10 Simple Kitchen Design Ideas That Say More With Less

Eating, drinking, cleaning, relaxing—a lot happens in the kitchen. The design of your space needs to help all of these activities run smoothly—but that doesn't mean it can't be beautiful, too. Like a breathtaking abstract pa

inting or an iconic Picasso line drawing, a simple kitchen can be the most beautiful, as fewer details let you appreciate the grandeur of the ones you do want to showcase.

If you're trying to design a simple kitchen but keep getting stumped by your pan storage, scroll on to see 10 stunning but simple kitchen designs that prove you can do more with less. They are streamlined, efficient, and anything but boring—we promise.

01 Let Mother Nature Do the Talking

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With the addition of monstera leaves, this kitchen feels bright, clean, and devoid of any objects that lack function. That doesn't mean this kitchen is lacking in any way, though.

02 Mix Metal Accents

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In a white kitchen, mixing stainless steel appliances with gold accents says a lot with a little. Mixing metals a simple trick to add flair in even the most traditional of kitchens—just note how the gold accents look brushed and matte, which keeps the design sophisticated.

03 Make a Statement With Geometric Details

The arched entry to this simple kitchen instantly makes it unforgettable. The entry perfectly frames the symmetry of the stools and circular pendant lights, and the navy shiplap island centers the design while still feeling casual and fresh.

04 Go Monochromatic

Paring down your design to a single color and committing to it from kitchen door to refrigerator is a bold design choice in its own right. Little details like vertical cabinet pulls at the end of the navy runner also give the eyes places to stop and rest.

05 Bring the Glamour Via Appliances

Can a refrigerator be sexy? It's a ridiculous question, unless the fridge of the matter is a retro-style Smeg. The '50s icon of Italian design is powerful enough to serve as the focal point for your entire kitchen.

Use it as the starting point when designing out your kitchen, then complement it with a subway tile backsplash and some classic vintage nods.

06 Show Off Exposed Beams

If you're lucky enough to have beautiful exposed beams in your home, let them do the work for you. The exposed beams in this kitchen serve as a dramatic design point—and look great with floating wood shelves.

07 Pick Out Statement Furniture

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With the focus on cabinet pulls and where to cleverly stash a microwave, kitchen lighting often gets pushed to the bottom of your list of concerns. A white, flat kitchen can look stark, but these twin pendant lights made out of natural materials warm up the room.

08 Opt for Wood Floors

Wood floors throughout your kitchen and dining area make for a warm, cozy statement that will tie together the connecting spaces. They embrace classic country-style and are the perfect foundation for primitive antiques and wildflower bouquets.  

09 Don't Be Afraid of Color

When you think of simple kitchen designs, you probably don't picture bold emerald paint, but simple doesn't have to mean completely devoid of color. Using the same deep green for the island, cabinets, and floating shelf here keeps the design calm. Plus, green paint will make your brass hardware stand out beautifully.

10 Find Neutral Ground

If you're tired of your white kitchen and depressed by the idea of gray cabinets, a soft French blue is a great alternative. It's neutral but charming, and a painted island helps keep any kitchen from looking too rigid or cookie-cutter.