10 Simple Kitchen Ideas | More Kitchens

Published: 28 July 2023

What do you think of when you think of a simple kitchen design?

Perhaps you think of plain, boring, and ordinary. At More Kitchens, we think of uncomplicated, effortless, accessible, streamlined, uncluttered, and pure.

Simple kitchen designs are about pulling together efficiency and style into one room, a space that is equally as beautiful as it is easy to use.

In our latest blog, we reveal our top 10 design tips for achieving the dream simple kitchen that is anything but plain.

First off, what is a simple kitchen?

A simple kitchen embodies the principles of functionality, minimalism, and timelessness.

It is a space where every element serves a purpose and unnecessary clutter is eliminated while retaining personality, prioritising an efficient workflow that makes it easy to move around and access essential areas such as the sink, stove, and refrigerator (more on that later).

Done well and cleverly designed, simple kitchens embrace clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and quality materials that withstand the test of time. And by incorporating smart storage solutions, maximising natural light, and selecting sleek appliances, a simple kitchen creates a calm and inviting atmosphere that can be enjoyed by everyone.

And what are the main benefits of embracing a simple kitchen?

There are a few and we would probably need a whole other article dedicated to those benefits! However, some of the best reasons our design team has picked out include:

• Enhanced Functionality - as we mentioned earlier, everything serves a purpose within a simple kitchen design. Very few things are there for show. But by strategically placing appliances, you create an efficient workflow and effortless movement.
• Timeless Elegance- simplicity in design is the key to achieving a timeless kitchen space. Clean lines, neutral and earthy colours, and quality materials create a space that will stand the test of time and retain appeal.
• Easy Maintenance - arguably the most popular of our benefits. We all want to have an easy life and don’t want to spend hours cleaning. Simplistic designs mean less clutter and less dust accumulation, saving you valuable time and energy.
• Clever Storage Solutions - you will read the word uncluttered a lot in this blog and achieving that comes down to having well-placed storage. We’ll go into this in more detail but by having pull-out shelves, deep drawers, and vertical organisers, you can optimise every inch of space available to you, eliminating visual clutter and allowing you to focus on the joy of cooking and spending time with loved ones.

Embracing simplicity in your kitchen allows you to create a space that not only looks beautiful but also functions seamlessly, making your culinary endeavors a pleasure.

Our top 10 design tips for achieving a dream simple kitchen design

A lot happens in our kitchens. It’s not just a place for cooking and fetching a glass of water. Modern kitchens are centred around social events and are the heart of a home.

And for that reason, many homeowners are exploring how they can make their kitchen a place you want to hang around in.

Simple kitchen designs are no different.

We have asked our senior designers to provide their top 10 design tips that will help you say more with less…

1. Optimise layout and workflow

We all want a clean and optimised kitchen. One that is easy to navigate without getting stressed. However, very few know how to achieve it.

This is where the Golden Triangle comes in handy. This triangle connects the sink, stove, and refrigerator—the three primary work areas - and ensures they are in close proximity to each other, forming an efficient triangular layout.

It’s a small thing but doing minimises unnecessary movement and promotes productivity during meal preparation.

Those three appliances aside, consider the positioning of other essential elements such as prep areas, storage, and countertop space. Keep your frequently used items within easy reach and strategically place countertops near the stove for convenient food preparation.

Keep pathways clear. Avoid furniture and large objects in areas where they could hinder movement. Keep a space that breathes and a simple layout that allows you to do what you need to do in the kitchen with minimal fuss.

2. Streamline storage solutions

Speaking of minimal fuss now is a great time to mention how storage can make the biggest difference to your simple kitchen design.

And it’s all in the name of keeping your space uncluttered.

By investing in smart storage options such as pull-out shelves, deep drawers, and vertical organisers, you can utilise every inch of space efficiently to keep your kitchen well-organised while still having everything at arm’s length and accessible.

We will give a special mention to vertical storage in particular. This is a smart solution for making use of your wall space - with wall-mounted cabinets, shelves, or racks - so as to not encroach on valuable floor area - especially in a smaller kitchen when every inch counts.

