Steps to Achieving Your Ideal Simple Kitchen Design

Do you dream of a kitchen that’s simple and minimal? One that’s free from clutter and overflowing cabinets, yet beautifully equipped for whipping up the most magical meals? The answer might lie in a simple kitchen design.

Simple kitchens are all about practicality and functionality. With sleek, clean lines and streamlined silhouettes, these pared-down kitchens prioritise efficiency and minimise wastage of space. Whether your kitchen is tiny or spacious, these designs use clever storage solutions to help you make the most of your square footage. 

Curious about how to go about crafting the kitchen of your dreams? We’re here with a stepwise guide to achieving the perfect simple kitchen design!

Importance of Simple Kitchen Design 

We live in a day and age when stress is a given in our daily lives. We’re constantly on the go, juggling tasks, and pushing ourselves to achieve the impossible. And our homes, meant to be the places where we can relax and unwind, can all too easily become an extension of this chaos!

This is why a simple kitchen design is so important. By stripping away the clutter and complication, a low-key kitchen fosters a sense of calm and allows you to focus on what truly matters – creating delicious and wholesome meals, and enjoying quality time with loved ones.

Simple kitchens are functional, with a well-planned layout and thoughtfully designed storage, making cooking and cleaning a breeze. A clutter-free, minimalist kitchen can significantly reduce everyday stress — and that’s just what we all need!

Assessing Your Needs and Goals

Before you get started on your simple kitchen design, take some time out to assess your kitchen habits. Ask yourself some pertinent questions: 

• Who uses the kitchen, and how often? 
• Do you cook elaborate meals, or just heat up take-out dishes?
• How many cooks are likely to be in the kitchen at the same time?
• How much storage do you require, and what types of storage would be needed?
• What type of cooking do you typically do? Hot meals, baked dishes, or salads and juices?
• Do you need a space for entertaining?
• Do you prefer a modern minimalist look or a touch of warmth with natural wood finishes?
• What are your biggest pain points in your current kitchen?

The answers to these questions will help you to understand your needs and design goals better. Create a mood board to help you visualise your dream kitchen. Put down colours, shutter designs, and workflows. Once your design has taken shape in your mind, it gets easier to turn it into reality!

Setting a Realistic Budget for Your Kitchen

Now that you have a clearer picture of your needs, the next step is to set a realistic budget for your kitchen project. Consider factors like materials — the cost of cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes can vary significantly. The design style also matters; traditional designs with elaborate detailing will cost a lot more than flat-panel minimal designs. Built-in high-end appliances will also, obviously, be priced higher than compact countertop models.

Research average costs for different types of simple kitchen designs in your city to create a budget that aligns with your goals. Don’t forget to include a buffer for unexpected expenses.

Planning Your Simple Kitchen Layout

Now comes the fun part – designing your dream kitchen!

First, measure your kitchen meticulously and create a detailed floor plan. Draw it out to scale on graph paper so that you can compare sizes.

Which layout works best for your needs? Choose from a straight, parallel, U-shaped or island kitchen layout, based on the space available and the kind of workflow that suits your requirements.

Consider the Work Triangle to place key elements in the most efficient manner.  Imagine a triangle formed by your refrigerator, sink, and stove. This is your Work Triangle, and you must minimise the distance between these key areas for efficient movement.

Last, think about how people will move through the kitchen, as they go through the various stages of meal prep. Leave enough space to move around comfortably, and avoid creating bottlenecks or tight spaces.

Simple Kitchen Design Ideas

Here are some simple kitchen design ideas you can dip into for inspiration!

Modern and minimal, this all-white kitchen exudes calm and order. The butcher block counters provide subtle, much-needed contrast; while simple white squares of tiles in the backsplash add to the streamlined aesthetic.

Here’s a lovely kitchen that scores high on both aesthetics and practicality! Built-in appliances keep the clutter off the counters in this stunning wood-and-white kitchen. Flat-faced panels add a minimal, fuss-free look, and the push-to-open shutters are easy to use.

Think that white is too stark, and feel that white kitchens have been overdone in recent times? It might be time to give a black kitchen its due! Dark is indeed beautiful, as this stylish black kitchen amply proves. The simple lines of the matte black cabinets lend elegance in spades, and the yellow lights add textural interest and warmth.

Simplifying Style: Selecting the Perfect Kitchen Materials and Finishes

The materials you choose for the cabinets will impact the look and feel of your kitchen. Here’s a round up of choices, so you can make an informed decision:

Kitchen Materials:

• Plywood: The gold standard – strong, durable, and moisture-resistant, plywood is the best choice for high-traffic kitchens and areas prone to humidity. Plywood must be finished with a surface finishing material like laminates, acrylic or membrane.
• MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard): A budget-friendly alternative to plywood, MDF is dense and offers a smooth finish, ideal for painted cabinets. Unlike plywood, you can directly route and paint on the surface of MDF. However, it’s not as moisture-resistant as plywood, so you should take care to avoid direct water exposure.
• Particle Board: This is the most affordable option, but also the least durable, as it is prone to warping and moisture damage unless well-sealed on all edges. It is available as a pre-laminated particle board which is lightweight, quick and easy to use.

