Layering Function Before Form [Kitchen Update]

The title suggests I'm making calculated moves to structure the "bones" of my kitchen before running wild with my artsy fartsy decor dreams.  In reality, I'm procrastinating on committing to my new accent colors [your suggestions in this post helped mucho!] and layering more neutrals instead.  Tis true.  But I came up with some fantabulous solutions!  

Step 1: Reclaiming Counter Space

In our last house we kept our paper towels on a little holder next to the sink.  And by "next to the sink" I mean... in the living room, on top of the fridge, on the coffee table and occasionally the stupid thing would wind up on the floor.  When we moved, I marched my butt into Bed Bath and Beyond and bought this:

 

Best. Decision. Ever!  I was entirely too nervous to screw it directly into the bottom of my cabinet, so I nixed the screws altogether and grabbed a pair of sticky-yet-removable command strips instead.  They have held up gloriously these past few months.  So not only is it super convenient, but also rental-friendly!

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Step 2: Cleaning up after a Clumsy Chef

There's really no explanation needed for this one.  I drop things.  All. The. Time.  These Crate and Barrel runners make a perfect catch-all for my workspace.  So far they've survived a flour explosion, pesto splatters, and a few dropped dirty dishes. 

Step 3: Stash and Store

I still totally have a junk drawer, but here are a few of the drawers that aren't a hot mess.

And since we're on the subject of kitchen details, 

I'm always happy to give up a teeny bit of counter space for my arsenal of kitchen tools:

and of course my up-cycled pantry:

So that's a whole lot of neutrals eh?

Maybe some art will help?

Here are a few decor ideas I've come up with recently!

Let me know what you think! <3