Back to Kitchen Style Ideas

Minimal Kitchen Ideas

From sheen-free surfaces to neutral palettes, minimal kitchen ideas demonstrate how to create a cooking space that is contemporary and clutter-free. The mantra of this look is to have less on show and include as much useful storage as possible, leading to a highly edited room that is as organised as it is sleek. The simplistic detail of minimal kitchen designs means there is still the opportunity to add character, whether it is through colour or pattern, to introduce a sense of individuality. Above all, choosing clean lines and “invisible” elements will put the pared-back philosophy into action, and promote calmness to inspire peaceful living.

1. Blanched brightness

Stay true to the low-key look of minimal design by choosing white cupboards, like @frontline_construction, who used this staple neutral to form a clutter-free format.

Read More

1. Blanched brightness

When most people picture a minimalist cooking space they see white units like @frontline_construction has, as this colour has a bleached tone and clean appearance characteristic of this look. Such paleness offers practicality too as it increases the sense of space for an airy effect. Full of everlasting appeal, this choice is a real keeper for those looking for a timeless look as it will stay in fashion year on year.

See white kitchens
2. Forgo features

Strip a room down to its bare essentials with slab door fronts, which remove unnecessary detail to create a harmonious environment that is easy to relax in.

Read More

2. Forgo features

Decorative details are kept to a minimum within minimalistic interiors, which is why slab cupboards fit the bill. These fronts have a plain, one-piece design, helping to create a simple backdrop that blends into the background.The pared-back aesthetic also crafts a space that is easy to relax in making it a great choice for open-plan layouts.

See slab kitchens

3. Smooth it out

Appeal to all the senses by choosing a matt finish for units. Known for its light-softening abilities it will soothe any mood by dialling down glare and distractions.

Read More

3. Smooth it out

A stripped-back design is one that creates a calming atmosphere, and too many reflective surfaces can jar with that intention. Sheen-free cupboards overcome this by reducing glare and slowing the way light travels around a room, resulting in a more harmonious setting. Muted surfaces also have a tactile quality that soothes the senses while being quietly sophisticated, drumming into the understated heart of this look.

See matt kitchens
4. One wall wonder

Keep cooking areas to one zone, like @thirty_design has done with their single-wall floorplan, for a straightforward setup that blends into the background.

Read More

4. One wall wonder

Complication is the opposite of this look, which is why a singular-wall layout, as seen in @thirty_design's home, makes a strong choice. With all units positioned neatly in a row, the rest of a room becomes useable for dining or socialising – handy if an area is on the smaller side. This blueprint has a symmetrical, architectural feel that lends interest to simple styling, whilst also being quicker to fit for those needing a fast turnaround.

See single wall kitchens

5. Hide away handles

Opt for a grip-free, door-front when adding colour to a minimal kitchen design for an uninterrupted run of colour with understated lines that elongate a room.

Read More

5. Hide away handles

Handleless cupboards are a defining way to achieve an uncluttered effect as they have a sleekness that allows the eye to travel continuously without resting on accessories. This fluidity works well in open-plan and multifunctional interiors where a cooking area needs to blend into the background, with the added benefit of having no fiddly fixtures to keep clean – great for anyone short on time.

See handleless cabinets
6. Improve ergonomics

@thehousethatjenbuilt married form and function with this minimal idea by fitting internal drawers housed behind a door, reducing lines and increasing storage.

Read More

6. Improve ergonomics

A big part of minimal style is ensuring a design is as functional as it is fashionable, which is why storage is crucial to achieving the ergonomic agenda. Drawers create a versatile place to neatly stash a whole host of items, so they are easy to access and within reach. There are also options that can be disguised within a unit to reduce external joins continuing an uninterrupted look from the outside.

See internal storage drawers

7. Think thin

Pick slimline counters in a hard-wearing, compact laminate construction to trim down detail with an ultra-thin profile, while making a space low-maintenance.

Read More

7. Think thin

Durability is a vital part of interior design, especially in minimal rooms where the slightest imperfection can stick out. Compact laminate surfaces make an excellent choice as they have a solid core that is built to withstand daily use and easily cleaned after cooking. The ultra-thin profile also adds to the subtle aesthetic where less is more within minimal kitchen designs.

See compact laminate worktops
8. Capture character

Bring a burst of personality to a subtle, minimally-inspired interior by featuring a decorative border in a statement hue or striking geometric pattern.

Read More

8. Capture character

There is often a misconception that going back to basics will result in something uninspiring or stark. Simple designs can be punctuated with pops of colour or patterns to add a personal touch through low-key features, such as wall coverings. Laminate boards offer a wide variety of finishes, from marble to concrete effect, making it easy to find a style that suits any decor of choice. They are also lightweight, easy to install and simple to maintain, making them a great addition to a modern home or those looking for a quick refresh.

See backboards

9. Clutter-free cooking

Ensure a streamlined design by choosing built-in cooking equipment, like @morton_maison_makeover, to improve access for all ages and stages of life.

Read More

9. Clutter-free cooking

Freestanding cooking devices will interrupt the flow of a streamlined space, so models that are fixed into cabinetry will add to a minimal aesthetic. These styles can be housed neatly within tower cupboards and even stacked vertically to maintain a clutter-free feel. There is also the choice of whether to place them at eye level – great for multigenerational households or anyone wanting to improve accessibility when preparing meals.

See built in ovens
10. Concealed cleaning

Disguise a washing area by opting for an under-mount sink, which sits beneath the surface to maintain a contemporary and understated aesthetic.

Read More

10. Concealed cleaning

Camouflage is a useful tool when creating a minimalist interior, and under-mount bowls make an inconspicuous choice. Designed to be slotted beneath counters, these styles sit lower than other models – handy for stashing dirty dishes out of sight if unexpected guests drop by. There is a selection of finishes available, including ceramic and composite, for a look that matches other elements in a room.

See undermount sinks