Do you know the feeling you get when you clean your kitchen but it still looks untidy? Though most people would love to have a kitchen that looks as if it belongs in a magazine, cluttered and dysfunctional kitchens are fairly common. An exceptionally clean kitchen can make cooking easier and even improve your mood, but it takes some planning to achieve the clean lines that are coveted by so many homeowners. Design and organization techniques will help you achieve the look you want in your kitchen, and here are some of the top hacks to incorporate.

Clear the Countertops

Even if you wipe off your counters every day, you might still have a cluttered look. Cookbooks, appliances and that stack of mail that sits in the corner all the time can create a messy appearance. The solution to this problem is to create a place for everything and use some of the more modern appliance-storage options. If you have the budget, invest in mounting your microwave in a cabinet or on the wall. Next, get those other appliances off your countertop. Group them properly, store the ones you use infrequently and get rid of the ones you never use.

Update the Cabinets

If your cabinets are a couple of decades old, chances are that they’re looking old and outdated. Your kitchen will look sleeker and more functional if you refinish them and put on updated hardware. When it comes to kitchen cabinets, consistency is the key to overall design and style. Keep cabinets one color, and you should have no more than two types of drawer pulls.

Use Light Wall Colors

One of the best ways to make your kitchen look cleaner is to incorporate wall colors with a fresh appearance. If you don’t want a stark white kitchen, you’re not alone. There are some people who like the ultra-clean look of plain white, but there are plenty of other color options to create more warmth. For instance, neutrals, light blues and light greens can make a small kitchen feel larger while also giving the room some personality.

Get a Professional Deep Clean

Do you know how fingerprints build up on the cabinets and counters? Well, those little dirt spots have a big impact on the overall look of your kitchen. If you want the room to look stunning, hire a professional cleaner to get into the nooks and crannies that you normally just pass over quickly.

We all want a kitchen that looks clean and inviting. If you think yours needs some sprucing up, consider these four interior design and organizational tips to make your kitchen look cleaner.