Make this large appliance both pretty and practical.
Spring, or the arrival of any new season, is an ideal time to clean up and clear out clutter—including organizing the fridge. We asked content creator Margaret “Mickie” Johnson, who shares her home décor, innovative upgrades and DIY projects on her Instagram account @cottageonmainst, how she keeps her cozy kitchen clean, organized and stylish.
Mickie’s Kitchen Tips
My tip for decluttering the kitchen is to first clear off the countertops and give the area you’re working on a good cleaning. I even temporarily move items out of the area entirely, giving myself a fresh, clean slate. I do this for each season and it’s a perfect time to add new décor pieces and create new vignettes.
We have a small kitchen, so I’m always looking for ways to maximize space. The old steam radiator was painted white to help it blend with the white walls and then we cut a white table in half (leaving two legs intact) and mounted it over the radiator. I always add plants or seasonal décor on top. I also added a step stool for reaching higher cupboards, but it also hides an outlet and gives me another spot to set a bowl of fruit or cookbooks, etc.
Organizing the Fridge’s Exterior
Our refrigerator is tall and narrow, and, although I love it, the door isn’t magnetized, so I can’t hang anything on the front. The side is magnetized, so I thought why not make it look pretty? I gathered small, ornate vintage brass picture frames and cut adhesive magnet strips to fit the back of the frames. It was such a simple project, and I can change the pictures in the frames as often as I like.
I make a concerted effort to put my everyday pots and pans out of sight, wash dirty dishes right away and keep clutter off my counters to keep a fresh, charming and welcoming kitchen.
Clear and Arrange the Fridge Interior
Mickie shares her favorite tips for organizing the fridge.
• Nothing is better than a sparkling clean refrigerator! I start by removing everything inside and cleaning off all the surfaces with a warm soapy dish cloth, rinse and wipe dry.
• I’m a huge fan of matching, stacking and clear food containers so I can see inside. That way, I’m not left guessing what’s lurking inside a mish mash of containers or forget what I have while prepping meals. Spinning racks are also great for smaller items that tend to get lost in the back of the refrigerator.
• Drawer dividers can help keep fruits and vegetables separate. I like taking eggs out of their original cardboard container and putting them in clear holders. A quick peek and I know if I need more on my next trip to the grocery store.
• I place tall, clear containers on the lower door racks that hold cheese sticks, yogurt tubes and mini carrots for grabbing quick and healthy snacks.
To see more of Mickie’s home, follow her on Instagram @cottageonmainst.
Love organizing the fridge and beyond? For more kitchen organization tips, see Kitchen Cabinet Design and Organization. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of cottage inspiration!
