Nordic Nature Kitchen from Magnet Kitchens
If your kitchen is in need of a refresh, it might be time to consider a cleaner look. Minimalist kitchen design is known for its clean lines and classic silhouettes, which create a serene feel for those inhabiting the space. Plus it’s no secret that minimalist kitchens are all the rage.
Case in point? The endless offshoots from this fresh and timeless trend: Scandi, biophilic, Japandi, greige, boho and more all draw on the virtues that a clean, minimalist kitchen design has to offer.
It’s important to strike the right balance between utilitarianism and style in the kitchen. As the heart of the home, you want your kitchen to be elegant, but also useable and clutter-free. It may feel daunting to simplify this space, given the importance of the kitchen’s role in everyday activities, but paring things back to the essentials can give you the respite you were looking for without compromising on aesthetic appeal.
So let’s take a look at how you can create the minimalist kitchen design of your dreams complete with advice on the best layouts and eight useful design ideas to get you started.
Why Opt for a Minimalist Kitchen Design?
It’s difficult to understate the value of a minimalist workspace: this is where the immaculate, organised and functional come together in perfect harmony. No one likes a chaotic and disorganised kitchen, but by incorporating the principles of minimalism you will reap the following benefits:
- You will be encouraged to lean into a simpler way of life
- You will hide away all of your mess and culinary paraphernalia
- Your kitchen will be easier to clean
- You will free up more surface space for food preparation
- Your culinary space will become more streamlined and, therefore, efficient.
The Secret to Achieving a Clean and Sophisticated Look
Stevia kitchen range by GoodHome from B&Q
We’ve discussed how to level up the sophistication of your home, but it’s worth recapping a few points here. At the end of the day, these core principles will guide you when designing your elegant and sophisticated kitchen.
Consider lighting, colour and texture
This step is important for any sophisticated, clean-look kitchen: ensure that you have put together a scheme that has something to say when it comes to lighting, colour and texture. While it’s a common misconception that monochrome or neutral interiors are one and the same, bland and devoid of character, it’s not true.
Although certainly more understated, you can create a rich and intriguing canvas without straying from minimalist territory. Introducing a hint of pattern, a drop of pigment or layers of depth with fabric is a brilliant way to start. Don’t forget to incorporate natural light from windows as this will be reflected by shiny surfaces that will tie it all together.
Prioritise multipurpose functionality
Wimbledon Modern Shaker Kitchen Pantry by Brayer Design
Is a kitchen truly minimalist if you haven’t allowed for clear, clutter-free surfaces? You can do this by prioritising sufficient workspace, carefully measured clearance zones and opting for multipurpose, space-saving features where you can.
The best part is that there are so many options: whether you go for a storage bench, kitchen island or a dedicated pantry, it’s astonishing how many inches you can win back.
Plan your workspaces carefully
Three words: kitchen work triangle. This golden rule haled by interior designers as one of the kitchen layout fundamentals describes the relation between three key workstations: oven, refrigerator and sink. According to this rule, the trio should be roughly laid out in a triangle to maximise your kitchen workflow and reduce any hindrances to your culinary tasks.
8 Clean, Minimalist Kitchen Design Ideas
Japandi Open Space by VZ Studio
It’s impossible to not feel inspired when conjuring up the serene and clean-lined aesthetic of a minimalist kitchen. Here are 8 design-led tips to get your cogs whirring.
1. Find the best layout to enhance your minimalist kitchen design
Choosing the optimal layout for the size and dimensions of your kitchen will revolutionise the way you view the space, no matter how annoying your existing kitchen plan is. Overall, there are six options to select from:
- A one-wall kitchen design
- A galley kitchen design
- A U-shaped kitchen design
- An L-shaped kitchen design
- An island kitchen design
- A Peninsula kitchen design
Measure up your space carefully and look into which layout suits the room best. With this information, you can start building a minimalist kitchen look that is not only visually captivating but ergonomic too.
2. Opt for organic materials that will stand the test of time
A beautiful thing about the minimalist style is that it’s an enduring one. And this is partly because it utilises organic, natural and durable materials with sleek, attractive finishes. Not only will these design choices create a kitchen that you will love for years to come but they are better for the planet too.
