Midimalist kitchens are the trending way to create a characterful yet clutter-free space – and these 8 spaces prove how chic this best of both worlds style can be

The perfect middle ground between pared-back and busy, midimalist kitchens are on the rise – and they're proving to be the ideal way to create a personality-filled, lived-in space.

You might have already seen the midimalism trend in cozier rooms, but it's finally made its way into cooking spaces, offering cozy, characterful, and balanced kitchen ideas. It's about taking your favorite elements from minimalism and maximalism to create a space that feels perfectly decorated for your style.

We've turned to designers and kitchen experts to discover and share their favorite midimalist kitchen ideas for getting this balance of two extremes right.

8 midimalist kitchen ideas that get the expert seal-of-approval

A design style that sits somewhere between the simple, pared-back designs of minimalism and the bold, busy schemes typical of maximalism, blending your favorite features of each is the perfect way to nail midimalism in the kitchen.

And these spaces are the perfect guide for how to get it right. From bold marbles with muted colors to simplistic schemes emboldened with busy wallpapers, there's plenty here to inspire.

1. Mix materials for a midimalist look

Bringing midimalist style into the kitchen requires a bit more consideration than in other rooms where you can add soft furnishings and decorative items. Instead, look to materials and how you pair them to bring in warmth and contrast.

'Midimalism is about restraint with character with refined forms, elevated materials, and just enough warmth to make minimalism feel liveable. In the kitchen shown here, the midimalist approach is expressed through a pairing of soft matte cabinetry, natural timber, and the bold veining of the marble countertop that brings in the maximalism touch,' says Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel.

'The kitchen cabinet hardware in burnished brass adds a subtle sculptural detail that ties the whole scheme together. There’s warmth, but it’s considered. Curved seating, pared-back kitchen lighting, and arched windows echo the softness of the design language. It feels intentional, calming, and beautifully balanced; the very essence of midimalism.'

2. Pair soft colors with pretty patterns

Focusing on pattern and color is a great way to bring a sense of midimalism to your kitchen – in this case, how the chosen kitchen cabinet color pairs with the patterns used for the window seat area.

'This kitchen gets beautiful natural light throughout the day, so we wanted to keep the design clean and pared back,' says Louise Copeland, founder and designer of L.B. Copeland Interior Design.

'To bring in subtle interest, we used a tonal pattern: a white chevron tile on the walls adds texture, and a blue floral Roman shade – closely matched to the cabinetry – introduces softness without breaking the palette. It’s layered, but in a quiet, controlled way that keeps the space feeling calm.'

3. Layer natural materials and neutral colors

The design of this kitchen is a different approach to midimalism. It takes the color palette typical of minimalism and blends it with the textural layers of a more maximalist kitchen.

'There’s a lot of detail in the materials, but the palette is restrained. The paneled walls are tonal and low contrast, and we focused on mixing natural, neutral finishes – wood, stone, plaster – rather than introducing bold color. It’s all about subtle layering that adds depth while keeping the space grounded,' explains Louise.

The addition of the rich wooden island ensures the space has depth and tonal contrast, while the layered decor brings in a sense of personality of lived-in style.

4. Blend warmth and uncluttered design

The base of this kitchen feels really minimalist, with clean lines, light hues, and an uncluttered finish. But what brings it into the midimalist realm is the open kitchen shelving filled with layered decor of varying materials, textures, and styles.

'The kitchen pictured is a beautiful example of midimalism in action. The pale, shaker-style cabinetry keeps things refined, while the expressive marble backsplash adds visual interest without overwhelming the space,' says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

'Decorative elements like wooden stools, artisan ceramics, greenery, and a curated shelf display layer in warmth and texture. It’s relaxed yet refined; proof that a kitchen can feel both beautifully designed and genuinely welcoming,' he explains.

5. Focus on how your flooring mixes with the rest of your midimalist scheme

Often, midimalist kitchen ideas focus on kitchen cabinets and kitchen countertops, but there's another key element that has a huge impact on your kitchen: the flooring. And this design is a perfect example of how it can aid a midimalist scheme.

