Minimalism is both a lifestyle and a design style. Trying to replicate the design without understanding the lifestyle will fail. If you are longing for a simpler life, with less clutter, less consumerism, and more enjoyment of each moment, you are the right candidate for a minimalist lifestyle.
Quality things, beautifully cared for, stored, and loved, will always add more value to your life than cheaply made things that have no meaning to you. When you are designing your home, both big and small items can be purchased based on their value, aesthetics, and quality. From a beautiful focal point in your kitchen to the smallest skillet, purchasing things you love and find beautiful is the first step towards a more fulfilling life.
Minimalist Lifestyle in the Kitchen
The minimalist look is often focused on modern trends and simple lines. But what it really comes down to is filling your life with things you love, rather than things you need. One perfect wooden spoon that you love is more valuable than 6 spoons you don’t care about.
Of course, we all need certain items in our kitchen. And while you maybe never considered whether you love your ladle or can opener, you probably do have special items in your kitchen that are practical while also bringing you joy.
When we think seriously about it, we all have a knife that we love because it always stays sharp, or a special antique cookie cutter from our grandparents, or that one spatula that we enjoy using. One of the goals as minimalists is to only have things like that. Things that we enjoy using for their own sake beyond their practicality.
This doesn’t have to happen overnight. Simply make it your goal to never purchase something unless you love it. When you need a new ladle, find a ladle that makes you happy. If your knives frustrate you, set aside some money for a beautiful set that you will love. Those things might cost more money in the beginning, but they pay dividends in enjoyment. And most importantly, once you have that perfect knife set and lovely ladle, toss all the others that don’t hold up to your standards.
It might not happen overnight, but eventually your kitchen drawers and cupboards will be filled with high quality things that both perform well and make you happy to use them.
Minimalist Design in the Kitchen
When it comes to designing a minimalist kitchen, there are a few simple elements we see repeated. While these designs will create a beautiful, simple aesthetic, there are many ways to move towards minimalism in your life.
Focal Point
When it comes to simple kitchens, a focal point is key. Select one or two strong, beautiful features that instantly draw the eye and create the ambiance for the whole area. These features are often skillfully crafted unique items that are also practical in nature.
Items like barstools that are works of art, with hand-carved seats and metal frames. A built-in natural stone fireplace on an accent wall may be the only feature in the room. The simple lines of beautifully designed copper range hoods can be the main attraction in a minimalist kitchen. The important features of these focus points are their quality and beauty, and their minimalism. If you have too many eye-catching features, you will lose the effect and your kitchen will look cluttered.
Simple Design
Most modern minimalist kitchens are simple. They have clean lines and open spaces. Hidden hardware preserves the simple lines, and doors are designed to shut without leaving gaps. This presents a smooth, even surface.
A simple design also extends to the floor plan, which is usually open and airy. Windows are often naked and beautifully trimmed, and appliances streamlined.
No Clutter
Another common feature of the minimalist kitchen is the lack of decorative knick-knacks and clutter. Each item is carefully chosen and placed. Most display items are practical and useful as well as decorative, and they are usually minimal.
A simple wooden shelf with three plain white bowls stored on it. Counters with only two wooden canisters in the corner. A stone island topped with a small green plant. Three small succulents sitting on the windowsill.
Open shelves are common in minimalist kitchens, but never crowded with items. The things on display are high-quality practical, and attractive while preserving the simple lines and patterns of the room.
Earthy Materials and Neutral Colors
Minimalist kitchens often focus on clean colors, such as black and white. Natural elements are common and lend to the simplicity and elegance in the room. Wood, stone, and metal are common elements and are arranged carefully so they don’t clash or overwhelm. These elements are often used as focal points, such as a flagstone floor, rock detail on one wall, or copper range hood.
