In this post, I’m going to show you how to design a minimalist kitchen that feels calm, works beautifully, and still looks stylish. Here’s my expert guide with everything you need to know before you start with 29 kitchen images to inspire you!
As an interior journalist and stylist, I think your kitchen is the most important room in your home. It’s not just where you cook. It’s where everyone gathers, where you host friends, where you work, and where you live. It’s the hub of the home.
Minimalist kitchens are popular because they strip away the unnecessary and focus on function, form, and balance. Think of it as a pared-back, curated space that works hard for you and your family.
My style guide will walk you through the kitchen planning process step-by-step and I’ve packed it with lots of inspiring minimalist kitchen ideas.
Let’s get into it.
What Is A Minimalist Kitchen?
So I think before we dive into this post, we clarify what a minimalist kitchen can look like.
As a rule of thumb, a minimalist kitchen is all about intentional design. That means that every single element in the kitchen has a practical and aesthetic purpose. We’re talking everything from the layout, what tiles you pick, the internal storage in your cupboards to overall colour palette of the room and finishes of every surface. There’s a strong focus on clean lines, uncluttered surfaces, and practical solutions that make everyday life easier.
But, most importantly, this doesn’t mean your new kitchen space has to look stark or clinical. When done well, minimalist kitchens feel warm and welcoming too.
One way to think about it is as a pared-back, curated space with selected materials, a tight colour palette, and fewer distractions but better quality.
Embracing Italian Minimalist Kitchen Desgin
If there’s one country that truly understands minimalist kitchens, it’s the Italians. After years working as an interiors journalist, I’ve seen how different countries approach kitchen design and Italian designers have long been known for doing minimalist kitchens exceptionally well. They know how to make a sleek minimalist kitchen that looks and feels effortless.
Italian kitchen designers make sure to focus heavily on proportion, balance, and usability. And they blend high-end aesthetics with everyday practicality. With a bit of research you’ll see that the ‘Italian minimalism’ aesthetic prioritises smart layouts, clever storage solutions, and materials that age beautifully. They know how to do timeless…in a cool and modern way!
Italian kitchen brands have long mastered minimalist design. They focus heavily on proportion, hidden storage and materials that age well. One example is Febal Casa whose modular systems show how minimalist kitchens can still feel warm and practical.
What’s interesting about their approach is how it’s rooted in clean architectural lines while still allowing flexibility in layout. They’re also experts in modular components, which means a minimalist kitchen can still be flexible and practical. And their website is packed with ideas that you can use in your home! Make sure to take a look.
7 Core Principles Of Minimalist Kitchen Design
If you want to get minimalist design right, these are the key fundamentals to keep in mind:
1. Clean Lines Are KEY
Clean lines means there are lots of clutter free surfaces, sharp edges, and the space flows with no distractions in your kitchen. Your space will need flat-front cabinetry, integrated appliances hidden out of sight, and simple layout is key.
And then when it comes to the smaller details, focus on things like handleless units, push-to-open doors, and integrated appliances help create a seamless flow. This is especially important in minimalist kitchen spaces where every detail is visible.
Visual noise is the enemy of a minimalist kitchen, so avoid fussy trims or busy splashbacks. Remember less is more!
2. Stick To A Curated Colour Palette
If everything is competing, nothing feels calm. You want to pick one main colour, two accent colours in the same range, and then one metallic for your hardwear & lighting, An obvious choice is neutral tones which work beautifully in minimalist kitchens. Think whites, soft greys, warm beiges, and muted earthy shades.
But if you are a colour lover, you can add in bolder shades. But stick to tones of that colour, and if you introduce a contrast, keep it subtle and controlled.
3. Prioritise Smart Storage
Minimalist spaces are clutter-free as this reduces stress and anxiety in a kitchen. That means planning storage properly from the very start of your kitchen design. We’re talking deep drawers, sexy internal organisers, and hidden pantries that will make your new kitchen work harder and smarter.
4. Let Materials Do The Talking
Minimalism relies heavily on texture and quality rather than fussy decoration. We want to be adding in lots of natural stone, marbles, ceramics, wood, matte finishes, and metals all of which will add depth and personality, without overwhelming your space.
5. Choosing The Right Layout For A Minimalist Kitchen
Every kitchen designer will tell you that layout plays a HUGE role in your minimalist kitchen design. If you have the space, then you’ll want to create a large open-plan space with a generous central island, tall sleek units and lots of worktop space.
