41 Minimalist Kitchen Ideas for a Sleek, Simplistic Space

By: Andrew Saladino | 8 min

If you're one of the people whose countertops are often cluttered with miscellaneous items, burying your space to cook, you may be contemplating going minimalist in your kitchen. Minimalism in interior design embraces decluttered, purpose-driven spaces that also give you more space in your kitchen to cook and entertain.

In the kitchen, minimalism means eliminating countertop appliances, cookbooks, novelty mugs, and knife blocks, and pulling them out only when they're needed. But decluttering your kitchen countertops is only the first step.

For a truly minimalist kitchen, you'll need to address the major elements including cabinets, appliances, paint color, and more. Check out the 41 minimalist kitchen ideas below to bring simplicity to your kitchen.

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1. Start With an Open Concept

In the spirit of simplifying your living space, always start a minimalist kitchen project with an open concept. To maximize functionality, there should be no barriers between cooking space and living space. This could mean removing walls or relocating cabinetry to create a kitchen where both conversation and cooking are possible.

2. Use Natural Materials

Minimalism doesn't have to mean creating a cold space. A minimalist modern kitchen combines cool, smooth whites with warm natural woods for a clean and cozy result. When done correctly, a two-tone minimalist kitchen can make small spaces appear larger.

3. Hide All Hardware

Nothing breaks clean lines like bulky cabinet hardware. When creating a minimalist kitchen, opt for frameless cabinets with hidden hinges and integrated handles. Don't want to completely swap out your cabinets to hide the handles? You can also use sleek, European-style pull bars that match your built-in appliances.

4. Choose Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops are perfect for achieving a soft minimalist design in your kitchen. Pairing stripped-down, natural materials like concrete with sleek white cabinets and matching walls creates a tidy kitchen with warm ties to nature. For a more modern finish, try a shiny, polished concrete countertop. For a functional pop of color, add some small potted herbs that you typically cook with.

5. Add Under Cabinet Lighting

Bulky, outdated hanging lights create visual clutter. When updating lighting for a minimalist kitchen, there are plenty of DIY solutions. Our favorite is under cabinet lighting. Even better, your local hardware store should have plenty of options for hidden light bars that you can install yourself.

6. Select a Minimalist Backsplash

When planning a backsplash for your minimalist kitchen, move away from classic subway tiles for a more seamless option. Glass, marble, and metal backsplashes will give you the smooth, uninterrupted minimalist design you're looking for.

7. Go Dark With Black Accents

Minimalism doesn't have to mean an all-white kitchen. Popular modern kitchen designs pair black cabinets with pale tile or wood floors for a sophisticated result. For a warmer finish, opt for wood floors and furniture. For a more modern finish, think glossy tile and metal kitchen stools. If you're interested in a material other than stainless steel, black cabinets and appliances pair well with copper fixtures.

8. Choose Seamless Countertops

Solid surface countertops are a great choice for a minimalist kitchen. Not only are they nonporous and easy to clean, but they're created without any visible seams. You can even have your kitchen sink completely integrated into the countertop design for a smooth, unbroken finish.

9. Replace Bulky Faucets

Don't let an outdated faucet distract from your minimalist kitchen design. Luckily, there's no shortage of sleek, modern kitchen faucet designs for you to choose from. Opt for a stainless steel faucet, or whatever color matches your appliances, with little to no ridges. For a totally stripped-down silhouette, check out motion-sensored and touch-free kitchen faucets - they're a convenient and hygienic option when preparing food at home.

10. Opt for an Integrated Refrigerator

If a new refrigerator is in your remodeling budget, consider a panel-ready integrated one for your minimalist kitchen. Integrated refrigerators fit seamlessly within your cabinetry and can even be fitted with a cabinet panel to blend in further. These refrigerators come with a higher price tag, however, if you're working with a smaller budget, a counter-depth, stainless steel fridge is a good alternative.

11. Add Minimalist Bar Stools

If your kitchen island functions as a food prep and eating area, you'll need the right minimalist seating for meals. Look for backless or low-backed stools for a sleeker silhouette. For traditional minimalism, stick to your kitchen's limited color scheme. Bar stools are also a great way to add a pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic minimalist kitchen.

12. Stick to Neutral Dishes

Minimalism is about embracing neutrals, which might mean letting go of the mismatched plates you've accumulated over the years. Set aside exactly what your household needs for plates, bowls, and cups and donate the rest. If you need all new dishes, opt for a crisp white design without patterns.

13. Create a Vaulted Ceiling

Dramatic vaulted ceilings can add dimension to your minimalist kitchen. The added height draws attention to your ceilings without any additional furniture or appliances. While this minimalist kitchen idea might require some renovation, the serene space it creates will surely be worth the investment.

14. Make It Monochromatic

There is something so chic and satisfying about a monochromatic or all-white kitchen. Opt for sleek white cabinets and silver hardware to keep things neutral and immaculate.

15. Build an Extra Large Island

A minimalist kitchen doesn't mean you need to have a tiny island. Create an extra large kitchen island perfect for prepping, eating, and gathering with your loved ones. Try to match your island countertop with the rest of your minimalist color palette.

16. Swap Appliances

Get rid of your outdated appliances and swap in more modern materials like sleek stainless steel. You can also install black appliances in your all-white kitchen to create more dimension.

17. Relocate Your Sink

Outdated kitchen sinks can be clunky and positioned poorly. Draw more attention to your kitchen island by centering your sink and creating more surface space.

