Before I start writing a blog post, I always do a bit of research first. And as I was scrolling through minimalist kitchen advice for small spaces, something became abundantly clear – most of the tips and ideas out there focus only on creating a kitchen with a minimalist aesthetic. But having a sleek, modern kitchen isn’t the solution for those of us dealing with limited kitchen space. After all, painting the walls in your kitchen white won’t make it a more functional, organized or minimal space.
From DIY projects to simple swaps, here are 17 practical ideas to ensure your small kitchen isn’t just minimalist in appearance but also in functionality.
1. Downsize Your Dish Drying Rack
I used to own a bulky dish drying rack that ate up so much of my kitchen counter space. And to make matters worse, it had a spout that was designed to drain water into the sink but never worked quite as well as was advertised. By the end of the day, it would be sitting in a puddle of water.
That’s why downsizing my dish drying rack was a game changer! By trading in my previous rack for a lightweight roll-out one that sits right over my sink, I’ve saved so much space and energy.
But that’s not all! My new dish drying rack also helps me stay organized and efficient. Since it’s much smaller than the old one I had, it serves as a reminder to put away my dry dishes every morning so that my kitchen stays neat and clutter-free.
While my goal is never to convince you to buy something you don’t need, if you have been in the market for a new dish drying rack, here is the one I own!
2. Slide-Out Pantry
As someone who rents their living space, I know all too well that making structural alterations like installing a slide-out pantry might not be within the realm of possibility. However, that hasn’t stopped me from enthusiastically pinning this brilliant idea to my Pinterest board.
If you’re fortunate enough to have the liberty to make home alterations, installing a slide-out pantry is a game-changer. This hidden storage solution maximizes space by transforming those often-overlooked gaps between cabinets into valuable storage real estate.
Click here to learn how to build DIY pull out pantry shelves.
3. Install Under Cabinet Lighting
Having a well-lit kitchen makes a huge impact on one’s overall cooking experience. Unfortunately, small kitchens don’t usually have the best light – yes, I’m talking about you New York style kitchen that’s basically just a hallway.
The solution? Installing LED strip light under your upper cabinets to illuminate your workspace without the need for bulky desk lamps or pendant lights.
Think of these strip lights as your kitchen’s personal spotlight. They’re strategically placed to cast a bright, focused light right where you need it – on your countertop. No more squinting at recipes or struggling to chop veggies in the shadows; these lights are all about transforming your kitchen into a more functional workspace.
Under Cabinet Lighting Options
When it comes to under cabinet lighting, you have several options. Battery-operated, plug-inorhard-wired.
Battery-operated lights are powered by batteries, shocker I know. They are extremely easy to install, as they require no wiring. You can simply place them wherever you need them. While they’re very convenient, they may not be a long-term solution. Regular battery replacement or recharging is necessary and based off the reviews I’ve read, they tend to break after a few years.
Plug-in options plug into a standard electrical outlet. They’re also easy to install but do require an electrical socket nearby to function. They are typically brighter than battery-operated lights since they have a direct power source. The downside to plug-in lights is that you’ll end up with an exposed electrical cord which isn’t super aesthetically pleasing.
Lastly there’s hard-wired under cabinet lights. These are directly connected to your home’s electrical system and typically controlled by a wall switch. The process of installing hard-wired lights can be quite tricky. It may involve drilling and a fair bit of electrical work. However, it’s worth it if you value reliability, permanence and aesthetics (no visible cords!). To learn more about the installation process, check out the two blog posts below. I also found this video to be super helpful.
Choosing Under Cabinet Lighting for the Kitchen
How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting in the Kitchen Using LED Light Strips
4. Rethink Your Cutting Board
If you have a small kitchen, you’ve probably wished for more counter-space once or twice (or a million times). Luckily, there’s a clever solution to help you maximize your kitchen’s potential: rethinking your approach to cutting boards.
While many people rely on traditional standalone cutting boards, these take up precious counter real estate. So if you have the flexibility to make permanent alterations to your kitchen, consider installing a pull-out cutting board. It provides you with a dedicated workspace that can magically disappear when you’re finished using it; perfect for a minimalist kitchen!
However, if you’re not able to make structural changes to your kitchen, an over-the-sink cutting board can serve the same purpose.