You can absolutely have a minimalist kitchen in a small space. You just need smarter layout decisions and better storage planning.
6. Hide away ugly appliances
One of the easiest ways to achieve a truly minimalist kitchen is by hiding your appliances within the cabinetry. Integrated fridge-freezers, dishwashers, and even ovens help maintain clean lines and create a seamless, uninterrupted look across the space. When appliances blend into the cabinet system, the kitchen feels calmer and far more considered.
Small appliances can be concealed too inside cupboards, so they stay accessible without living permanently on your worktops.
7. Don’t forget lighting
When it comes to minimalist kitchen design, lighting also matters more than people realise. And you have to plan it in early in your kitchen design because once the kitchen is installed, it’s too late! To light up dark corners, you’ll need LED under-cabinet lighting. In your ceiling, for a seamless look you’ll need recessed ceiling lights. And then you can add warmth with feature lighting like a small countertop lamp.
The lighter and brighter your kitchen is, the more minimalist it will look from morning to night.
How to Style Your Minimalist Kitchen
So you have planned your minimalist kitchen out with your designer, you have picked out all the materials, and you have the builders coming to start the refit. Here’s how to style it so the minimalist look actually lasts.
- Declutter your belongings: Do an audit of all your kitchen accessories, ceramics, dishes and smaller applainces. If you are not a baker, then do you need a mixer? Or if you love cooking, do you need every gadget known to man? And if you are a coffee lover, maybe you need to get an integrated coffee machine in your new kitchen. If it doesn’t serve a purpose or earn its place in your kitchen, it probably doesn’t belong in your home.
- Hide away must-haves: With practical items you want to keep, make sure you have the perfect spot to hide them out the way when not in use.
- Choose art and accessories carefully: Look for pretty bits in similar textures and colours to you kitchen colour pallet, and make sure that everything sits beautifully together. A few lovely designer items, like a new fruit bowl, nice salt and pepper shaker, are much more purposeful loads of accessories that don’t go.
- Shelves Vs cupboards: I love open shelving in minimalist kitchens, but only if they are styled thoughtfully. Empty surfaces can easily build up with clutter and mess. If this sounds like too much hard work for you, then I would instead consider closed cabinetry for keeping things in your new kitchen visually calm.
Basically, everything has to have a place. Follow that rule, and your kitchen will look calm.
Keeping Your Minimalist Kitchen Looking Its Best
The beauty of a minimalist kitchen is that it’s relatively easy to maintain, as long as you stay disciplined. Minimalist kitchens don’t stay minimalist by accident. They work because someone is committed to keeping them that way.
Wipe surfaces regularly, put things back where they belong, and avoid letting clutter creep back in over time. Choose durable, low-maintenance materials from the start to make life easier. Keeping your counter clean makes a huge difference to your overall sense of constantly being in a serene space!
When it comes to those finishing touches of décor, minimalist kitchens reward consistency. The more intentional you are with what you bring into the space, the better it will look and function long-term.
Is A Minimalist Kitchen Right For You?
I want you to ask yourself the following: do you value simplicity, organisation, and thoughtful design? If the answer is YES, then minimalist kitchen is hard to beat! Minimalist kitchens create calm in what is usually the busiest room in the house.
Minimalist kitchens aren’t about owning less. They’re about designing smarter so your kitchen actually works for how you live. Minimal kitchens make cooking and entertaining easier to handle.And they are timeless too which will save you money in the long run.
I hope you now have a clearer idea of what a minimalist kitchen is, and it is the right design choice for you and your home.
All images from Febal Casa
More about Maxine
I’m an interior stylist and interiors editor, and I specialise in helping people create homes that feel more joyful, balanced and personal. If you’d like help with your own space, you can find details of my styling and consultancy services at maxinebrady.com.
You can also listen to my podcast, How to Home, where we’ve covered topics like dopamine decor in more depth, alongside honest conversations about decorating, renovating and making your home work for real life.
If you have enjoyed this post, then please follow me on instagram @maxinebradystyling and on Pinterest for more styling ideas, real-life renovations, and practical design advice.
you may also like
9 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas: Why Right Now Is The Perfect Time To Plan For Summer 2026
6 Of The Best Kitchen Sink Designs: How To Pick The Right One!
Top 7 Colourful Kitchens For your Home – New Ideas For You!
5 Of The Best Kitchen Worktops: How To Pick The Right Kitchen Counters