The counters should certainly be uncluttered...I don't know that you need to remove everything though...

The countertops should be minimal. I am not a fan of totally bare as it looks too antiseptic. A small appliance or flowers or pottery are not overwhelmong to me.

Looks good - though does not feel like kitchen.

I would tend to agree with John when he writes "clear the decks" However, a kitchen with no appliences tends to look unnatural.  I would suggest you work closely with your photographer to accievie the disired look. If you seller has cruddy appliences, remove them and replace them with good ones. A good rule of thumb is - when in doubt, leave it out.

I would say that as long as it looks clean and proportional to the space it could help the buyer picture their devices on the counter and give them a good feel for space.

Clutter free is important.

Yes!

yes

just looking back through some of the old questions and answers, looks like you got some good replies.

While it is important to declutter counter space not every item needs to be removed or the space will look clinical. Whatever is left out should be clean and look appropriate in the space. 

I agree.  However, in something like pic shown, I would add flowers or some warmth of color (kitchen towels...trivets)...or plants!

If a home is occupied, I like to leave a few small appliances for the pictures, so long as it doesn't look cluttered. But I don't like totally denuding a kitchen--too cold.

Depends on the size. Some of them are really nice.

Yet, the property is sold without them. So, if the seller don't mind to remove them during the photo shoot~ it is better.

There should not be any clutter, but i find most of my clients don't mind a lived in home that is clean and neat.

I think everything should be removed from the kichen counters, so you can see the kitchen counters!

I like the minimum on the counter tops, but if the Sellers are still living in the home, they may need the coffee pot.    I usually ask if the items they do not use daily go back into a cabinet. 

Absolutley, yes! They add no appeal to a counter whatsoever!

It depends.  A completely bare counter looks lime a vacant home, one with just the right amount of items, will have a lived in or staged look.  Even when you look at furniture or kitchen ads, you will see some amount of decorative or functional items. 

They should be removed to give a spacious and uncluttered appearance.

As long as it is sparse with a ample counter space, I do not mind seeing those items. If their presence causes a huge reduction of valuable horizontal space in the kitchen, yes, remove them. It does add a bit of reality to the kitchen if we see them, though.

The picture looks great without those items, Douglas Trudeau - however it does not look natural!

Modern kitchen does have those gadgets.

I don't mind seeing a few appliances.  It might give the kitchen a warmer appearance.

I like to stage countertops with a few attractive items. That can be a nice coffee machine, fruit bowl, etc. But definitely just a few and nicely polished!

i believe so, I would recommend it and do.  I want people to picture the space and imagine their belongings there. 

Oh, now I can see it, and yes, too bare.  Also, back splash and counter top is very polarizing, so hiding some of it may be a double win.

And, interesting enough, the popular kitchen pictures on pinterest, houzz, etc do have things on them such as a few appliances and flowers, etc.

To me, this UNSTAGED.

In general, less is more...unless it's too stark.  I have a poor connection and can't see this photo, but based on the comments, it sounds like it may be too bare.

Color in the glass door cabinets and a valance over the sink which complimented them could remove some of the sterility. There's no need for small appliances to decorate the countertop Douglas Trudeau.

Douglas,

That does look unlived.  I would leave out a nice looking coffee machine, and maybe a vase of flowers.  This shot does not look 'lived in."  A

Hi Douglas --- the photo you share looks too bare to me --- I believe in tasteful moderation in photos and for everyday showings when a home is occupied.  

I tell my listing clients to "clear the decks".  I don't want the listing to look "lived-in" for the photos and for the showings.

Yes, not only for photos but we want sellers to put them away after use so the counters show as much space as possible for showings-especially in smaller kitchens with limited counter space.

You bet!

Unless the appliance is a high end, styl'n focal point. If the appliance becomes the kitchen, be prepared to negotiate it away.

The objective to the homeowner would be to never suggest anything other than copious space, on the kitchen counter, closets. floors. it is simply part and parcel of DECLUTTER!

I believe they should. It gives the kitchen a cleaner look and doesn't distract from the look of the kitchen...Beautiful photo, by the way.