When you’re not slicing and dicing, this multi-functional board transforms into a cover for your sink, creating extra counter space. Plus, with the cutting board right over your sink, you can effortlessly transfer food scraps, peelings, and trimmings directly into the sink, eliminating the need for back-and-forth trips to the trash can. It’s like having an extended countertop precisely where you need it, streamlining your meal prep process and saving you time.
5. Collapsible Kitchen Tools
In small kitchens with limited storage space, the ability to fold down your kitchen tools is a game changer. So, if you’re in the market for some new kitchen gadgets, opt for the collapsible versions rather than the traditional ones. While it might not seem like a collapsible colander or grater will save you that much space, trust me, it does!
Whether you choose to store your kitchen tools in drawers or hang them up, having the option to fold them down is like hitting the “shrink” button on kitchen clutter.
6. Fold-Out Dining Table
If you’ve ever scrolled through Extreme Minimalism subreddits, you would know that many minimalists own fold-out dining tables and chairs. The reason for this is simple; they’re so practical and versatile. Because they’re easy to move around, they can serve as both a compact work surface and a dining table, offering flexibility that traditional dining tables can’t match. This is particularly useful in small kitchens, where counter space is usually lacking. Plus, when you’re not using them, you can tuck them away, saving precious floor space.
7. Reorganize Your Spices
If you’ve ever found yourself sifting through your spice drawer, struggling to find the cumin amidst the chaos, it might be time for a spice storage makeover. By relocating your spices to an often-overlooked and otherwise unutilized area, you save valuable cabinet space.
One often-overlooked and underutilized area is the back of cabinet doors. While it may seem like a minor detail, making use of this vertical surface can make a world of difference in optimizing your kitchen’s functionality and organization. Take inspiration from Flickr user, Frank Farm, who installed shelves on the back of his cabinet door, transforming an otherwise empty space into a convenient spice rack!
Another creative option is to harness the power of magnetism to create a magnetic spice rack. You can achieve this by mounting a magnetic board on your kitchen wall or inside a cabinet and attaching magnetic spice containers to it. For a step-by-step guide, click here. If you prefer a simpler approach, you can skip the magnetic board and stick your spices directly onto your fridge like Flickr user, Ross Catrow did!
Keep in mind that you can extend this magnetized storage concept beyond spices. Consider crafting a DIY knife rack using a magnetic strip to further optimize your kitchen space.
8. Rolling Kitchen Island
A rolling kitchen island is a great addition to any small, minimalist kitchen. It can serve as an extra countertop, prep station, or even a dining area when needed. Its mobility allows you to effortlessly move it around, adapting it to your needs.
Plus, it can double as valuable storage space, which is a precious commodity in smaller kitchens. Many models come equipped with shelves, drawers, and cabinets, offering a convenient solution to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free!
9. Multi-Purpose Dish-ware
I recently wrote a blog post titled, “How Many Dishes Do You Actually Need?“. Spoiler alert! It’s a whole lot less than you may think.
I’ve been able to cut back on the amount of dishes I own by using multipurpose dish-ware. For instance, I’ve been using my mason jars, originally purchased for canning and preserving, as water glasses. This means I don’t need to own additional water glasses. I also use my round glass storage containers as makeshift bowls, eliminating the need for additional bowls cluttering my cabinets.
10. Declutter Single Use Appliances and Gadgets
Have you heard the mantra, “less is more”. Well, it’s one of the main principles of minimalism and key to creating a minimalist kitchen.
Back when I was decluttering my kitchen for the first time, this mantra helped me decide which gadgets and appliances to let go of, and which to keep. In the spirit of “less is more”, I held onto only the ones that had multiple uses and let go of the ones that didn’t.
Amongst the items I decluttered was my coffee maker, toaster, microwave and water kettle. I replaced my coffee maker with instant coffee and now toast my bread in the oven on broil instead of using a toaster. I also boil water and reheat everything on the stovetop.
With this being said, if ditching your coffee maker sounds absolutely ridiculous, don’t do it! However, if you heavily rely on your microwave but wish that you didn’t, get rid of it. I’m a big believer that you should create your living space around the lifestyle that you hope to have. A space is an excellent way to influence your actions.
