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When it comes to the minimalist style, less is more. But what does that mean for the heart of the home (aka the kitchen), which is fast becoming one of the most popular socialising spaces in the modern home? After all, one can’t engage in lively conversation whilst baking/cooking up a storm in a space that barely has any furnishings at all, can one?
Of course not, but that is not what we are suggesting. But since the kitchen has a tendency to become cluttered, we are of the opinion that all culinary rooms can do with a fresh clean-out to really make it benefit from this kind of simplistic design. All it will take from your side is implementing a few strategies. We bet that once you look at your culinary space through a minimalist vision, it will appear far more visually appealing than you ever thought possible!
So, let’s see how to turn any cluttered-up cooking space into a subtle, clean and welcoming minimalist kitchen.
In simpler terms, “less is more” means no clutter. And we don’t just mean picking up a magazine here and tossing out an old take-away menu there – instead, follow all de-clutter tips.
First, take a look at the small appliances and decorative items (fruit bowls, juice pitchers, tea towels, etc.) taking up space in your kitchen. Which ones can you do without?
Remember that the key to a minimalist design is creating as much empty space as possible. Thus, closed cabinet doors will become your new best friend in your minimalist kitchen.
Should you not have a lot of storage space, consider tossing out some items you don’t use regularly. Rule of thumb suggests that, unless you are an avid cooking and baking enthusiast, the following can go:
• Knife block
• Bread maker
• Espresso machine
• Rice maker
• Panini press
• Wok
• Extra mugs/cups.
Ready to embrace the minimalist kitchen? Then say goodbye to shocking pinks and bold blues, for a solid colour palette (preferably in neutrals) is vital. And since there are so many neutral hues to pick from (off-whites, creams, beiges, greys, etc.), there is no reason why your neutral-based colour palette should be boring.
Another advantage? These tones are perfect for making a room look simpler and more visually spacious than it actually is.
Since ‘sleek and simple’ is the name of the minimalist game, consider giving your kitchen faucets a makeover. Away with the heavily adorned ones and in with the sleek, chrome options that will breathe a modern feel into your kitchen.
Now this is something you can busy yourself with over the weekend: simplifying your cooking space by taking out your current cabinet doors and replacing them with plain, solid-coloured doors without knobs. If no-knob doors are too plain for you, opt for a simple bar instead of more traditional knobs.
So, what about all those elements that didn’t get tossed in step 1? They need to be stored in their proper places now.
Start by moving everything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen – and yes, that includes the TV set, kids’ colouring books, unopened mail, etc. Find a new, proper home for each item and commit to keeping your minimalist kitchen completely free of clutter.
Yes, you can still use your breakfast bar as an occasional work space (or homework zone for the kiddies), but make sure everything goes back to where it belongs afterwards.
As for your silverware and cookware, store plates, containers, and small appliances in cabinets, and larger, less-used appliances and food in closets or on shelves.
Speaking of appliances, there’s a good chance that your kitchen countertops are semi cluttered with daily-used items like toasters, coffee makers and spice racks, correct? Of course it does make sense that these items are out in the open due to them being used regularly, but that is not going to sit well with your new minimalist kitchen.
Free up some precious counter space immediately! Find new hiding spots for these elements, like the inside of a cupboard or closet. You might see your kitchen countertops as convenient storing spots, but change your mentality quickly – it’s the first step to embracing a simpler kitchen.
How many cooking knives do you really need? True, a high-quality chef’s knife can go a long way, and we understand the need for a paring knife and bread knife, but the rest can go. And ditch that chunky knife block on the counter – your knives will be perfectly happy in a closed drawer.
The same goes for your dishware. How much of it do you actually use? Of course we are not suggesting that you toss out all your china that’s been in the family for decades. Rather, minimise things such as daily dishware, plates, mugs, glasses, etc.
Extra gadgets (like avocado slicers) are also common, but unnecessary in a minimalist kitchen. Let the emphasis fall on blank, empty space instead of elements, items and appliances. Keep only the necessities (a knife cuts up an avocado just fine) in your space, preferably behind closed cupboard doors.
Make a list of the essentials, stick to it, and your minimalist kitchen will enjoy a cleaner, more open look quicker than you might think!
Not keen on a bunch of neutrals for your cooking space’s palette? Then see these Great-looking pastel kitchen ideas to try.