Kitchen Finishes:

• Laminate: A versatile and affordable choice, laminates come in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and textures, mimicking wood grains, stone or high-gloss finishes. They are easy to clean and maintain.
• Acrylic:  For a sleek, modern look, acrylic finishes offer a high-gloss sheen that reflects light beautifully.  They are scratch and stain-resistant, making them ideal for busy kitchens. However, acrylic can show fingerprints and requires a bit more care when cleaning.
• Membrane: Membrane finishes come in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures. They can mimic the look of wood grain with incredible detail, achieving a realistic effect at a fraction of the cost of solid wood cabinets.

From Granite to Quartz: Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertops

Your kitchen countertops withstand a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis. They must be scratch-proof and stain-proof, easy to maintain, have good heat resistance properties, and should be durable as well. Here are some of the most popular kitchen countertop materials:

• Granite is a classic choice, offering timeless elegance and unmatched durability. It is heat and scratch-resistant, perfect for busy kitchens. Each slab comes with unique veining patterns, adding natural character.
• Marble is a luxurious choice, prized for its elegant veining and smooth surface. It adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen. However, it is delicate and needs special care.
• Corian (a solid surface material) is a non-porous option, making it resistant to stains and bacteria. It’s also seamless, with invisible seams that create a unified look.
• Quartz is a popular choice for its durability and low maintenance. It is an engineered stone that is non-porous, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant. Quartz comes in a vast array of colours and patterns to suit any style.

Step by Step: Navigating Kitchen Floor Tile Selection

Choosing the right floor tile for your kitchen is an important decision. Here are some thoughts to guide your selection:

First and foremost, practical considerations should dictate your choices. Your kitchen is a high-traffic zone, so the flooring should be durable. If you have pets or small children, prioritise slip resistance as well as scratch resistance. Look for kitchen floor tiles with textured or matte finishes. 

Then again, if you’re a busy person, you should look for low-maintenance options like glazed ceramic or vitrified tiles. Last but never least, look for tiles that fit within your budget! Also factor in the cost of laying and finishing the floors, not just the cost of the tiles alone.

When it comes to kitchen flooring, the material matters. Here are some choices:

• Ceramic: The most budget-friendly choice, ceramic tiles are a popular and versatile option. They come in a wide variety of styles, colours, and patterns and can be chosen to suit your décor aesthetic.
• Vitrified: Vitrified tiles, a bit more expensive than ceramic tiles, are known for their exceptional strength and durability. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens.
• Stones: Natural stone like granite, marble, or Kota stone offers unmatched elegance and timeless beauty. Each tile has unique natural variations, creating a one-of-a-kind look. These floors can be among the more expensive choices.

Harmonising Hues: Crafting the Ideal Kitchen Colour Scheme

Colours are powerful; they set the tone, add your personality and impact the mood in the room! So do take care to choose an inspiring and cohesive colour scheme for your simple kitchen design.

First, consider the space. Lighter hues like white, pale blues, or soft greens make the space feel open and airy. A darker accent wall can add vibrancy and dial up the visual interest. Larger kitchens will look good with impactful colours; try a two-tone combination for greater appeal!

Here are some lovely colour pairs you could explore:

• White and Navy: This is a forever favourite for a reason! The crisp white opens up the space, while the navy adds a touch of sophistication and depth.
• Grey and White: Another elegant crowd-pleaser, this duo is perfect for modern or minimalist kitchens.  Grey offers a touch of warmth compared to stark white, creating a lovely, inviting feel.
• Cream and Brown: This combination creates a cosy and timeless feel. Pick a light cream shade for the cabinets and a richer brown for countertops or an accent wall. Or vice versa!
• Black and White: Graphic and dramatic, this high-contrast duo makes a yin-and-yang statement. Use black sparingly for countertops or an accent wall, and balance it with plenty of white for openness.

All said and done, you should go with whatever speaks to your heart; these are colours you will have to live with for a while, so make a thoughtful choice!

Set the Tone with Minimalist Furniture

Minimalist furniture is sleek and functional, and is the right fit for a simple kitchen design. It is fuss-free and without ostentation of any sort, with clean lines and thoughtful design details that make all the difference.

Here’s how to choose kitchen elements that complement your streamlined aesthetic:

• Look for flat-panelled cabinets with hidden hardware, like push-to-open, shutters without handles. 
• Built-in storage accessories with organisers, and pull-out drawers with designated compartments for kitchen tools will maximise storage without visual clutter.
• Consider a simple, clean-lined table that reflects your chosen materials. A sleek rectangle table in natural wood creates a warm and inviting centrepiece.
• Pick chairs that echo the form and outline of your table. Modern chairs with clean lines are both comfortable and functional, just right for your simple kitchen design!