11. Avoid Bulk Buying
In a minimalist kitchen, it’s important to only keep items on hand that you’re actively using. This ensures that everything is easily accessible and easy to find. To do so, you’ll need to resist the urge to bulk buy.
Bulk buying may seem like a cost-effective and convenient option, but it goes against the very essence of minimalism. By purchasing large quantities of items, especially non-perishable goods or kitchen staples, you risk overcrowding your kitchen with excess inventory that may take up valuable storage space and accumulate over time.
12. Avoid Nesting and Stacking Items
I think it’s safe to say that most tips for small kitchens apply to minimalist kitchens as well – except for this one.
While nesting and stacking items does save valuable space (which is key for optimizing a small kitchen), it also leads to more clutter – a big minimalist kitchen no no!
That’s why you should define your kitchen goals before you start stacking and nesting your items. In my case, my goal was to have a truly minimalist kitchen, meaning I wanted to own as few items as possible. To achieve this, I made a conscious choice not to stack or nest items. This meant that I could only own items that fit within the surface area of my cabinets – like one mixing bowl instead of a set of five, for instance. Setting this rule for myself really helped me declutter the excess.
13. Keep Hard to Reach Cabinets Empty
Being just 5’2″ tall, I’ve had to organize my home with my height in mind. I’ve noticed that when I stash things away in those tough-to-reach kitchen cabinets, it’s usually because I don’t expect to use them very often. That got me thinking: do I even need to own these items? More often than not, the answer was a resounding no. So, I came up with a simple rule for myself: keep hard to reach cabinets empty. This rule has been a game-changer, helping me figure out what I truly need and what I was hanging onto “just in case.”
14. Hide Your Trash Can
Many of us would agree that our kitchen trash can isn’t exactly a showstopper. So, if you’re up for some DIY kitchen upgrades, consider creating a hidden trash and recycling center within your cabinetry. It’s surprisingly simple to do! Check out Flickr user, Donaleen’s example and click here for a step by step tutorial!
15. Avoid Buying Kitchen Sets
Kitchen sets often come with a bunch of stuff you really don’t need. Take knives, for example. Do you really need a dozen different blades for everyday cooking? And silverware sets? Unless you’re running a restaurant, a 12-piece cutlery set is a bit excessive for a two-person household.
In a minimalist kitchen, it’s all about keeping things simple and practical. Having a ton of extra kitchen gadgets just clutters up your space and makes it so you have more decisions to make. Sure, deciding which knife to cut your veggies with isn’t the most life changing decision you’ll ever make. But, it’s these little decisions that add up to serious decision fatigue over time.
Plus, by avoiding buying things in sets, you get to be super intentional about what you bring into your kitchen. You can handpick high-quality items that suit your cooking style and needs.
16. Be a Recipe Repeater
Have you ever bought a bunch of fancy ingredients for a recipe you found online, only to never make it again? Suddenly, your pantry’s full of exotic spices and pastes that you hardly ever use.
By becoming a recipe repeater, you simplify your meals and reduce the need for a wide array of specialized ingredients. This not only saves you money but also clears up valuable pantry space. Instead of constantly seeking out new and complex recipes that demand a myriad of ingredients, you focus on a few dishes that you know you’ll love making over and over again.
17. Avoid the “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Mindset
In the world of minimalist kitchens, there’s a popular tip you may have heard: keep your kitchen counters clear. While this does help with visual clutter, it’s important to ensure that you’re not just stashing items away in cabinets and forgetting about them, as that would defeat the purpose of minimalism.
If you pack everything into cabinets and drawers without a thought, you might find yourself rummaging through cluttered spaces when you actually need something. So, be selective about what you keep in your kitchen, ensuring that each item has a purpose and is used often. Regularly audit your cabinets to avoid accumulating unnecessary items, and organize your storage spaces thoughtfully so that you can easily find what you need when you need it.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, creating a minimalist kitchen is more than just a design choice. After all, slapping a coat of white paint on the walls won’t make your small kitchen more functional or organized. No, creating a minimalist kitchen is about transforming your space so that it’s truly functional and practical.
Let me know if you try any of these ideas in the comments below! And if you have a minimalist kitchen idea that hasn’t found its place on this list, please share it with me!
