Whether you’re seeking an uncluttered, organized kitchen or have an open floor plan and want it to blend seamlessly with your other living areas, a minimalist design may just be the way to go.

Its sleek surfaces and lack of ornamentation can provide clear and tidy workspaces, while its simple lines can create the illusion of space. In short, it both performs well and looks good.

You may imagine that developing such a highly functional, aesthetically pleasing space will exhaust your budget, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Whether you’re building a new home or making over your current one, these ideas can help you get the look you want without an extensive renovation.

Neutral color palette

A chief hallmark of minimalist kitchens is their peaceful ambience. To achieve this vibe, avoid colors that are too bright or distracting, instead painting your walls white or a soft hue like sage or greige. Likewise, opt for a simple backsplash composed of sleek glass or large ceramic tiles in a neutral shade. Of course, if you like bold colors, you don’t have to forgo them entirely. Simply bring them in sparingly, such as with a brighter rug, curtains, or countertop decor, making sure to pick tones that complement the rest of your design. This will give your kitchen a nice pop of color without marring the refined look you desire.

Simple floors and lighting

Grounding your kitchen with wood or stone floors, or ones that look like such, can boost its warmth and elegance. For example, hardwood and luxury vinyl floors provide a light, smooth appearance, while large-format ceramic or porcelain floor tiles resembling pale stone or concrete offer a contemporary touch that suits a neutral color scheme.

As for lighting, bring in as much sunlight as you can, either by hanging roller shades or blinds that can be opened easily or eliminating window coverings altogether. Additionally, instead of a traditional chandelier, consider installing a sculptural one with metallic finishes, transparent glass, and exposed bulbs; the simpler shape and muted tones will better suit a minimalist design. Or for an even cleaner look, opt for recessed lights that blend into the ceiling. And choose high-performance LED bulbs, which may allow you to minimize the number of light fixtures needed in your space.

Simple cabinetry

Cabinets are a standout element in any kitchen, so make sure to give yours some consideration. Depending on your budget, you could swap them out for simple, flat-front ones in a light wood such as white or maple. Leave them unadorned without knobs, or select something sleek like chrome bar pulls; aim to match them with your sink hardware for a comprehensive look. Alternatively, you can get a minimalist feel for less by keeping your existing cabinetry and updating your more vintage knobs with less conspicuous ones.

Uncluttered countertops

Like your cabinets, your countertops are a main focal point of the space and can make or break your kitchen’s design. An unassuming shade like gray or white will lend an unfussy vibe, whether you go with quartz, marble, or laminate. For an uncomplicated appearance, seek a surface with little to no veining or speckling, and consider installing an undermount sink. Just as important, always keep your counters as neat as possible, tucking away items you don’t often use in your pantry or cabinets.

Limited belongings

As indicated, your kitchen can only fully reflect a minimalist, “less is more” aesthetic if it’s well organized. Therefore, pare down your dishes, glasses, pots, and kitchen tools as much as you can, keeping only what you need so they can fit neatly inside your storage spaces. You could even organize a swap with friends and family—exchanging duplicate or no-longer-used items for ones you’re missing. Another option is to sell what you don’t want, such as on Facebook Marketplace, and put your proceeds toward something more useful, such as shelf organizers to help you keep your cabinets tidy.

Achieving a minimalist design doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few changes, you may find that you can easily make over even a highly traditional kitchen into one that exudes both grace and efficiency.