Find more inspiration in our storage solutions blog here.

3. Embrace open shelving

Sticking with storage, we want to give open shelving a special mention.

If you aspire to have a kitchen that feels open, airy, and inviting, open shelving is an easy solution. By removing upper cabinets and replacing them with open shelves, you allow natural light to flow freely, creating a brighter and more spacious atmosphere.

Likewise, they keep everything accessible and within arm’s reach. It promotes effortless organisation, allowing you to grab what you need without having to open and close cabinets and drawers.

And who doesn’t want to show off their personal style? Open shelving allows you to show off your unique tastes and the things you value most in a creative and uncluttered way - whether this is your favourite dishes, glassware, cookbooks, or decorative items.

4. Choose a neutral colour palette

If you’re wanting a simple kitchen design, stick to neutral colours.

Natural colours, like whites, creams, grays, and earthy tones, have a timeless quality and will remain relevant for years to come. Neutrality also provides a versatile backdrop, one that can be easily coordinated and effortlessly adapted to evolving design styles and personal preferences.

The subdued backdrop allows other design elements, such as textures, materials, and accents, to take center stage without overwhelming the space.

Then there is the mood to consider. Neutral tones and colours bring a calming effect on the overall ambiance of a kitchen, creating a serene and soothing environment and making your kitchen a haven where you can unwind and enjoy your culinary experiences.

5. Focus on quality materials

Similar to changing colours all the time, the last thing any of us want is to be changing our appliances, worktops, and utensils frequently.

Here, we’re talking about how your kitchen can withstand the test of time. By investing in durable materials, like solid wood cabinetry, natural stone worktops, or high-quality flooring, you are purchasing materials that are built to combat daily wear and tear, making them a wise long-term investment.

There is also the maintenance to consider here as well. Quality materials are easier to clean and keep on top of. They are less prone to staining, chipping, and scratches. They are also often more resistant to heat, moisture, and. This means you spend less time and effort on upkeep, allowing you to enjoy your kitchen without the stress of constant maintenance.

Needless to say, you would also be making a more sustainable choice. Many quality materials are sourced responsibly, and some even come from sustainable or renewable sources, helping you reduce your carbon footprint while you make long-term, durable, investments.

6. Seamless flooring

So, we’ve briefly mentioned using quality materials for flooring. More specifically, we’d advocate looking at seamless flooring.

This style of flooring is laid without seams, ridges, or joints. It creates visual continuity and a sense of unity within your kitchen. By using the same flooring material throughout the space, you eliminate visual breaks or transitions, resulting in a clean and cohesive look.

We’ve spoken about maintenance before already but imagine flooring that doesn’t trap dirt or crumbs that is impossible to hook out, where spills and messes don’t leak into a grout line. Seamless floors allow for quick and easy cleaning and are the best approach to maintaining the kitchen environment.

Our blog on what kitchen flooring is right for you can be read here.

7. Maximise natural light

This tip, predominantly, is all around the mood and feel of a simple kitchen design.

Natural light can give any room - not just a kitchen - a transformative power to create a beautiful and inviting space, filling them with a warm and inviting glow.

Similar with open shelving, empowering natural light can make even the simplest kitchens feel open and spacious, enhancing the overall simplicity and serenity of the design. Many studies have shown that natural lighting has a positive benefit to our mood and well-being so finding ways to infuse it, you’re creating a space that lifts your spirits and makes you more productive.

There is an energy efficiency angle to consider, too. Embracing natural light and letting the outdoors in, will reduce your reliance on artificial and, with it, the energy required by your utilities.

8. Install task lighting

We’ve looked at natural lighting, so now it’s time to look at what can be achieved with artificial.

And for this, we’re going to focus on task lighting - a direct form of lighting used for certain tasks, similar to what you would use if you were to read a book in the evening.

Task lighting can also play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of your kitchen. It provides focused illumination in specific work areas, such as the countertop, stove, and sink. By illuminating these key areas, task lighting ensures that you have ample light for food preparation, cooking, and cleaning, allowing you to work efficiently and safely in your kitchen.

