It’s easy to see that minimalism is having its moment in the sun these days. Distinguished by clean lines and sleek surfaces, the minimalist trend embraces simplicity and modern style. You only focus on what matters- nothing more, nothing less.Â
Now, if there’s one room in your home that could do with the ‘less is more’ concept, it’s the kitchen. Minimalist kitchen designs are rooted in ridding unnecessary clutter. Essentially, you do away with the excesses to create a space that’s as elegant as it is functional.Â
But does that make minimalist kitchens boring? Not by a long shot.
Tips to Perfecting Your Minimalist Kitchen
Pared-down kitchen designs can still pack a ton of personality, provided you know what you’re doing. We’ve compiled a list of nine minimalist kitchen design tips to get you started on the right track.
1. Pick Understated Countertops
Counters with intricate designs and patterns aren’t usually the best fit for minimalist kitchen designs. Instead, choose a solid-colored material that’s durable and easy to clean. Â
In this regard, our first choice would be granite. Understated but decidedly classic, neutral granite countertops can make a bold statement in your kitchen without detracting from the minimalist theme. Plus, granite is one of the most practical materials for kitchen countertops due to its hardness, heat resistance, and low-maintenance requirements. Â
If granite isn’t your thing, no problem! Talk to a professional to understand your kitchen countertop options and pick one that suits you best.
2. Add Enough Deep and Standard Upper Cabinets
Vertical kitchen space is criminally underused, and that’s a shame. In case you have some height to work with, we recommend you build your cabinets to the ceiling. Be sure to install a mix of standard and deep units to give yourself some extra storage space. It’s the perfect solution for large items and seasonal pieces.Â
A word of advice. Keep a step ladder tucked away nearby, so you can reach items placed in the highest cabinets. Safety is key!
3. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter
Your first step to a minimalist kitchen is to bin the clutter. And we don’t just mean old recipe books and food bills. Â
The key to minimalist décor is to create as much space as possible. Hence, you must make full use of all available storage. Or consider getting rid of some items you don’t use regularly. A few of these could be:Â
- An espresso machineÂ
- Extra mugsÂ
- Panini pressÂ
- Rice cookerÂ
- Bread makerÂ
- Knife block
4. Go Monochrome
Sure, a white kitchen is a lifestyle choice. There’s no denying that a white kitchen will always look ageless, fresh, and sophisticated. But you must be realistic about the care and attention it will need. White surfaces stain notoriously quickly, and you probably don’t want to spend your weekends scrubbing your kitchen.Â
Practically speaking, we suggest you go for non-white work surfaces to reduce your cleaning woes. You can also get gloss finishes to elevate your décor.Â
As stylish as they are, all-white kitchen designs might look too stark and clinical, so break the monotony with some color and texture. For example, you can have one accent wall in your kitchen and repaint it every other year.
5. Choose a Unique Floor
The floor is a great place to add a little intrigue to a minimalist kitchen, especially when you’re low on square footage. A monochromatic color scheme will let a patterned ceramic tile or textural stone shine through. Additionally, the small surface will ensure the material doesn’t break the bank or overwhelm the room.
6. Invest in Knob-Free Cabinets
Sleek handle-less cabinetry and a rich combination of materials/textures can take your minimalist kitchen design to the next level. Simplify the space by replacing your current cabinet doors with plain, solid-colored, knob-free ones. In case you don’t want the cabinet doors completely plain, you can opt for a simple bar instead of traditional round knobs.Â
A more time-efficient way for this would be to switch out your current knobs with a contemporary option. But it never hurts to go the extra mile! Get in touch with a professional kitchen remodeler to help you out if you’re too busy to take this on yourself.
7. Get a Simple Lighting Scheme
Minimalist kitchens require streamlined light fixtures. Ditch the traditional chandeliers and opt for pendants, sconces, and ceiling-mount fixtures with sleek silhouettes and effortless designs. Also, use recessed fixtures for task lighting since they can blend easily with the ceiling. Â
Packing in many cabinets? Use undercabinet lighting to give your kitchen a modern glow and help it feel airier. The extra brightness will alleviate the sense of crowding and illuminate your work surface better.
8. Use Natural Materials
With the Japandi trend rising in popularity, an increasing number of homeowners are bringing the outdoors in. Use natural elements like wood and stone wherever you can in your minimalist kitchen design. One way to do this is by using a few low-maintenance indoor plants as decorative pieces around the space. Not only do they look pretty, but they can also boost your mood and help you start your day on a happier note.
9. Leverage Metallic Finishes
You might think metal has no place in a minimalist kitchen, but it’s far from the truth. Well-positioned metal accents can break the monotony of the space like nothing else. Choose polished metals for appliances, fixtures, hardware, island seating, and other small kitchen details. Be sure to layer them against a white or grey background to make them shine brighter.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the kitchen, minimalism results in clean, clutter-free, and highly functional spaces stripped down to the essentials. However, they can also showcase your unique personality through pops of color, natural accents, metal finishes, and more. All you need to do is figure out what works for you, and you should have no trouble bringing your dream minimalist kitchen to life.Â
Remodeling a kitchen is no walk in the park, and no one knows it better than OMG Kitchen & Bath. That’s why we’re always ready to help our clients navigate this process and reach a satisfying, gorgeous end. From cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, plumbing, and electrical work, we can do it all. Simply give us a call and let us work our magic on your kitchen!