Focus on Kitchen Lighting

Kitchen lighting is the secret ingredient to a well-designed space! Plan to use a layered approach, to ensure both beauty and functionality. Here are the basic three lighting layers you must keep in mind: 

Ambient Lighting: Think of this as the general kitchen lighting that contributes to the overall brightness in the room. Recessed ceiling lights or a central pendant light can bathe the room in a comfortable glow.

Task Lighting: Under-cabinet lights are needed for illuminating countertops, preventing shadows that can hinder food preparation. LED strip lights do a good job of this.

Accent Lighting: Pendant lights over a sink or breakfast bar add a touch of warmth and highlight specific areas. They also add a glam quotient, enhancing the visual appeal of your kitchen!

Working with Professionals

Even a simple kitchen deserves a smart design! Professional designers have the knowledge and experience to create a simple kitchen that’s both functional and stylish. They’ve been there and done that, and can suggest clever storage ideas and space-saving features you might not even have considered! Experienced designers can advise on materials and finishes that fit your budget and ensure a durable, long-lasting simple kitchen design.

Want to craft your dream space, without the complexity? HomeLane is your go-to kitchen services provider! As your partner on your home décor journey, the HomeLane team handles the complexities of the project, leaving you free to focus on the fun parts — choosing finishes and dreaming about your new kitchen.

Get Started on Your Dream Kitchen!

Convinced that a simple kitchen design is the way to go? We’re happy to help! Check out the HomeLane interior decor catalogue and book a completely free design session. Just let us know your requirements, design preferences and budget. We’ll take care of the rest! 

Dream homes begin with dream designs, and dream designs begin with HomeLane!

FAQs

1. What are the first steps in designing a simple kitchen?

• Measure and Sketch:  First things first, grab a tape measure and sketch out the dimensions of your kitchen space. This will be crucial when planning the layout and placement of cabinets and appliances. Account for windows, doors, and any existing fixtures. Use graph paper or software to create a scaled plan where you can experiment with cabinet configurations and appliance placement.
• Consider Your Needs: Think about how you’ll use the kitchen. Are you a baking enthusiast or a passionate home chef needing ample prep space? Do you entertain often?  This will influence the features you prioritise. Imagine your typical cooking process – grabbing ingredients from the fridge, prepping on the counter, using the stove or oven, and cleaning up. Sketch a layout that positions these areas in a logical flow, often referred to as the “work triangle” between the sink, stove, and refrigerator.
• Choose Your Look: Simple kitchen design doesn’t translate to boring! Decide on a style that reflects your taste. Clean lines and neutral tones are classic choices for a simple kitchen. Consider timeless materials like wood, stone countertops, and stainless-steel appliances.
• Set a Budget:  Simple designs are not necessarily cheap, and determining a realistic budget will guide your material and appliance selections. Never, ever compromise on quality, even if you are on a tight budget. It’s always best to create a master plan, work on what you can afford right now, and leave the bells and whistles for later.

2. How can I incorporate natural light into my simple kitchen design?

Maximise Window Usage: When positioning your cabinets and appliances, avoid blocking natural light from windows. If possible, consider adding a skylight for an extra dose of sunshine.

Light-Coloured Elements: Pick light-coloured cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes to reflect natural light and make the space feel more open. 

Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors and high gloss surface finishes will reflect the available light and bounce it around in the room. You could think of having a mirrored backsplash or highly reflective stainless-steel appliances that will enhance the light in the room.

3. What are some key elements of a simple kitchen design?

Clean Lines and Uncluttered Surfaces: Simple cabinet styles with clean lines and minimal hardware will create a streamlined look. Avoid over decorating countertops – keep appliances tucked away when not in use.

Colour Palette: Choose a cohesive colour scheme with two to three main colours. Neutral tones like white, beige, or grey are classic choices for a simple kitchen and create a sense of spaciousness. You can add pops of colour with a backsplash or accent pieces.

Standardised Materials: Stick to readily available and affordable materials like laminate or quartz countertops and simple cabinet finishes. This will keep your project cost-effective, and keep your budget in check.

4. How can I maximise space in a small kitchen design?

Smart Layout: Design a space-saving layout like an L-shaped or galley kitchen. These layouts maximise counter space and keep traffic flow efficient.

Vertical Storage: Take advantage of vertical space with tall cabinets and pull-out drawers for easy access to stored items. Add a loft close to the ceiling for seasonal items.

Folding or Hidden Features: Consider folding tables, hidden appliance garages, and integrated trash bins to free up valuable counter space.

Smart Storage Solutions: Make the most of vertical space with tall cabinets and pull-out drawers in your base cabinets. Corner cabinets with revolving shelves can put those tricky corners to good use!

Compact Appliances: You can use smaller-sized appliances or even combination units to save space in your simple kitchen design.

Open Shelving: Thoughtfully placed floating shelves can provide storage without feeling bulky.