Minimalist kitchens can be in vogue ― here’s how

Minimalism is one of the most controversial concepts in interior design and lifestyle choices. While gurus and social media established endless rules for becoming minimalists, we distanced ourselves from the main concept of minimalism: meaningfulness. 

Minimalism is the opposite of consumerism, the movement that clutters our homes and mental space. Consumerism pushes us to own and buy more unconsciously as we feel pressured to acquire the next trendy piece of furniture or the latest shoes. 

We can adopt minimalistic tips without becoming ones. For example, when it comes to our houses, we could manage clutter better, keep surfaces clean and give everything a place. Of course, that doesn’t mean the interior will look boring ― some houseplants, a neutral colour palette, and more natural light will do the trick. 

How about we combine the two in the kitchen, one of the most used rooms in the house, and see what happens? 

Settle on a modern and fundamental colour scheme 

We often get bored of the kitchen wall colour, especially when we don’t use the correct tone and shade. Red and orange can become eye-straining, but painting the walls into a deep earthy red or a Persian orange might do the trick. 

However, if you’re not a big fan of colours, you could stick with neutral or achromatic tones (black, white and grey). Black kitchens offer sophistication; white kitchens are timeless, and grey kitchens are functional and aesthetic. 

The ideal kitchen combines these neutral elements, where the grey cabinetry complements the white walls and black backsplash. This colour scheme will always make the kitchen look neat. 

Reduce the amount of cutlery you own 

The temptation to buy the newest sets of flatware or dishware is hard to resist when so many new models and products are on the market. However, you will surely not need that much cutlery, only if you’ve got an extensive family who’s used to visiting at least once a week. 

The first step in reducing cutlery is to stop buying more, even if your utensils are mismatched. What you currently own might be enough for your family and guests. Or, if you truly want to replace them all, consider donating cutlery instead of throwing it out (if it’s in good condition). 

Introduce more natural elements

A minimalist and chic kitchen doesn’t have to be industrialist, which is usually the idea linked with minimalism. A warm kitchen can be simple as well with enough natural elements, such as plants. Placing houseplants throughout the kitchen improves its visual appeal and adds life to the room, besides cleaning the air. 

Other earthy elements include wood finishes and high-quality stone countertops, which add something special to the kitchen. It’s also important to let as much natural light inside as possible during the day and layer artificial lighting at night. Different lighting fixtures scattered around the kitchen will do wonders for the overall aesthetic. 

Organise your pantry 

A minimalist kitchen is clean and organised, and this includes the pantry as well. The pantry is where things get wild most of the time, as we’re used to simply throwing everything there and closing the door. However, the space can become overwhelming to look at, so it’s ideal to organise it for both visual and functional purposes. 

Create a plan for organising the pantry, where you frequently go over expired food, check items that you need to prepare soon, and clean the shelves as well. We know it can be difficult to maintain organisation when living with other people, so at least try to make it counterintuitive by placing frequently used items within reach. 

Make time for a fast clean-up

An important principle of minimalism involves fast and efficient housecleaning for long-term maintenance. For example, allocate 10-15 minutes every night to tidy up quickly in the kitchen (and around the house as well) to wake up with an organised home. 

In time, this will become a routine, and you’ll find it easier to maintain the kitchen organised. The tasks should include washing the dishes, wiping the countertops, and sweeping the floor. Doing this every day will help during the weekly thorough cleaning, as everything is already in place, so it won’t be that time-consuming. 

Mistakes to avoid when designing a minimalist kitchen 

Finding the balance between minimalism and functional features can be tricky, especially for the kitchen. We’re taught that less is more, but the rule doesn’t always apply to all people and all lifestyles. Therefore, craft better storage spaces rather than getting rid of most appliances and utensils. 

Another mistake of minimalists is believing in zero customisation. A minimalist kitchen can still have personality and showcase your preferences for colour, plants, or certain decorations. The only aspect to consider is avoiding overdoing it. 

Finally, balancing lighting is also tricky because cold light fixtures can make the kitchen look like a hospital room, especially if the walls are all white. On the other hand, underestimating the importance of lighting can hinder functionality and create a gloomy space. That’s where dimmable and directional lights are essential. 

Is minimalism in the kitchen a 2025 trend? 

While minimalism has been a back-and-forth trend until now, we expect several design concepts to disappear by 2025. Open shelving, for example, will be replaced with closed shelving because it’s not as visually bothering. All-white kitchens might also slowly disappear, as people grow tired of them quickly. 

Most importantly, the industrial look, which makes kitchens look unwelcoming, will be replaced with wood and earthy finishes that are far more relaxing to look at. Modern farmhouse kitchens might follow as well. 

What do you think about minimalist kitchens? 

Minimalist kitchens have a basic design with neutral tones, scarce utensils, and few decorations. While most people consider them boring, they can be transformed into chic but organised spaces where everyone feels at home. We just need to consider colour schemes, lighting fixtures, and natural elements in accordance with our lifestyle, personality and future plans.