1. Be selective about what stays on the counter
The purpose of this idea is to achieve simplicity and functionality which are core tenets of minimalism. The removal of excess can not only create a clean and simple appearance but also provide you more space for food preparation and cooking.
To keep your kitchen counter free of clutter, you need to find places to hide them. If you don’t want to cause a big mess again, make sure that you have enough storage space for even small and little items such as a bunch of coasters. However, there will be exceptions for appliances that you use many times per day such as a kettle or a small coffee machine.
2. Embrace hidden storage solutions
Utilize the space under your sink, inside cabinet doors, or in pull-out drawers to store cleaning supplies, dish towels, or other small items.
3. Opt for built-in appliances
If possible, choose built-in appliances like a microwave or a dishwasher that seamlessly integrate into your cabinetry. This approach minimizes visual clutter and creates a streamlined look on your countertops.
4. Limit cooking equipment to the bare necessities
The secret of “less is more” in creating a minimalist kitchen is to keep what is essential for you and remove the rest. If you live alone, you don’t need a collection of cooking equipment. Here is my suggestion for a person:
A set of tongs
1-2 wooden spoons
1-2 spatulas
1 set of measuring spoons and measuring cups
1 colander
3 nesting mixing bowls
5. Prioritize multi-functional pots and pans
When it comes to pans, consider not only the quantity and the size but also the functions. Some items are multi-functional, which allows you to perform different cooking tasks without needing to invest in specific equipment for each type of dish. For example, a sauce pan can cook anything that is mostly liquid such as making sauces, soups, stewing, simmering, and boiling water.
Although you can use a saucepan instead of a pot in some cases, it is still better to invest in a 1-6 quart pasta pot for boiling pasta, making soup and preparing broth.
6. Only buy one of each type of knife you need
As a minimalist, I don’t like a knife set that often comes with more knives than I need, especially because I really don’t need its bulky knife block. Instead, I just choose which knives work for me then hang them on a magnetic holder mounted directly on the wall.
7. Stay away from single-purpose gadgets
I must admit, I was initially drawn to the allure of single-purpose gadgets like avocado slicers, strawberry hullers, and garlic presses, envisioning how they could simplify my cooking tasks.
However, I soon realized that these gadgets were cluttering my kitchen drawers and countertops, taking up valuable space for items I rarely used. I don't even remember to take them out. As I embraced a more minimalist approach to kitchen organization, I ditched all of them and promise to myself that I'll never buy such things.
8. Use sets of matching food storage containers.
Don’t use containers that are in varying designs, colors, and materials because they can cause visual clutter. Instead, invest in one or a few sets of matching storage containers based on your needs. Their uniform design makes your kitchen appear cleaner and more spacious, and it becomes much easier for you to find and access any item.
9. Add plants as decorative elements
Although minimalist style aims for simplicity and functionality, it doesn't mean a minimalist kitchen is an uninspired space. You can add a few decorative pieces into your space like a plant or potted herbs for a display.
10. Create a "landing zone" for temporary items
You should accept the fact that there will always be something that is out of your plan like grocery bags. So, it’s essential to prepare a temporary place for family members to drop things that they don’t know where to store them such as their water bottles and treats.
11. Go for white kitchen cupboard
Instead of using open shelves, consider a clean, white kitchen cupboard that can not only hide any clutter but also create a clean and simple look, which is a hallmark of minimalist design. In particular, its white surface reflects light, making the kitchen appear brighter and more spacious. This is especially beneficial in smaller kitchens or spaces with limited natural light.
12. Decorate with your favorite items
A completely bare countertop can make your kitchen too empty. In this case, showcasing your favorite items is sufficient to remedy this. However, selected items on display must suit your preferences and the overall design of your kitchen. For example, while copper items suit modern style, an elegantly worn chopping board and earthen vase will pair well with a traditional space.
13. Prioritize smooth surfaces
When designing a minimalist kitchen, consider materials with smooth surfaces such as quartz or marble for countertops, glossy cabinets, and sleek tiles or hardwood with a seamless finish. These smooth surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, especially in most cases, you just need to wipe them down with a cloth, suiting the functionality principle of a minimalist kitchen.
14. Choose solid color schemes
When it comes to the color scheme for your minimalist space, consider using a solid color palette, preferably in neutral tones which can make your room look simpler. Moreover, colors within the same family with minimal contrast can make the space appear more spacious than its actual size. This approach works well with the minimalist aesthetic.
15. Use cabinets without handles
Choosing cabinets without knobs and handles can minimize parts that overhang or protrude unnecessarily in your kitchen, allowing you to maximize each inch of space. This is especially useful in a small kitchen as it enhances, complementing a minimalist style. Specifically, you can consider a J-pull or push-to-open kitchen cabinets.
16. Add natural light to enhance openness
Natural light is sufficient for creating a minimalist kitchen, as it enhances the feeling of openness and spaciousness. By installing additional skylights, a large window, or multiple smaller windows, you can maximize the amount of natural light, accentuating clean lines and minimalist design elements.
17. compact kitchen appliances instead of bulky items
If you are not a professional, there is no need to invest in large and bulky kitchen appliances that take a lot of space and cause clutter in your kitchen. In most cases, normal people can’t recognize the difference in taste these machines make compared to more compact models with simple designs. For example, I can make a cup of delicious coffee with a pretty glass and wood pitcher.
18. Incorporate natural material in a white kitchen
While light colors, especially white, can add simplicity and sophistication to the minimalist style in your kitchen, incorporating natural elements such as stone and wood accents can infuse warmth and balance the overall design.
Applying minimalist kitchen ideas brings many practical benefits for homeowners such as maximizing the available space, allowing you to reach any kitchen items quickly because of their fixed positions, making cleaning easier, and reducing stress. Although this strategy helps you save a lot of money, it doesn’t mean that you will buy cheap products. Instead, you can purchase even the most expensive kitchen appliances; just make sure they are what you need and you will use them often.
