For so many families, the kitchen is a focal point of the home. Not only do parents spend hours each week cooking, children sidle up to the kitchen bar for after-school snacks or even to do homework. The importance of the kitchen in everyday activities means that it can feel uncomfortable to simplify the space so that it meets with minimalist aesthetics. After all, where is the warmth of a stark which countertop or a monochromatic kitchen island? Still, the kitchens featured in this post manage to not only incorporate the necessary appliances and seating that is required of a kitchen, they also ensure that each space is imbued with its own sense of style. Take a look and find some inspiration for your next simplification project.
The color white will be a theme throughout this post, starting with this first kitchen. White is an easy way to convey minimalism as it immediately feels clean and simple.
In an open floor plan like this one, a white minimalist kitchen design overflows into the rest of the public space, which also uses white on white as a unifying style.
Minimalist black and white kitchens are another common sight, with the contrast in shades adding a contemporary feel. Rustic wooden bar stools are an unexpected touch.
Of course, where minimalism is at play, the combination of white and wood cannot be far behind. Here, a white kitchen sets off a deep red wood dining table to great effect.
A white subway tile backsplash is very on trend. For more examples of stunning white on white designs, be sure to check out 30 Modern White Kitchens That Exemplify Refinement.
A minimalist kitchen does not have to be complete devoid of color. In this simple design, bits of color in the way of natural wood, yellow, and red manage to shine through.
This next example is even more colorful with deep sage green cabinetry and a mustard yellow refrigerator. Minimalist kitchen design, after all, is not about color but about clean lines and clutter-free organization.
In this lovely kitchen, minimalist shelving keeps kitchen necessities liked mugs and bowls tucked away neatly but also easy to reach when they are needed.
The furniture that's used in a kitchen also plays a critical role in its overall style. Here, black minimalist kitchen stools match nicely with the simple kitchen island lighting for a modern, unified look.
A good minimalist kitchen design maximizes the space available, as evidenced in this simple, wood kitchen.
In another example of stylish white and wood kitchens, this space has a bit more square footage but still defaults to simplicity.
The use of levels is another minimalist design technique. Here, the kitchen is elevated above the living area and shelving continues the stair step effect.
A minimalist kitchen can also make unique accessories stand out, as with the unique kitchen stools and the fancy kitchen island lighting in this space.
Moving into some darker options, this copper and black minimalist kitchen is almost futuristic in its style.
But a white minimalist kitchen with high shelves and black appliances can have its own futuristic appeal, too.
Indoor plants are a welcome addition to white on white kitchen design, adding both color and texture.
In marble kitchens like this one, the cool, smooth surfaces and minimalist decor scream luxury.
In another colorful example, a bright yellow backsplash creates contrast and joy against the black minimalist kitchen design.
Another example of yellow accent kitchens that work is this, which uses white as its neutral contrast rather than black.
Among black and white kitchens, this one is particularly sparse in its design.
Against the white design, the large, unique dining pendant light becomes a centerpiece in this open home.
The geometric minimalist kitchen island in this design is extremely unique.
White and wood cabinetry in this kitchen create almost a dip dyed effect.
This white and wood kitchen also features an island and stainless steel appliances.
Some, but not all, Scandinavian style kitchens also have elements of minimalism like this one.
For an artistic minimalist kitchen design, it would be hard to do better than this white design with bright red and green accents.
Open cabinets force minimalist kitchens to stay clean while a red contrast shelving unit brings in a bit of brightness.
Some small minimalist kitchens are clean and simple by requirements, as this colorful but small space can attest.
And going even smaller is this narrow minimalist kitchen that no doubt sits somewhere close to a city center.
An all white design is how this narrow minimalist kitchen keeps from getting too cramped
The exposed wood beams in this kitchen give it a bit of a rustic feel, considering its otherwise minimalist style.
A window to the outside can also be quite helpful when designing for a small kitchen like this one.
Minimalist design does not have to preclude luxuries like an eat-in kitchen, as seen here.
When a kitchen is open to any visitor, simple colors like white and wood, plus cabinets that hide clutter, can be the best choice.
This minimalist kitchen with island is actually quite large, demonstrating that minimalist does not have to equal tiny.
Creative minimalist kitchen storage underneath the island in this design is clever and practical.
In another black on black design option, open minimalist shelving forces homeowners to pare down.
This dark kitchen appears to contrast with the rest of the house, going from black to white rather abruptly. The result is chic if a bit jarring.
Lighting underneath the cabinetry and inside the shelving gives this dark minimalist kitchen a rather ethereal feel.
And here, a final example of just how stunning minimalist black kitchens can be, particularly when they make use of natural wood elements as well.