3. Layer texture in your minimalist kitchen design
In sparse, monochromatic designs, textiles are your friends. Chosen wisely they can be equal parts cosy and chic as they balance out the minimalism. Opt for organic, natural materials such as wool, cotton and bamboo fibre to create a connection to the natural world.
If you wish to draw on the biophilic kitchen craze, raw textiles in an earthy or neutral palette can diffuse some of the harshness associated with glossy, sleek countertops.
4. Test out colour theory
I’m sure you’re well acquainted with colour theory, but have you come across these useful hacks? Let’s start things off by making your room look larger than life – in other words, bigger and brighter – with a thoughtful selection of designer paints.
You heard me right: it’s possible to turn your perception of a space upside down with the right shades and hues.
For instance, you can cast more light into a dingy room by splashing the walls with lighter tones such as Farrow & Ball’s no.301 Eddy or Little Greene’s Angie no.185. As long as you steer clear of bright whites (they make rooms look unflatteringly sharp and cold) you’ll pull off a beautifully subtle, even demure ambience.
Another well-known trick is to ‘lift’ low ceilings with a carefully chosen paint scheme. Usually, painting your kitchen ceiling the same colour or slightly lighter than the walls will create the illusion of space. Whilst a matt finish is a popular choice here, you might also want to choose a paint with a very subtle sheen for the maximum reflection of light.
5. Spotlight the space with clever lighting
Kitchen lighting by John Cullen Lighting
Contrary to popular belief, minimalism isn’t about the lack of something, but rather the perfect amount of it. And that couldn’t be more true when it comes to clean kitchen design and lighting. Your selection of lighting fixtures is enough to make or break the scheme and especially if you are dealing with a less-than-ideal space, i.e., a room with little natural lighting or low ceilings.
For kitchens with especially low ceilings, ditch the pendant lights for slimline semi-flush ceiling lights or some contemporary wall lights and LED strips. These will create the illusion of space and a sense of harmony if placed symmetrically and in clean lines.
6. Integrate smart technology into your minimalist kitchen design
Minimalism and smart kitchen technology aren’t mutually exclusive. Smart kitchen devices remove the need for clutter and multiple appliances that eat up precious space. Not only do they blend in seamlessly with a minimalist décor scheme, but they also save you time, simplify the way you cook, eat, shop, organise the space and, in short, live.
Whether you go as big as a refrigerator that can be connected to Wi-Fi or as small as an instant pot, there’s a space for modern tech in your minimalist kitchen design. The future really is here.
7. Hide away clutter or make a statement
Integrated appliances are one of the mainstays of a clean and elegant kitchen décor style. Whether you decide to conceal your fridge and washing machine behind panelling or squirrel away your microwave in a lower cabinet, these changes provide a more streamlined look.
On the flip side, you can turn what would be clutter into a statement. Consider using open shelving to display your ceramics, of course, coordinating your colours for maximum impact.
8. Reflect your glowing personality
At last, the fun bit. What’s a kitchen if it doesn’t reflect a bit of you? Whilst a harmonious, pared-back look is our objective here, you want your space to feel lived in – we all know how contentious Kim K’s cavernous white mansion was!
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll want to style the space with organic materials and accessories such as plants, decorative fruit, dried flowers and abstract artwork. For budding craft enthusiasts, you may even want to accent the space with handmade decorations such as a table runner or window hanging. Whatever your niche, inject a little character and suddenly your kitchen is coming together perfectly!
Passing on the batten
Now it’s time for you to try your hand at these minimalist kitchen design ideas. The result is a stunning and quietly elegant kitchen that reflects the need for tranquillity and order in our day-to-day physical and spiritual lives.
If there’s anything you should take away from building a clean and elegant culinary environment, it’s that a minimalist scheme doesn’t need to be harsh or sterile – it can be personal, comforting and might just help you decompress.
What are your top tips for creating a minimalist kitchen design? Let me know in the comments and don’t forget to pin this post for later!
