Achieving Minimalism in a Modern Kitchen

14 Apr 2025

Practicing minimalism often sounds like a sacrifice built on bland clothes, barren spaces and influencers who live like monks. Yet, look closer and you’ll find that modern minimalism has desirable elements. Indeed, a contemporary kitchen design can help you pursue a freer lifestyle, as today’s article will teach you.

What is Minimalism?

The definition of minimalism has strayed far from its origins as a form of art developed in the 1960s. A pioneer, Frank Stella, once said of it, “What you see is what you see.” The form rejected the idea that art should contain deeper meaning. To the minimalists who created the art, a table was a table.

Then minimalist lifestyles became popular. As a result, a table stopped representing a table after 2010. Non-art minimalists re-introduced interpretation, meaning a table, depending on its style, could represent a peaceful life or one overwhelmed with clutter.

An Ashbourne Highland Stone range by Sigma 3 Cardiff East

Indeed, once used to describe face-value images, the nature of the term’s definition U-turned. While the meaning flipflopped, however, both groups who use it maintain a consistent goal: simplicity.

A H-Line Sutton Dust Grey range and a Kensington range by Sigma 3 Swansea

Modern minimalists struggle to tame their kitchen because the room naturally attracts clutter. Also, new minimalists worry minimalist kitchen design ideas can be bland. But don’t fret. Done right, minimalism can add space for fun, plus an air of sophistication.

Modern Minimalism Colours

Peruse Pinterest for minimalist décor ideas and you’ll soon notice that one colour scheme dominates the modern minimalism aesthetic. Think neutrals: cream; grey; beige; brown – sometimes black.

A H-Line Sutton Scots Grey and H-Line Madoc Portland Oak range

For instance, take this H-Line Sutton Scots Grey kitchen. Using neutral colours, natural materials and rustic splashes, this modern design kitchen exudes personality, as well as being full of natural light. Combined with the matt-finish doors, you end up with a fresh but not sterile effect.

Minimal Kitchen Fittings

Knobs or t-bar handles? Both can work – and we offer a full range at Sigma 3 Kitchens. The best option for minimalist kitchens is to opt for the simplest possible version of your preferred style, mounted on a Shaker or – even better – a flat slab door. Or, you could even sidestep handles entirely.

If you’re afraid you’ll create an overly simple kitchen design, marble- or wood-effect worktops can add a touch of texture without overcomplicating the design, counteracting any concerns.

Organised Kitchen Storage

Less stuff means less to clean, fix and maintain. This is why many die-hard minimalists audit their possessions on a regular basis and aim for the smallest number possible. How much whittling do you think you could do? Some people have reportedly minimised their lives to 100, 50 – even 30 items!

You know what they never include, though? Food. Despite this, everyone needs ingredients, no matter how much they audit. This is especially true if you have kids, unless you plan to eat out for every meal. The best most homeowners can hope to achieve is clutter-free worktops… but that’s okay.

A Breakfast Dresser and a Lansbury pantry by Sigma 3 Swansea

Spacious storage solutions can prove useful on this front. Indeed, reverse engineer what you need and it’s easy. Maybe try our deep Breakfast Dressers for tea, cereal, a coffee machine and your toaster, or our Lansbury corner pantry for surprisingly deep storage. Both will help you keep surfaces clear.

A Kensington MagnaSpace by Sigma 3 Cardiff East and a Hatfield MagnaSpace by Sigma 3 Esher

While we’re on the topic, how about a pull-out larder? Our biggest can hold a whole food shop. The runners help you avoid clashes with other doors – perfect for using kitchen corners. Meanwhile, our smaller models, shown here in a cozy minimalist kitchen, are ideal for concealing condiments.

Sleek Kitchen Devices

It pays to integrate kitchen appliances if you’re aiming for a minimalist aesthetic. Doing so minimises details that add intricacy and ordinarily require cleaning. Ovens, microwaves and wine coolers are easy targets, all of which our retail partners can source for you.

A Kensington Highland Stone VelaBin by Sigma 3 Cardiff East

Hiding your bins is another way to amplify this effect. At Sigma 3 Kitchens, our VelaBins hide kitchen recycling and bin bags and use advanced lid technology to suppress odours, allowing for a simpler space that requires less maintenance. Available as one, two or four bins, they hide waste and cleaning supplies in an easily accessible way.

Live with Intention, Not Sacrifice

Modern minimalism isn’t prescriptive. It isn’t about “living with less” at all costs; it’s about living intentionally, foregoing needless purchases so you can focus on the things Marie Kondo would say “spark joy.” Hence, you can have kitchen areas that feel abundant, even as a minimalist.

Roma Dust Grey open shelving and Hatfield Willow cross wine racks

Display Dressers and open shelving are fantastic ways to show off whatever treasures you want to see every day. Just remember the “minimalism” part when choosing minimalist kitchen accessories. Decorate sparingly. That’s how you enjoy objects instead of having them occupy your time and focus.

Digital Minimalism in a Kitchen

How many hours a day do you spend on your phone? For many of us, it’s more than we’d like to admit. That’s why the idea of digital minimalism – going analogue where possible to minimise screentime – is currently popular. It’s easier to achieve, however, if you make more fun spaces at home.

Adding an island can offer more space for offline fun in your kitchen, whether you use it for baking, flower arranging or decoupage. Furthermore, try adding wood minimalist kitchen elements to create a calming space. Extra room and natural materials will lead you to have more fun with family or friends.

Use a Modern Kitchen Expert

Need extra help achieving a minimal kitchen design? Find your nearest Sigma 3 showroom and book a consultation slot, or become a Sigma 3 Insider. It’s free. As a Sigma 3 Kitchens Insider, you’ll get exclusive design tips, plus guides that rely on science to help you create a family-friendly kitchen.

Click Here to Become a Sigma 3 Insider