that reveals a hidden shelf for all your condiments and spice bottles. It keeps them free from grease and dust, but still easy to grab when you’re cooking.

Design: Jesigns Interior Design

6. At the corner

In this L-shaped kitchen, all the condiments and spice bottles are neatly tucked into a corner. It’s intentionally left open for easy access, and built-in LED lights help brighten up the space so you can actually see what you’re reaching for.

Design: Starry Homestead

Structural Beams and Columns

7. Turn it into storage

That awkward column’s been put to work with a curved storage unit that not only anchors the kitchen but also sneaks in some extra storage. Problem solved, and looking good while at it.

Design: D'Phenomenal

8. Tile it pretty

Instead of fighting that structural column plonked right in the middle, flaunt it with a fresh layer of tiles to turn it into a stylish focal point. It’s a great way to add some fun colour and texture to the kitchen.

Design: Make Room

9. Curve the edges

That not-so-pretty ceiling beam’s got a glow-up with soft, rounded edges that smooth out the kitchen’s vibe.

Design: 1618 Studio

10. Conceal behind function

This structural column has been creatively incorporated into a chic built-in dining table and is also further concealed behind a mirror panel.

Design: H Design

Unaesthetic/Bulky Everyday Appliances

11. Pocket door compartment

Tucked behind a pocket door, those bulky everyday appliances get their own dedicated spot and are kept off the countertop but still easy to reach, thanks to door that gets out of the way when open.

Design: Aesthetix Interior

12. Pantry with archway entrance

Here, the bulky appliances get their own pantry too, complete with an open archway entrance that makes everything easy to grab, while adding a nice touch of charm to the kitchen.

Design: Comfort Home Interior

13. Arched cut-outs

Rather than hiding everything behind solid cabinet doors, arched cut-outs offer a glimpse of where things are. So you get to add style and minimise visual clutter.

Design: Design Neu

Rubbish Bin / Rubbish Chute

14. Moss feature wall

The rubbish chute inside is usually a sight for sore eyes. But here? It’s the main character. Surrounded by a moss-covered wall, it turns into a full-on feature wall instead of an eyesore.

Design: Pi Architects

15. Cosy nook

A little recessed nook next to the counter is set aside just for the waste bin, finally giving this hardworking kitchen essential the respect it deserves. It’s out of the way, doesn’t mess with the flow, and keeps the kitchen looking clean and tidy.

Design: Blend by ImC

16. Pull-out waste bin

The pull-out waste bins are hidden inside the counters, which is already a win. But the real genius? They’re right below the pull-out chopping board, so you can just swipe food scraps straight in.

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