11 Ways To Turn Your Crowded Kitchen Into A Minimalist Space
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
If you're anything like us, you spend hours on end in your kitchen. Whether you're cooking, enjoying flavor-packed meals, entertaining guests with dinner parties or intimate gatherings, or simply cleaning, the time can really add up. Keeping your space organized and free of clutter, expired products, and unnecessary appliances can be challenging when you constantly utilize the space. Nevertheless, the result of a minimalist kitchen is oh-so worth it.
Not only is a hectic kitchen a recipe for frustration and inefficient meal times, but the build-up of stuff can also impact your mental state. Clutter is directly related to stress levels and can leave your brain as scattered and unfinished as the mess. Piling up items that must be pushed aside, constantly rearranged, and cleaned around can lead to anxiety. This can transform a simple task, such as doing the dishes, into an overwhelming chore that weighs on your subconscious long after you've left the job behind.
If the term "minimalist" is enough to make you cower and picture an empty, vacant space, we're here to reassure you. A clutter-free space could improve your mood and productivity, and it's manageable with just a few simple tips. Begin with just a handful of our simple tricks, and not only will you see a significant impact, but your kitchen might just become your new favorite room in the house.
Choose a neutral color scheme
Be sure to select neutral colors that instill a sense of calm. A mellow beige, a light, airy gray, or a simple white paint, tile, or backsplash will make matching and styling much easier, and you won't have to combat difficult patterns and colors whenever you purchase a new kitchen item. This could be a big undertaking, but if you're looking to revamp your space or start from scratch, this is a significant step that can go a long way. Loud colors on the wall and busy patterns in wallpaper and tiles can give the room an overcrowded feeling, even if the rest of your kitchen is clean and organized.
Colors can impact your space in a significant way. Light, neutral colors make a room feel bigger, and cool dark tones can cozy up a room. If repainting or replacing your cabinets is not an option at this time, you can still opt for more neutral items. Consider swapping out your busy backsplash or accent walls with sticky, renter-friendly wallpaper, such as this neutral Black Marquina Peel and Stick from Innon Stickers. You can also trade in smaller items for neutral options, such as dish towels, pots and pans, and dishes like the Melamine Dinnerware Set, which is a calm gray shade. They are not only durable and dishwasher safe but will also look great on open shelves and limit the clutter in your home.
Keep prep areas clear of clutter
Functionality is a crucial factor in kitchens because it's a room that's frequently used. If your kitchen feels empty but you still feel frustrated and overwhelmed when spending time in the space, the most important surfaces — your prep areas — might need a little work. If your cabinets are sparse and uncluttered, that's great, but you should really focus on the most-used spots to maximize the functionality of your kitchen. Mealtimes can be less stressful if you don't have to preface the process with the extra task of clearing away unwanted items to make room.
You can clear off your counters entirely, making your life easier; however, there are simpler tips to utilize this advice. Avoid storing items on your countertops. Begin by reorganizing your cabinets to make room for items that are sitting on your countertops. Try placing everyday items in a basket that can be stored in a closed cabinet. You can easily take the basket out when needed and hide it away when you're done. Another tip is to choose a designated prep area and always keep that clear and ready for cooking. Cluttered prep areas can pull your focus from the task at hand, and having an organized spot reserved for this job will improve the process overall.
Organize with function in mind
The best way to organize heavily trafficked areas is to prioritize function over aesthetics. Place the most-used items within easy reach and keep areas that need frequent cleaning clear of clutter. Your kitchen should be easy to navigate during everyday use. If your cleaning supplies are stored in the back of the closet, you'll be less likely to reach for them. If you don't have enough space to put away your dishes easily, you'll be less likely to do it.
To implement this tip effectively, take a few moments to consider how you use your kitchen. Other than cooking, you might need space to care for your houseplants, a room to store pet food, or even an area for doing paperwork or reading. Next, invest in practical storage solutions that fit your needs. Keep your cleaning supplies all together and easily accessible. Place more frequently used items, such as the toaster and blender, in front of less common appliances like your extra-large crock pot or dehydrator. This trick will improve your space's functionality, making you feel more relaxed.
Clear off your fridge
The front of your fridge can become a dumping ground for pictures, lists, magnets, receipts, and other scraps of paper. Before you know it, the layers of paper are stained, sticking out, overlapping, and creating a general sense of unrest. The resulting haphazard mess will only highlight the other clutter in your space and leave your mind just as unsettled.
For a truly minimalist space, store papers and notices in a folder in a drawer to keep things organized and out of your line of sight. Limiting the clutter here to just a few favorite items or clearing the space off completely can help reduce the mess and make you appreciate the chosen items even more. Consider cherishing these items with magnetic picture frames that fit your aesthetic and new minimalist style. The Magnetic Photo Pocket Variety Pack from Etsy would be a simple yet organized addition. If you're committed to keeping items readily on hand, you can invest in a magnetic basket for the side of the fridge to stay organized.
Utilize your wall space
Utilizing the wall space in your kitchen can greatly contribute to transforming a crowded and cluttered space into a minimalist haven. Often overlooked and underestimated, areas such as under the cabinets, beside the fridge, and the sides of cabinets can be skipped over for their storage opportunities. However, with a bit of creativity and innovative thinking, these spaces can be transformed into efficient solutions that not only maximize your kitchen's potential but also allow you to maintain clear and uncluttered countertops. Items that typically take up counter space can find a home on your walls.
