Whether you're preparing dinner, laying dishes out to dry or just trying to find someplace to jot down a note, there never seems to be enough countertop to go around. Well, like they say, less is more, especially when it comes to countertop decor and organization. Give yourself some space (and a break) by freeing up some room to work with these helpful and chic storage ideas for maximizing your counter space.

1. Whatever can be hung up, should be hung up

Organizers for Every Room via Hometalker Knick of Time

Counter space can be cutely decorated, but decoration and space-saving can go hand in hand if you can just manage to to keep everything that doesn't necessarily need to be on your counter off of your counter. Knife magnets or utensil holders, like this great tin can DIY, are great ways to decorate your kitchen and have your tools handy, but keep your work space open and ready to go.

2. Containers are a must

Cute Ways to Maximize Space via Hometalker Rachel

Keep bits and pieces from ending up sprawled across your countertop by having a separate individual container for all of your kitchen needs. Tea bag canisters, sugar jars, recipe drawers... keep everything right where you need it and safely stowed in cute containers, adding to your organization and your decor.

3. You can always add more layers

Over the Sink Shelf via Hometalker Stow and Tell U

Layers and levels are key in kitchen organization and space-saving. Add shelves to the back wall of counters or over your sink for more storage space and out-of-the-way decor. Shelves are an excellent way to highlight design and not lose your decor style, while freeing up necessary counter space.

4. Trays aren't just for tea time and breakfast in bed

DIY Kitchen Reno via Hometalker Jenna LaFevor

Like shelves, trays are a great way of grouping things together decoratively, but keeping them mostly out of your way when you're working. Trays can be very cute decor, and even create little stations around your kitchen, like a beverage corner, a cleaning supply spot or any other station that would help your kitchen in function or design.

5. Be creative with storage space

Organize on a Door via Hometalker C.R.A.F.T.

Just because you're keeping your countertop clean doesn't mean you're down to cabinets and shelves; with the right imagination and tools, anything can be storage space, from self-assembled stylish industrial shelving, to an ingeniously repurposed shutter like this beautiful and bright kitchen wall storage piece.

6. In-wall appliances are an easy space saver

Kitchen Makeover via Hometalker Andrea

If you have the option, a great way to free up counter space is to build appliances or appliance storage into your kitchen layout. A microwave set into the cabinet or wall, or a pull-out shelf for a mixer are some great ways to keep your appliances on hand and still give yourself some much-needed room in the kitchen.

7. Dish racks and drying racks are where it's at

Simple Organizing via Hometalker Hoosier Homemade

Damp towels and drying dishes take up more room than you even realize. Get rid of towels lounging around your countertops and slowly drying dishes by giving them their own special space in your kitchen. A rack over your sink or under your cabinets is a great place to let dishes drip-dry, while the inside of a cabinet door provides ample hook space for hanging hand towels.

Is kitchen clutter driving you mad? We have all the organization answers you need, on our organizing topic page at Hometalk.

Photo credit: Terry J Alcorn/Getty Images