'The space is a stunning example of midimalism, and the kitchen flooring does much of the heavy lifting. The large-format Limestone flagstones bring instant warmth and a sense of permanence, grounding the space in natural texture,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'Paired with the gently veined marble countertops and backsplash, it creates a rich, tonal palette without ever feeling busy. It’s a space that feels both elegant and effortless, precisely what midimalist design sets out to achieve.'

6. Bring in maximalist color to a minimalist design

One of the easiest ways to create a midimalist kitchen is to give a minimalist design a dose of bold color. In this design, on-trend yellow instantly brings a simplistic design to life.

'We designed and accessorized this basement kitchen with the original early Victorian Grade II listed house very much in mind. It was to be a hard-working kitchen as our client is a keen cook who loves entertaining, therefore a midimalist approach was taken to create not only a warm, inviting aesthetic but one which welcomed useful kitchen tools and tableware to be on display,' says Georgina Cave, of Cave Interiors.

'The open shelving housing the crockery on the sink run, and the shelf over the AGA with hanging rail under display a range of vintage china and cookware all at immediate hand. This not only helps in terms of ease of use but adds to the overall character without being overly cluttered.'

7. Combine simple features that add personality

This warm neutral kitchen has been given a midimalist makeover with the addition of a green island, layered decor, and a patterned blind over the window. It's the accessories and attention to detail here that make it the perfect middle ground between minimal and busy.

'At its core, it's pared-back and purposeful, but it’s also filled with thoughtful touches that invite you in. The generous farmhouse dining table anchors the room as a place to gather – whether for long, lazy lunches or spontaneous evening meals. A statement range sits at the heart of the space, adding both function and flair,' explains Charmaine White, associate director of interior design at HollandGreen.

'Crittall-style windows allow the light to flood in, while brass hardware and soft floral textiles introduce warmth and gentle contrast. Linen and wicker elements add textural depth, making the space feel relaxed and grounded. It’s a space that proves minimalist design doesn’t have to be cold – it can be full of soul, and designed to be lived in.'

8. Add a bold wallpaper to a pared-back kitchen

If you currently have a very sleek, minimal kitchen, there are a few ways to can infuse character to give it a more midimalist finish. And we're not talking about changing the core elements – simply adding collected accessories and a bold kitchen wallpaper will make a difference.

'Midimalist is a relatively new term that blends the warmth and character of mid-century design with the clean, uncluttered principles of minimalism. This kitchen captures that essence beautifully. The clean lines of the handleless cabinetry provide a sleek, minimalist base for the handcrafted wood cabinets with reeded glass fronts,' explains Judith Gelling, of Kitchen Architecture.

'Decor in a midimalist kitchen is all about balance. Here, the wallpaper adds just the right amount of pattern and interest – enough to express individuality but never overwhelm the space. Midimalism is about calm, considered design with character. This kitchen nails it.'

What is a midimalist kitchen?

Midimalism is a relatively new and emerging style in the world of kitchens. Taking the best features of minimalism and maximalism, it's a design ethos that's growing as more people want kitchens that feel lived-in and full of personality.

'A midimalist kitchen strikes the perfect balance between minimalism and warmth. It retains the calm, uncluttered feel of minimal design, but introduces soft textures, natural materials, and carefully chosen decorative details that make the space feel lived-in and inviting. You still have the clean lines and considered layout but with more personality and soul,' explains Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.

Certain approaches work best to create a midimalist kitchen. And for Ca' Pietra's Grazzie Wilson, it's all about the materials and how you layer them. 'Midimalist kitchens are all about mindful layering, think natural materials, soft tones, and just the right amount of decorative detail.'

'Unlike minimalism, which often strips a space back to the bare bones, midimalism invites warmth and character. It’s about balance: clean lines meet earthy textures, and every surface is chosen to feel beautiful, tactile, and liveable,' she explains.

While the midimalist style is trending, it's far from a fleeting kitchen trend. It's a style that's gaining traction because it's achievable, balanced, and adds the coziness people desire without impeding on function.

It's a kitchen style that embodies lived-in style and personality-filled design – from the kitchen colors introduced to layering textiles and decorating with vintage pieces, there are so many ways to create the look. It's a style you should definitely consider adding to your kitchen this year.