Plot Twist: Making the Kitchen Less Like a Kitchen Is a Big Pinterest Trend

We’ve seen so many kitchen trends come and go, from farmhouse sinks to open shelving. Now there’s a new kid on the block. According to Pinterest, minimalism is spiking for fall. Specifically, searches for “modern minimalist kitchens” are up 115 percent from last year—and we have a hunch the aesthetic is gaining some serious traction based on all the time we’ve spent in the room over the past year and a half. We’re big fans, so we’ve highlighted some of the best elements that make up this modern style, which is all about making your kitchen look less like a kitchen.  

Behind Closed Doors

Ditch your open shelving in favor of a more mysterious storage solution. Enclosing everything, even your appliances, creates a streamlined look (not being able to find the dishwasher is a small price to pay).

Gray Scale

While green may be the It color for the maximalist set, black and white continue to soar as the go-to neutrals for modern kitchens. Keeping the same color on both upper and lower cabinets may not be eye-catching, but it will help structural pendant lights hung over the island stand out. 

Pared Down

The trick to a streamlined space is to keep the number of materials slim. Opt for no cabinet hardware and butcher block counters instead of veined marble or a fussy colored backsplash. Using the same textures throughout the room keeps each area feeling cohesive.