Kim Kardashian's 'Invisible' Kitchen Storage is a Guidebook for Pure Minimalism
Pared-back schemes can be difficult to master, but the socialite's tranquil pantry teaches the art of monochromatic elegance and simplicity
Minimalism can have many meanings. From neutral colors to sparse spaces, it's a broad term for a variety of pared-back looks. In Kim Kardashian's home, however, minimalism is absolute.
Every room in her home is completely neutral and minimally furnished, resulting in a clean, futuristic finish, and her kitchen storage is no exception. The Skims founder's pantry is awash with cream from the walls to the shelves to the dishes illuminated with warm under-shelf lights. This monochrome finish renders the shelves nearly invisible, creating a sense that Kim's dishes are floating in space.
As we look towards the future of warm minimalism in 2027, sculptural and interesting storage spaces like Kim's will grow increasingly popular.
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The 'invisible' quality of Kim's shelves is especially appealing at a moment where homeowners want spaces that feel effortlessly organized. Suddenly, storage space is a part of the design.
'Hidden functionality will continue to be a major focus in 2027,' Emily Newmarch, Design Consultant at Kitchens by Holloways, tells Homes & Gardens. 'We are seeing prep pantries, breakfast cupboards, second kitchens, utility spaces and boot rooms being planned from the start of a project alongside the kitchen, rather than being seen as an afterthought.'
Recreate Kim's Look at Home
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Emily explains: 'There is still a strong desire for the kitchen to feel functional and uncluttered, but the demands of real life still need to be met. Homeowners need space and storage for everyday items such as appliances, food storage, laundry, pet items, coats and everyday clutter. The difference is that these functions are increasingly being built into the wider layout so they can work quietly in the background.'
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Invisible shelves like Kim's are a great option for creating this built-in functionality in a minimalist home.
Furthermore, Kim's minimalist approach to pantry design is a wonderful option for those who live in small homes. This means it is easy to recreate, no matter where you live.
Bo Hellberg, CMO at Scandinavian design icon String Furniture advises: 'Floating shelves don't take up a lot of physical – and therefore visual – space, making them ideal for smaller rooms. Swapping even a small run of cabinets for open shelving can make a room feel larger and brighter. It allows for plenty of storage and creates an opportunity to display your favourite items and knick-knacks, without overwhelming the space with heavy cabinetry.'
In 2027, minimalism will prioritize functionality and shift towards an art-like feeling, starting in even the most practical of places.
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Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.
In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.
Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.