18. Design Open Storage

Floating shelves are the perfect solution for storage while sticking to a minimalistic style. Open storage forces you to be cognizant of clutter while also maximizing countertop space.

19. Change Up Your Light Fixtures

Change up your light fixtures for a sleek and modern design. Opt for a simple design of cylinders to set the mood and brighten up your kitchen.

20. Add Sleekness With Deep Navy Blue

Looking to add a pop of color to your minimalist kitchen? Navy blue is a great hue for your cooking and entertaining space. Add pops of color with bar stools or install navy blue cabinets for a cohesive design.

21. Change Your Floor

An impactful way to hone in on your kitchen style is by changing the floors. Choose a polished concrete material to add sleekness or marble slabs for dimension.

22. Play With Materials

There are no rules when it comes to mixing materials in your kitchen. Play around with natural wood lower kitchen cabinets and sleek white upper cabinets to create your dream space.

23. Add a Sliding Door

Traditional doors are so last year - sliding and moveable doors are chic, minimalistic, and functional. Add glass panels to your sliding door to create more depth.

24. Choose Glass Upper Cabinets

Show off your stunning dishware with glass upper cabinet doors. These glass cabinets not only create depth within your space but also serve as a statement piece.

25. Hang Pots and Pans

Eliminate countertop clutter by hanging your pots and pans. Organize your cookware and utensils in size order for optimal feng shui.

26. Hang a Mirror

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who has the most stunning kitchen of them all? Consider hanging an oversized mirror to complete your kitchen design. We recommend a circular or oval-shaped mirror, as these shapes can be more playful than traditional square mirrors while still creating depth.

27. Expose Ceiling Beams

The mix of rustic natural materials and modern elements can create an undeniably impressive kitchen. For a minimalist kitchen, match the color of your exposed wood beams to your cabinets or island.

28. Utilize Copper Accents

Not a fan of stainless steel or silver? Swap your cabinet hardware with copper instead. You can also add a copper light fixture and bar stools to tie it all together.

29. Mix and Match Shapes

Just like materials, you can also mix and match the shape of your space. Try incorporating U-shaped bar stools, a trapezoid light fixture, and an oversized rectangle bar top.

30. Choose Marble Slabs

Elevate your minimalist kitchen with marble slabs. Don't get too carried away when choosing where to add in your marble - keep things simple with a marble kitchen island to make your monochromatic space pop.

31. Go Neutral With Taupe

If white and black aren't your style, taupe is a great neutral color for your cooking space. Swap out your cabinets with taupe wood or paint the lower cabinets to create more dimension while sticking to the zen vibe.

32. Stick to Open and Airy

It's no wonder open concepts are so popular these days. Knock down those columns and create an open, airy kitchen full of storage.

33. Create an Alcove Design

Folks who aren't a fan of the open concept should opt for an alcove design, which is a balance between the traditional kitchen layout and the airiness of the modern kitchen. The main difference between these kitchen styles is that the island creates a divider, or alcove.

34. Match Countertops With Backsplashes

Create a cohesive design by matching the material of your backsplash to your countertops. We recommend a sleek white countertop or chic marble countertops to make your kitchen stand out.

35. Hide Plugs

36. Go Geometric

While the minimalist kitchen is typically monochromatic, you can still get creative with your backsplash with a fun geometric pattern. Don't be afraid to mix colors or materials to elevate the design.

37. Install Smart Interior Organizers

Go the smart route with your kitchen organization by installing hidden doors to hide your storage containers and appliances. Mix and match the materials of your cabinets or stick to a monochromatic theme to create an illusion.

38. Add a Waterfall Island

Waterfall islands create a seamless appearance due to the countertop flowing over the edge. Choose a luxurious marble slab that overflows to make your space stand out.

39. Add a Skylight

Create dimension and add more light to your kitchen with a skylight. This will allow you to utilize nature's source of light instead of installing a bulky light fixture.

40. Mix Deep and Standard Upper Cabinets

Spice up your space by alternating between deep and standard upper cabinets. Not only will you have ample storage, but the blend of cabinet sizes will add visual intrigue.

41. Hide Messes with Bar Storage

Eliminate clutter by hiding your belongings in a bar counter, which you can also use to drink and dine. This technique adds storage space, but the bar counter also acts as a functional statement piece in your kitchen.

Minimalist Kitchen FAQs

Designing your home can be tricky. Here are a few answers to common questions regarding minimalist kitchens.

What Is a minimalist style kitchen?

A minimalist kitchen is all about doing more with less to avoid clutter and creating a zen space. Common features include hidden plugs, sleek countertops, and integrated kitchen appliances.

What are the 6 different kitchen styles?

Modern, traditional, French, coastal, bohemian, and minimalist are the six main types of kitchens. However, there are also other variations including industrial and contemporary.

How do I make my kitchen minimalist?

A minimalist only needs two to three of each type of dishware. For example, each person only needs a few glasses, dishes, and utensils to reduce extra clutter.

How Do I Make My Kitchen Minimalist?

The easiest way to make your kitchen minimalist is by removing clutter and bulky items from your countertops. You can also swap your appliances for sleek stainless steel or opt for a simplistic light fixture over your kitchen island.

Ready to declutter your cooking space? With the minimalist kitchen ideas above, you can create your very own minimalist haven. Remember to focus on function, commit to a minimalist concept, and have fun eliminating unnecessary clutter from your kitchen! Don't be afraid to try out our free kitchen design service to bring your minimalist vision to life, and check out our selection of kitchen cabinets to find the perfect option for your cooking space.