When we think of a vibrant backyard with an outdoor kitchen and a spacious living space, minimalism is the last thing that comes to mind. Rich bushes, wooden fences, pots and flowers here and there, and pans and pots all around the backyard kitchen hardly make up a minimalistic scenery.
But how about if you adore minimalism? How about if you are tired of the backyard’s maximalism and want something simpler? Yes, backyards and outdoor kitchens can be minimalistic, and we are going to tell you both the how and the why it’s totally worth it.
Minimalistic outdoor kitchens keep the profile low & the style high
It’s reasonable to consider outdoor kitchen design options and not settle for the first style and color scheme you see. Minimal kitchens have already swamped the market and have stolen many people’s hearts. And as it seems this true and deep love for clean lines and a sleek appearance makes its move to the backyard.
More and more backyard kitchens are built in accordance with the minimalistic principles. Let us point out that minimalism is often misinterpreted. The whole less is more principle is misinterpreted. Having less doesn’t imply a deprivation of things but having the essentials – having exactly what you need. If you use two pots, why have ten? The idea of minimalism unfolds with the same rationale. Everything is simple – not simplistic, for the sole purpose of making life easy. This idea extends to the aesthetic part. The eye and the soul get tired when they are exposed to clutter and anarchy in space. That’s why there are linear lines, uniformity in terms of materials, and matching colors – nothing that stands out to disturb the mind and the eye.
Minimal backyard kitchens offer exactly what you need
Does this mean that you won’t have the amenities modern outdoor kitchens have? On the contrary, minimal kitchens are equipped with the very best of all essentials – a grill, a refrigerator, a pizza oven, and all accessories you find necessary. Of course, the kitchen has a countertop, a sink with a faucet, cabinets – all the needed features. But if you are getting a pizza oven just to get a pizza oven, don’t do it. It will occupy space otherwise used by equipment or items more useful to you. And so, here’s the thing. The whole point is building an outdoor kitchen that will have everything you consider necessary.
Minimalistic kitchens are clutter-free and monochromatic
The meaning of minimalistic outdoor kitchens is to remove excess clutter so that they will be easy to use, clean, and maintain. What’s better for a backyard kitchen? Who wants an extra kitchen to tidy up and clean? With minimalistic outdoor kitchen designs, all items have their place. The counter is nearly empty and so life becomes easy and simple. The eye rests. The kitchen fades away when it’s not used and shines only as a gorgeous decoration in the backyard. That’s why there’s uniformity in style, colors, and materials. That’s also why there’s no hardware and most cabinets have push-open mechanisms or just gaps large enough to put the fingers and pull the cabinet doors open.
Minimal outdoor kitchens may be black, white, grey. The materials may be anything from wood to concrete and engineered granite – in solid color. Although clutter-free, the kitchen may be combined with industrial elements, a wooden deck, greenery, and a pergola. You just need to remember that the structures must all have straight lines – even if they have curves. The lighting fixtures in the kitchen, over the island, or around the outdoor bar could be small or large – whatever matches best, but in strict lines – no ornaments. Anything, from reclaimed wood, glossy finishes and brick to marble touches, is permitted as long as it is in the right doses and clean lines.
Start by focusing on your backyard, its size and shape, the colors you love and how you can bring them together without exceeding the borders of the minimalistic principles. Stay with neutrals, clean lines, and natural materials and leave the excess out. You don’t need it – that’s why it’s called an excess, to start with. And that’s the exact principle of minimalism. Make your life clean and simple, in the backyard too.
