HGTV's Joanna Gaines Has A Sleek Solution For Kitchens With Limited Counter Space

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Are you working with a kitchen that just doesn't have enough counter space for your needs? It's tough juggling prep work and trying to find a space you can actually fit your toaster — and don't even think about allowing multiple cooks in the kitchen. While you can certainly maximize kitchen counter space with a few HGTV-approved tips, there's one HGTV star that we're looking to for the ultimate kitchen renovation that will give you the counters of your dreams: Joanna Gaines. 

All the way back during Season 3, Episode 14 of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" starring Chip and Joanna Gaines, the renovating couple faced quite the challenge with the home they were attempting to remodel. Originally, the kitchen had been closed-off from the rest of the home with a large wall separating it from the living room, but the dynamic duo knocked this wall down to create an airy, open-concept floor plan. While this was undoubtedly the right decision, it left the small kitchen lacking storage space and feeling a little awkward, with no indicator of where the space began and ended. Gaines' solution? An extra-long kitchen island that worked to both define the space and add back all the extra storage the newly-renovated home could possibly need.

A kitchen island isn't just about adding usable space. It's also about creating clearly defined work areas. A major struggle with open-concept floor plans is the need to separate the kitchen from the rest of the living and dining area without actually closing the whole thing off. This is where an extra-large kitchen island comes in. It creates an exclusive space that also seamlessly flows from kitchen to dining and living areas. On one side of your island, you've got tons of counter space for cooking, and storage for all your cookware. On the other, you might want to add bar seating, cookbook storage, or even a mini fridge for drinks. Running an island across your entire kitchen rather than just in the middle of it will help to fully define and utilize the space.

An extra-long kitchen island is the key to adding all of the countertop space your kitchen could possibly need. It can host multiple practical spaces, such as a sink, a DIY countertop herb garden repurposing kitchen items, kitchen decor, or even a minibar. Or spread out while you cook. It also provides cabinet and drawer storage, maximizing the entire space. 

If you want to take a little inspiration from Gaines' very first kitchen island — a mobile cart she could roll into her kitchen for added party prep space – then you can create ways to temporarily maximize your current space. This is ideal for renters or those who aren't yet convinced of the extra-large island trend.

A small kitchen island can add a lot of real estate even if it's a rolling drink cart or kitchen console on wheels. An attached mini storage shelf can house dishes, cookbooks, or garbage cans (like with this Kitchen Island with Drop Leaf from Amazon), giving you extra kitchen counter space to work with. You can add these types of solutions on one or both sides of a kitchen counter, moving them as needed. Multipurpose island extensions are great for small spaces and kitchens that don't have a lot of legroom, since they're completely customizable based on your needs. Plus, these types of extensions are a lot cheaper than a complete island remodel. They're also renter-friendly, so you can bring them with you from place to place. 

Still looking for more ways to increase your kitchen countertop space? Just look to Martha Stewart's tips for maximizing counter space in a small kitchen.