It’s also a flexible solution. You can choose from under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, track lighting, or recessed lighting, depending on the layout and design of your kitchen.

Particularly in a simple kitchen design, layering lighting is essential for creating depth and ambiance. Task lighting serves as one layer of the design, along with ambient and accent lighting. But by combining different types of lighting, you can achieve a well-balanced and inviting atmosphere.

You can read our full guide to kitchen lighting here.

9.Select sleek and functional appliances

While there are many different styles to choose from when creating your perfect kitchen, we often find that modern and sleek is the preferred choice when going for a simple and clean look. Especially with appliances.

Modern appliances, like ovens and refrigerators, are efficient and simple. They’re uncluttered. And they are built to be as simple to use as possible. Their clean lines, minimalistic designs, and smooth finishes are done to create visual harmony.

Similarly, modern appliances are designed with space optimisation in mind - now often featuring compact sizes and innovative storage solutions, making them ideal for smaller kitchens or open floor plan designs.

By choosing appliances that maximize space, you can achieve a more efficient and functional layout without compromising on style or performance.

10. Create a focal point

Even within a simple kitchen design, you want something that is going to pop. Something that is going to tie the room together, appliances and colours and all. Something that is going to pull the eye in from the moment you step into the space.

This doesn’t have to be something grandiose. It can be something like a statement splashback or a unique lighting fixture. It could be art or decor, quotes or pictures. On the other end of the scale, it could be an island.

By adding visual intrigue, you’re adding depth and character to your kitchen, making it visually engaging and inviting - all while showing your unique design preferences.

A focal point should be something that resonates with you. Something that infuses your kitchen with a sense of personality.

Can we help turn your kitchen into a simple but loveable space?

Simple kitchen designs are centred around efficiency. They are clean, uncluttered, spaces that are designed to make your life as easy as possible, while maintaining a style you can love for years to come.

At More Kitchens, we’re experts in all aspects of kitchen design and installation. Managing the entire project from start to finish, if you’re wanting to turn your transform your kitchen space into something that is simple and matches your lifestyle, then call a friendly member of our team today or book a free design appointment with us today.

Similarly, though, if you’re not convinced after this that the simple way is the right way for you, you’ll find more inspiration with our Peninsula kitchen, L-shaped kitchen design, and open plan kitchen idea blogs.

FAQs

Are there any tips for maximising storage in a simple kitchen design?

Absolutely! In a simple kitchen design, maximising storage is crucial. Consider utilising vertical space with tall cabinets or open shelves, incorporating drawer organisers and dividers, and make use of hidden storage solutions like pull-out pantries or corner cabinets. The key is to prioritise efficient and organised storage without cluttering the space.

How do I create a sense of spaciousness in a small kitchen with a simple design?

In a small kitchen, a simple design can help create a sense of spaciousness. Opt for light colours and natural light to make the space feel brighter and more open. Choose sleek and slim-profile appliances to maximise countertop and floor space. Incorporate reflective surfaces, like a mirrored backsplash or glossy finishes, to add depth and create the illusion of a larger space.

What are some simple design choices that make cleaning and maintenance easier in the kitchen?

Simple kitchen design choices can greatly simplify cleaning and maintenance. Choose smooth and non-porous materials for countertops and backsplashes, as they are easier to wipe clean. Opt for minimalistic cabinetry with flat surfaces that accumulate less dust and are easy to wipe down. Consider installing a deep sink with a pull-out spray nozzle for easy cleaning of pots and pans.

How can I incorporate personal style and character into a simple kitchen design?

While simple kitchen design focuses on clean lines and minimalism, you can still incorporate personal style and character. Add pops of colour through accessories like vibrant dishware or colourful bar stools. Display a curated collection of cookbooks or decorative items on open shelves. Incorporate artwork or a statement lighting fixture to add personality and create a focal point.

What lighting options work best for a simple kitchen design?

For a simple kitchen design, consider incorporating a combination of natural and artificial lighting. Maximise natural light with large windows and skylights. Supplement with recessed or track lighting to provide general illumination. Add task lighting under cabinets or above work areas. Consider statement pendant lights or sleek fixtures to enhance the overall aesthetic.

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