The IKEA ELLOVEN Hack That'll Keep Your Kitchen Counters Clutter-Free

No matter the size of your kitchen, it's likely that clutter accumulates from time to time — this is simply the nature of counters: If there is space available, it will get filled. As nice as it might be to become a minimalist and clear kitchen counters of clutter and small appliances (coffee makers, toasters, knife blocks, etc.) on a daily basis, this can also become a challenge, demanding excess cabinet space to accommodate stashing the items. Instead, a clever hack from IKEA awaits that will provide an extra surface to keep your countertop items out of the way, but easy to access.

IKEA's ELLOVEN ($29.99) is marketed as a computer monitor stand; it comes with a drawer for miscellaneous desk items, as well as a space underneath for conveniently stowing your keyboard when it is not in use. Instagram user IKEACreativeIdeas has an innovative application for this item in the kitchen. As shown in their short video, the monitor stand proves to be an ideal station for small kitchen appliances to live on top of. ELLOVEN's drawer can hold random kitchen items — such as knives, vegetable peelers, or food thermometers — that would otherwise be kept in a cabinet or kitchen drawer. And its bottom storage space seamlessly stows cutting boards, converting a small countertop footprint into a versatile space for kitchen storage.

While you can use the ELLOVEN just as the aforementioned Instagram user recommends, there are also nearly limitless applications for it within your kitchen. For example, you could convert it into a chic countertop decor station: use the top for a vase of flowers and an attractive cookbook on a bookstand, filling the drawer with functional items that you may require in the kitchen, such as pens and a notepad for grocery lists. Or you can turn it into a station for your fancy espresso maker or Keurig, using the drawer for your battery-powered milk frother and coffee pods. The sky's the limit when it comes to kitchen-focused uses for the ELLOVEN.

IKEA has many kitchen systems that are worth buying, and like many of their products, the ELLOVEN is simplistic enough in its design that you can easily make it reflect your own personality and decor preferences. While it comes in only two color choices (black and white) with a neutral wooden drawer, you could purchase adhesive contact paper or peel-and-stick wallpaper to cover the top and sides, making it truly one-of-a-kind. If you're looking for more ways to add to your small kitchen's storage, hacks abound.