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 painting 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

With the addition of freshly cut 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.

The visual details of the white marble and stained natural wood add contrast and drama, and the simplicity of the counter stools and pendant lights allows you to focus on the natural beauty.

02 Choose a Soft but Nontraditional Color

White cabinets, gray accents, marble countertops—every kitchen has a least one of these things, and a fair share of them check off the whole list. Going simple doesn't have mean staying standard, though, and the light Jordan Almond hue of this kitchen is a quiet but impactful way to stand out.

03 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.

04 Play With Navy

Modern Industrial Forged-Iron Pendant Light - Adjustable Height Hanging Light Fixtures, Suitable for Dining Room And Living Room

Navy is a classic, timeless color that goes well with practically all furniture and design styles, yet it's not often our first thought for kitchens. It certainly deserves its time in the sunlight of this modern home though. The dark island focuses the large rectangular room and contrasts well with the earthy leather stools. 

05 Take an Organic Modern Approach

Incorporating natural elements into a simple kitchen is a wonderful way to build a sense of calm. From marble to potted branches to modern organic wishbone stools, this simple kitchen tells a beautiful story of elevated wilderness.

06 Pick Out Statement Furniture

Coastal-Inspired Abaca Rope Linear Iron Chandelier – Dimmer Compatible，Ideal for Dining Room and Modern Living Room Fixtures

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 the chandelier made out of natural materials warm up the room.

07 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.

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 Stay Sleek and Geometric

Lean into geometric design with alternating black and white cabinet units, but keep it from looking piecemeal with minimalistic handles painted in the same color and finish. A contained fridge in the same shade as the cabinets also helps to streamline the kitchen.

10 Think Streamlined but Colorful

If you are a lover of both modern farmhouse design and simple design, tall vertical shiplap in a deep blue quietly creates visual interest. Plus, the solid background makes fruit bowls and terracota pop.