One effective trick is to pick up some hanging baskets. These versatile storage units can be effortlessly mounted beneath your cabinets or on unused walls, providing ample room for storing fruits, vegetables, or kitchen utensils. Consider baskets that aren't see-through to avoid the feeling of clutter and ones that are made with neutral, natural colors, such as this Handmade Woven Jute Wall Basket. Additionally, you can install under-cabinet shelves to create extra storage for mugs, glasses, or spice jars. Magnet strips can also prevent metal items from occupying valuable counter space. Hooks from Ikea, whether inside your cabinets or outside, can also keep your pots, pans, and utensils in order.
Clear out your fridge and cabinets frequently
Now that you're making progress around your kitchen, it's time to turn to the fridge and cabinets. These spaces might not feel cluttered when you walk into the room, but you'll notice when it comes time to prepare a meal or eat one. If you take inventory of your food regularly, you can weed out the old items you won't use and keep your shopping list more organized. Small reminders about what you need to stock up on before it's gone will have you feeling your most organized self.
Once a week or once a month, whatever works best for you, choose a day to comb through your kitchen for expired or old products. Trash day is the perfect time to practice this tip. Set a reminder on your phone or add it to your calendar, and you're one step closer to feeling more organized and less cluttered. This routine prevents you from pushing items to the back to be forgotten and unused and encourages you to use the food products you already have.
Store seasonal items
Other items that may be taking up space in your kitchen and contributing to clutter are seasonal. It might seem easier to store your Christmas mugs and Thanksgiving gravy boats in the back of your kitchen cabinets. However, there's likely more room for these, along with your other holiday décor, in the attic, garage, or closet. Clear up valuable storage space in your kitchen and make room for a minimalist design.
To stay truly organized, it's essential to adopt a systematic approach when storing seasonal items. Begin by carefully wrapping each dish or mug in protective materials like bubble wrap or newspaper. Label the items clearly and store them with the corresponding holiday or season. This way, when retrieving them for the next festive season, you won't have to rummage through countless boxes in search of a specific item. To be even more effective, you can invest in smart labels, such as the ToteScan Intelligent QR Labels for Organization. Keep track of what and where your seasonal items are with your phone, and you'll be well on your way to an uncrowded kitchen.
Hide your trash and recycling cans
Out of sight, out of mind is a cliché for a reason. Hiding your recycling bins and trash cans is another excellent way to turn your crowded kitchen into a more organized, minimalist space. Even small details such as this can make a difference. Leaving them exposed in a corner not only disrupts the harmonious aesthetics of your kitchen but also leads to an unwelcomed olfactory presence.
An easy solution to this problem is to stash your bins under the kitchen sink or behind a closet door. Just close the door, and your space will feel less cluttered. However, take this tip to another level and install a simple but brilliant sliding rack, such as the Kitchenflex, which allows you to slide the cans in and out of sight easily. This is a quick DIY project that only requires a few screws and some free cabinet space. Another product to check out is a Freestanding Tilt Out Trash Can. This option not only hides the mess but also provides more counter space and storage. Keep trash bags, cleaning supplies, and more in this; you can kill two birds with one stone.
Limit your mug collection
Even after the holidays, it seems like every store is overflowing with cute mugs for every occasion. The vibrant colors, adorable designs, and clever sayings are all but irresistible, even if you already have a bounty of mugs on your shelves at home. Mugs are a dime a dozen, and you likely have a ton in your cabinets. If the mugs are piling up, they could interfere with your clutter-free kitchen, even if tucked away behind a cabinet door.
Begin by paring down your collection. Toss the ones you don't love and make more use of the ones you adore. The next step is to store them in a place specifically designed for mugs. When implementing this tip, you can be efficient and stylish if you choose to display your mugs and make them a part of your décor. The Fancyarn Coffee Mug Display Rack Cabinet is great for showcasing your favorite mugs and giving your space some extra flair. For a more minimalist look, the MyGift Wall Mounted Coffee Mug Display Rack allows you to appreciate the aesthetics of your collection. Either of these will clear up your cabinet space and keep your mugs organized and within reach.
Buy matching items when you can
A uniform look can trick your mind into thinking there's less clutter in your kitchen. Consider matching utensils, purchasing pots and pan sets, and opting for identical collections of dishes and glasses to give your space an organized, thoughtful appearance that minimalists will love. Not only does a uniform look create visual harmony in your kitchen, but it will add a touch of elegance to the space while simultaneously reducing visual clutter.
Matching utensils not only provide an aesthetic appeal but also offer practical benefits. The consistent weight, size, and design make them easy to handle and use. Consider a material such as bamboo that is neutral and easy to match. Bamboo utensils, drying racks, mug racks, cutting boards, and more are frequently sold and can give your kitchen an elegant, finished look. Buying items in a set, such as the GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 16 Piece Kitchen Cookware, which has pots, pans, and utensils in a matching muted green tone, is another way to slowly but surely transform your kitchen into a minimalist space with less clutter.
Invest in more closed storage
The final trick is to invest in more storage options that can hide away clutter. One of the critical advantages of closed storage is its ability to conceal unsightly items that can quickly detract from the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. With extra cabinets and shelves, you can easily tuck away those items that are less visually appealing or rarely used, creating a sense of order and simplicity. No longer will you have to stare at that outdated blender or jumbled stacks of pots and pans; instead, these items will be hidden behind sleek cabinet doors or neatly arranged on-shelf units.
In addition to cabinets and shelves, consider investing in mobile kitchen carts. These versatile pieces provide not only extra storage space but also flexibility in arranging your kitchen layout. Whether used for housing frequently used ingredients, or as a portable prep station, kitchen carts offer an efficient solution for keeping your countertop free from clutter while still having all your essentials within reach.