If you’re going for a minimalist interior with touches of midcentury-modern warmth, make sure you don’t stop at the kitchen threshold. “A sleek minimalist kitchen is crafted for cooking, entertaining, and whatever else life throws its way, but designed to be easily cleaned and maintained—making it ideal for those seeking a picture-perfect interior with all the comforts of home,” says David Thompson, principal and founder, Assembledge+, a full-service architecture firm in Los Angeles. To make the heart of your home both streamlined and stylish, we rounded up tips from design experts as well as some delicious inspo for your mood board from the AD archives.
What are the features of a minimalist kitchen?
Per Thompson, one of the best ways to achieve the minimalist look is to prioritize concealed storage within kitchen cabinets or drawers, where you’ll keep larger appliances—leaving countertops clear and maximizing your prep space. Thompson also recommends opting for panel-ready appliances, which allow refrigerators and dishwashers to disappear as they integrate into millwork.
“Seamless” is the key when it comes to the minimalist kitchen. With respect to hardware, Thompson says to go for hidden or integrated options “to eliminate the visual clutter of knobs and handles on cabinetry.” Maximizing natural light exposure is another handy tip; minimalism doesn’t have to mean “cold.” “Windows and/or skylights showcase the beautiful inherent qualities of the materials,” Thompson adds.
What colors and materials should a minimalist kitchen have?
Go with a muted tones. “Sticking with a neutral color palette can help make spaces feel larger and more open,” says Thompson, singling out hues of cool gray and white. And don’t be afraid to make a treatment with a wall (or two) of wood kitchen cabinets. He also recommends using natural materials, like rich hardwoods, and solid surfaces, like stone or quartz.
As these minimalist kitchen ideas below prove, it’s possible to keep one of the busiest spaces in the home feeling calm, sleek, and inviting, while also keeping the counters clear and pots tucked away with clever storage and design tricks. Keep reading for a selection of 21 minimalist kitchens that make our modern hearts swoon.