Transforming a Minimalist Kitchen: Reasons and Methods
Simplicity, although aesthetically pleasing, can feel like an unattainable goal. From the spotless shelves to the sleek furniture, it's a concept that appears wonderful from the outside, yet overwhelming to implement and maintain. There might not be a place where simplicity is harder to achieve and envision than a kitchen—one of the busiest, most vital areas in the house.
And yet, that's all the more reason to create a simple kitchen. Yes, it may be challenging to organize all your various kitchen utensils, pots, and pans, but in the end, you'll have a much more beautiful, uncluttered space that's a breeze to navigate. Here's everything you need to know to get started—from the simplicity advocates and home organizers who've done it themselves.
- Shira Gill, professional home organizer and author of Simplify Your Space and The Art of Organizing
- Francine Jay, simple living advocate and author of The Joy of Less and Living More with Less
- Joshua Becker, simple living advocate and author of The Simple Home and Clutter Free with Kids
The Advantages of a Simple Kitchen
A natural question, of course, is "why"? Transforming a kitchen is no small task, so what are the inherent benefits of a more simple one? For starters, a less-is-more layout will make virtually every task in your kitchen easier.
"A simple kitchen is a kitchen tailored for you," says simplicity advocate and expert Francine Jay. "Instead of an assortment of kitchen gadgets that you rarely—if ever—use, it contains only what you need for how and what you cook." She compares it to a capsule wardrobe, in that a well-curated kitchen contains only the most useful and versatile items.
"Less stuff in your kitchen means it's more enjoyable to use and easier to maintain," adds simplicity advocate and author Joshua Becker. "You'll be surprised how simplicity changes your entire mood when you're in the space—and improves its functionality."
Eliminate the Extras
One of the first and easiest steps you can take towards a more simple kitchen is getting rid of as many extra items as possible. "Most have so many—how many can openers do you need? How many coffee mugs do you need?" says professional organizer and author Shira Gill. "These tend to be easy, emotionless decisions."
Other frequent extras include glassware and coffee mugs, as well as containers. "That's one of the biggest clutter magnets I see in kitchens—just insane amounts of food storage," she says. "Some are chipped or discolored, or they don't even have lids anymore."
Determine What's Essential
One of simplicity's core principles is only keeping what you absolutely need, and parting with the excess. That's especially important in kitchens, which are such a functional space—but it can also be difficult to discern what you truly need, and what you can let go of. "I find it really enlightening how few things you actually need to be a good cook," says Gill. "If you have a good chef's knife, you only need one."
If you're having a hard time parting ways, Jay recommends a temporary measure to help discern what's worth keeping. First, grab a cardboard box and take everything out of your cabinets, cupboards, and drawers, and store them in a nearby room. "For the next week, go about your daily cooking—and as you need each item, retrieve it from the box," she says. "It’s a great way to see what you actually use. If something hasn't returned to your kitchen after a week, or a month, question if you really need it."
Joshua Becker, simplicity advocate and author
"Most kitchens contain far more items than necessary. Honestly, our ancestors cooked better meals with fewer gadgets and tools than we store in our kitchens today."
— Joshua Becker, simplicity advocate and author## Clear Off Countertops
Countertop space is crucial for meal preparation, and too often it's consumed by unnecessary items. "Make this your mantra: surfaces are not for storage," says Jay. "Surfaces are for activity, and should be kept clear at all other times. Only the items you use on a daily basis deserve a spot on the counter."
Not only will this make cooking easier, but it also eliminates some of the "visual noise" and "visual clutter," as Becker says, making it feel more "calm, peaceful, and simple." If you're struggling with finding storage solutions, Jay recommends wall-mounted racks or hanging baskets.
Put Away Your Gadgets
These days, there are more kitchen gadgets on the market than ever, from air fryers and oil makers to slow cookers and waffle machines. While these may seem like a fun idea at first purchase, they often end up gathering dust and taking up valuable real estate. "The vast majority of us are not cooking complicated dishes on a regular basis and don’t need the equipment to do so," says Jay. "Let go of culinary fantasies you're unlikely to pursue, and know that people have been making delicious food for thousands of years with the simplest of tools."
If something frequently finds its place in your daily activities, like a coffee maker or a toaster, retaining it is a wise choice. However, if your kitchen counter is cluttered with devices used infrequently, it's time to let go. As per Becker, "Most kitchens hold an excessive number of items." Surprisingly, our ancestors prepared more delicious meals with less kitchen gadgetry compared to our current storage.
establish a Well-defined Space
Identify the essential items in your kitchen and devise a strategy to organize them. "Employ organizer trays within your drawers to collect and segregate utensils and small appliances," suggests Jay. This method improves efficiency in finding what you require and prevents uninvited items from infiltrating.
Another aspect of this involves expelling items that should never find a home in a kitchen. "Kitchens can inadvertently attract items such as mail, bills, keys, and children's belongings – sometimes just a brief tidying can make it appear more manageable," mentions Gill.
Keep it Tidy
Even the most organized kitchens can become messy at times. However, a minimalist design facilitates easy cleanup. While it won't magically maintain its pristine state, incorporating a few basic cleaning routines will help keep it sparkling.
"It's all about small habits, like washing dishes before bedtime," states Gill. "My family is incredibly busy, but we allocate time after dinner to clean up the counters and put things back in their position." These minor daily routines effectively prevent accumulation of messes, thereby preserving its simple elegance.
Have Patience
Minimalism doesn't occur instantly and it might prove to be a significant shift for many. If the journey seems challenging at first or takes more time than anticipated, remember to remain patient with yourself and the process. "Organizing kitchens is one of the most difficult tasks within a home," says Gill. "Divide it into mini-zones to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I often help clients by organizing one drawer at a time or focusing on one item at a time."
The end result will more than justify the effort. In fact, it could rekindle your passion for cooking. "I used to dislike cooking until I embraced minimalism," confides Becker. "Having a designated area for both preparation and cleanup was a turning point for me. Now, I genuinely enjoy cooking."
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In the process of simplifying your kitchen, you can look to experts like Shira Gill, Francine Jay, and Joshua Becker for guidance. Gill suggests that reducing the number of kitchen gadgets, such as multiple can openers or coffee mugs, can make immediate progress towards a simpler space. (Home Design Decor, Kitchen Design Ideas)
Following the principle of only keeping what is essential, Jay recommends temporarily storing all kitchen items in a nearby room and only retrieving what is actually used during cooking over a week or month, to determine what truly needs to stay. (Home Design Decor, Kitchen Design Ideas)
Joshua Becker highlights that our ancestors cooked delicious meals with fewer kitchen gadgets than we have today, and encourages letting go of infrequently used appliances to free up counter space. (MarthaStewart, Home Design Decor)
By implementing these tactics, you can create a well-organized and functional kitchen space that is easier to maintain and enjoyable to use. (Home Design Decor, Kitchen Design Ideas)
