29 Minimalist Kitchen Ideas That Are Packed With Style
These stunning spaces are equal parts sleek and chic.
Since the kitchen is the workhorse of the home, it might be hard to even imagine having a minimalist take on one. But just because less is more when it comes to minimalist interiors, that doesn't mean the space has to be empty. Think of it as a covert operation--belongings need to be pared-down and concealed. The appearance should be clean but filled with luxe stone, sleek appliances, and gorgeous finishes. Here, a few of our favorite designers share their tips on designing a minimalist kitchen with maximum style.
Matching Countertop and Backsplash
"Minimalism is not the lack of something but the perfect amount of it, and when it comes to kitchens, this has never been more true," says Nina Magon of Contour Interior Design. "Use the same material as the countertop for the backsplash. This can create a beautiful waterfall effect and a nice simplistic and calming aesthetic."
Monochromatic Palette
"When I'm designing a minimalist kitchen, I remove non-essential appliances from the countertops and I always use a monochromatic palette," says New York-based interior designer, Joy Moyler. "It's less for the eyes to focus on and I'd rather see beautiful stonework than a clumsy waffle maker any day!"
Pull the Plugs
"Using pop-up plugs in the counters and inside the cabinets eliminates the need for all those unattractive sockets on your backsplash. This produces a sleek and clean look," says Magon.
Keep a Low Profile
"Using a low-profile cooktop that nests within the countertop leaves a smooth and continuous surface," says Karen Williams of kitchen design firm St. Charles of NY.
Make a Statement
"Our goal when designing a minimalist kitchen is to make sure that everything we incorporate is necessary for the space. If we're using just a few things, each piece needs to make a statement," says Los Angeles-based designer Breegan Jane.
All White Everything
"I love white in a kitchen and everywhere in a home for that matter. Even in a home filled with kids, white can be cleaned to perfection," says Jane. In this New York City home , the kitchen's lacquered cabinetry is custom made for a clean, modern aesthetic. It is echoed in style by the backsplash and countertop, made with Calacatta marble. The range is by Viking, the refrigerator is by Sub-Zero and the print is by Ellsworth Kelly.
An Island with an Extra-Large Top
"A gravity-defying island always feels clean, modern, and minimalistic," says Williams. The island's surface in this Los Angeles home is by Caesarstone, the lacquered cabinetry is custom made and the sink fittings are by Dornbracht.
Opt for Sleek Appliances
Ralph Lauren's kitchen opts for modernism over tradition, with ovens and a cooktop by Wolf, a custom-made vent hood and cabinetry of white lacquer and stainless steel. The island is sheathed in Celador, and the Bertoia barstools are by Knoll.
Invisible Hardware
"Using invisible hardware creates a streamlined look. Exposed hardware can be distracting or overwhelming," says Magon. Marble tiles in this modern kitchen of a Notting Hill townhouse set the foundation for a cool, clean space.
Integrated Appliances
"Conceal integrated appliances with modern cabinetry for a sleek look," says Williams. The kitchen cabinetry is by Bulthaup in this sultry Tahoe vacation home, the oven is by Miele, the stove and hood are by Gaggenau, the sink, by Blanco, has Dornbracht fittings, and the countertop is quartzite.
Workhorse Island
"Having an adjacent small surface is great for smaller kitchens. It can be used as a prep area, breakfast table, and miscellaneous storage." says Williams. Inside a Gramercy Park apartment, the kitchen’s range is by Wolf, the sink and fittings are by Lefroy Brooks, the cabinetry is by Smallbone of Devizes and the Bertoia barstool is by Knoll.
Center the Sink
In this Brooklyn townhouse, the sink is in middle of the island leaving surface space along the perimeter. The kitchen counters are Calacatta Gold marble, the backsplash tile is by Waterworks, the range is by Capital, the stools are from ABC Carpet & Home and the light fixture is by Apparatus.
Go Bold On the Floor
An Upper West Side Apartment proves that style and practicality can co-exist. The kitchen contains a Bertazzoni oven, a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator, and marble counters; the subway tile is from Home Depot and the flooring is oak painted with a custom design.
Hide it Under a Hood
"Use a ventilation unit that is tucked within a modern, geometric hood," says Williams. Inside an East Hampton kitchen — designed by John Kureck and Doug Jones — you'll find stools by Thomas Hayes upholstered in a Holly Hunt leather, the cabinetry by Bulthaup, a range by Wolf, and the flooring that is antique French oak.
Open Storage
Floating shelves are open and airy in this Pennsylvania home. The cooktop is by Miele, the hood is by Zephyr, the sink fittings are by Dornbracht, the counters and shelving are of Corian, and the pendant lights are by Horne; the floor is local bluestone, and the walls are painted in All White by Farrow & Ball.
Display Niches
The Greek island of Folegandros serves as the perfect laid-back locale for designers Miguel Queda and Simone Ciarmoli's vacation home. Niches are used in place of a backsplash as a home for tabletop items. The kitchen table is by Ciarmoli Queda Essentials, the 1950s chairs are from an Athens flea market, the pendant light is by THPG, and the wall lamps are by FontanaArte.
Antique Hutch as Storage
Aside from a bright pop of color in the flooring, the kitchen of a Florence estate keeps things classic with an all-white palette. The kitchen cupboard and marble-topped Tuscan tables are 19th-century and the flooring is handmade cement tile from Florence.
Rich, Deep Colors
Inside a Palm Springs home, the swanky decor recalls the glamour of Old Hollywood. Ebonized cerused oaks cabinets are sophisticated and cozy. The kitchen range, hood, and refrigerator are by Viking, the sink fittings are by Grohe, the stools are by BassamFellows.
Hang a Sculpture
A former warehouse space serves as the ideal backdrop for San Francisco art dealer Francis Mill to showcase his varied art collections. The kitchen’s cabinetry is by Henrybuilt, the countertops are PentalQuartz, the faucet is by Dornbracht, the stools are by Overgaard & Dyrman and the wall sculpture is by Manuel Neri.
White Painted Floors
Perfectly serene, artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian's Greenwich Village townhouse is the epitome of contemporary grandeur. The monochromatic room features white floors to match the cabinets and furniture. The kitchen range is by BlueStar, and the cabinetry and countertops are by Minimal USA; folding doors by Durango Doors lead to a glassed-in seating area.
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