Keeping It Simple With a Minimalist Kitchen

Adopting a minimalist approach to your kitchen design does not mean you have to forgo style and function. Minimalism is more of a subjective matter than a textbook set of design rules. While to many it can mean a lot of hidden storage with an empty countertop, others may think of it as a design style that focuses on sleek lines and neutral tones.

The primary concept of a minimalist kitchen, however, mainly revolves around having a clean and uncluttered space. This means excluding anything and everything that doesn’t serve a purpose in terms of form or function. A minimalist kitchen design essentially allows the space itself to do the talking. In other words, any elements of design you choose — from wooden features to pinches of color —  will ultimately shine through.

Built-In Kitchen Table

Part of what defines a minimalist kitchen is knowing how to elevate the space you have. This is especially true in smaller kitchens where space comes at a premium. A wooden dining table built into a kitchen island, for instance, can brilliantly redefine that part of the room while adding aesthetic value in the form of contrast and natural texture. Consider completing the minimalist look with stainless steel countertops, black leather stools, and glossy white cabinetry.

A minimalist kitchen design comes with an unlimited array of table choices.

Monochrome Tones

You can translate the concept of minimalism to your kitchen’s color palette by going for a black and white design. Consider adding a new level of contrast through a combination of glossy and matte surfaces. Black cabinetry and countertops with a high gloss finish, for instance, can serve as the perfect backdrop to a matte white dining area. Try reinforcing the monochrome theme by pairing the kitchen table with black matte stools. Keeping the space uncluttered will allow the resulting contrast to taking center stage.

A black and white kitchen can be a unique take on minimalism.

Wooden Elements for a Homey Look

Minimalist layouts sometimes end up leaning towards looking rather boxy and uninviting — especially in kitchens with all the white, boxy cabinets. Injecting elements of wood into the equation can be all that you would need to give your kitchen a more homey feel. Rosewood cabinets, for instance, can provide a dash of natural charm while maintaining the simplicity of the overall kitchen design. Consider accenting the wooden cabinetry with a slab of rosewood that not only serves as a bar countertop but also grounds the surrounding space.

Elevating minimalist spaces with wooden elements is always a great idea.

Two-In-One Color Scheme

Choosing a minimalist design doesn’t necessarily limit you to a specific style. This opens a world of possibilities by leaving plenty of room to experiment with different styles and palettes. And if you’re down to two different options and can’t seem to decide between them, why not go for both? A two-in-one color scheme might be a bold choice, but remember that interior design is a form of art, and what is art without the bold choices?

For instance, consider combining a wooden kitchen table with an equally sized metal one to form a single unit —  each section featuring its own set of seats to accentuate the color division. You can take the theme to a new level by hanging a painting on the side of the table it matches — while the other side can correspond with similarly colored kitchen fixtures around it. The result is a picture-perfect marriage of two color palettes rooted in minimalism.

Get creative with your interior colors with a touch of minimalism.

Vintage Simplicity

Sometimes, minimalism can refer to keeping things simple and traditional. This can be the case with a vintage country-style kitchen featuring a subway tile backsplash and an uncluttered oakwood countertop. Large windows allow natural light to underline the airiness of the space while a couple of potted plants add a dash of color. Meanwhile, white shiplap cabinetry can provide subtle texture without sacrificing the minimalist appeal of the kitchen.

Traditional designs help with keeping it modest.

Streamlined Look That Goes With the Flow

Maintaining a seamless flow is among the hallmarks of minimalism. In a kitchen setting, this idea can translate to handleless cabinets and curved countertops. The gentle veining on a Carrara marble floor can brilliantly highlight the streamlined aesthetic. You can’t go wrong with a smooth combination of textures by opting for glossy white cabinets, a tiled backsplash, and an uncluttered stone countertop that accents the flooring. This results in a bright and airy kitchen that thrives on the purity of its elements.

Creating a minimalist kitchen with a seamless flow of elements is of prime importance.

Maximizing Natural Light 

If there’s one element that defines a minimalist kitchen — or any minimalist room for that matter — it would have to be the abundance of natural light. You can create this atmosphere by accounting for two primary factors. These include providing a sufficient point of entry to bring in natural light and reflective surfaces from which it can bounce off.

White Roman shades, for instance, allow for an adequate amount of light to be filtered through. You can maximize the brightness of the space by going for white cabinets and perhaps a glass table. Make sure to maintain clutter at a minimum by keeping flat surfaces clear of any unnecessary items. A couple of small houseplants on the windowsill, however, is always a nice touch. 

Using natural light gives your interior a light-mood feel.

Scandi Kitchen With a Pop of Color

One particular interior design style that thrives on minimalism is Scandi. Organic elements and plenty of natural light essentially define this modest approach to designing a space. A Scandinavian kitchen may feature wooden cabinets, hardwood floors, and mid-century modern stools. Industrial lighting fixtures are also common in this Nordic style of maintaining simplicity. To make a design statement, you can’t go wrong with a splash of color in the form of a Scandi blue wall.

Scandinavian designs are synonymous with minimalism.

Simple Setting With a Touch of Personality

Consider ditching a section of your cabinetry to make room for a minimalist pantry. This creates a modest cooking space that doesn’t hold back on style or function. The idea is to have a simple, uncluttered look that provides enough room to exhibit a selection of curated kitchenware. A vase of hand-picked flowers can offer that extra bit of character without being too intrusive. Nevertheless, it’s important to maintain a simple color palette in keeping with the minimalist aesthetic. A common choice involves combining a predominantly white setting with wooden accents.

Personalizing your minimalist kitchen will make your experience much cozier.

Minimalist Layout With Maximalist Patterns

You can’t go wrong with a combination of earthy colors, natural textures, and elaborate patterns in a minimalist setting. The dramatic backsplash can draw the boundary between minimalism and maximalism. A set of cabinets painted in white or neutral colors prevent the patterns from overpowering the rest of the design. They also provide an adequate amount of storage space, ultimately eliminating the need to place kitchenware in the open. A quartz countertop offers a natural charm while diverting some of the attention from the backsplash.

Using maximalist design ideas in a minimalist setting is the ultimate way to make a statement.