Midimalist kitchens are the most popular way to create a space full of personality without clutter – and these 6 spaces prove just how chic this style that brings together the best of both worlds can be
The midimalist style is the perfect balance between minimalist and maximalist kitchens, and it’s on the rise – proving to be the ideal way to create a space full of personality and life.
You may have seen the trend of midimalism in cozier environments, but it has finally made its way to kitchen spaces, offering cozy, personality-packed, and balanced ideas. According to Homes & Gardens, the idea is to use your favorite elements of minimalism and maximalism to create a space that perfectly matches your style.
We turned to kitchen designers and experts to discover and share their favorite midimalist kitchen ideas for achieving the balance between two extremes.
A design style that sits somewhere between the simple, stripped-back lines of minimalism and the bold, busy schemes typical of maximalism. Mixing your favorite characteristics from each is the perfect way to nail midimalism in the kitchen.
And these spaces are the perfect guide to get it right. From bold marbles in subdued tones to simplistic schemes enhanced by statement wallpapers, there’s plenty to inspire.
1. Mix materials for a midimalist look
Bringing the midimalist style into the kitchen requires a bit more attention than other rooms, where you can add upholstery and decorative items. Instead, look at the materials and how you combine them to bring warmth and contrast.
“Midimalist is about restraint with character, with refined forms, noble materials, and enough warmth to make minimalism livable. In the kitchen shown here, the midimalist approach is expressed through a combination of soft matte-tone cabinetry, natural wood, and the bold veining of the marble countertop, which adds the maximalist touch,” says Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel.
“The polished brass kitchen cabinets add a subtle sculptural detail that ties the whole project together. There’s coziness, but it’s well thought out. Curved seating, understated kitchen lighting, and arched windows echo the softness of the design language. The result is 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 color chosen for the kitchen cabinet ties in with the patterns used in the window seat area.
“This kitchen receives lovely natural light throughout the day, so we wanted to keep the design clean and minimal,” says Louise Copeland, founder and designer at LB Copeland Interior Design.
“To add subtle interest, we used a tonal pattern: a white chevron tile on the walls adds texture, and a floral blue roman shade – well coordinated with the cabinets – brings softness without breaking the palette. It’s a layered space, but in a quiet and controlled way that keeps the space feeling serene.”
3. Combine natural materials and neutral colors
The design of this kitchen takes a different approach to midimalism. It uses the typical color palette of minimalism and blends it with the texture layers of a more maximalist kitchen.
“There’s a lot of detail in the materials, but the palette is restrained. The panel walls are tonal and low contrast, and we focused on mixing natural and neutral finishes – wood, stone, plaster – rather than introducing strong colors. What matters is subtle layering that adds depth while keeping the space grounded,” explains Louise.
The addition of the rich wood island ensures the space has depth and tonal contrast, while the layered decor brings a sense of lived-in style and personality.
4. Blend coziness and stripped-back design
The base of this kitchen is minimalist, with clean lines, light tones, and a stripped-back finish. But what brings it into the midimalist realm are the open shelves, full of layered decor with varied materials, textures, and styles.
“The kitchen pictured is a beautiful example of midimalism in action. The light, shaker-style cabinets retain sophistication, while the expressive marble backsplash adds visual interest without overwhelming the space,” says Richard Davonport, managing director at Davonport.
“Decorative elements like wooden stools, handmade ceramics, greenery, and a curated shelf create a layer of coziness and texture. It’s a relaxed yet refined space – proof that a kitchen can be both beautifully designed and genuinely welcoming,” he explains.
5. Bring maximalist color to minimalist design
One of the easiest ways to create a midimalist kitchen is to add a bold splash of color to a minimalist design. In this design, fashion-forward yellow instantly brings life to a simple layout.
“We designed and fitted this basement kitchen with the original Grade II-listed Victorian-era home. It was meant to be a functional kitchen, as our client is an avid cook who loves entertaining. So, we took a midimalist approach to create not only a cozy and inviting aesthetic but also one that welcomed useful kitchenware and utensils on display,” says Georgina Cave of Cave Interiors.
The open shelving that holds the dishware at the sink and the shelf above the AGA cabinet with a rail underneath exposes a variety of vintage crockery and kitchen tools, all within easy reach. This not only makes things easy to use but also adds to the overall character without being overly cluttered.
6. Add bold wallpaper to a minimalist kitchen
If you have a very sleek minimalist kitchen, there are a few ways to add personality and give it a more midimalist touch. And we’re not talking about changing main elements – just adding collectible accessories and bold wallpaper will make a difference.
“Midimalist is a relatively new term that combines the coziness and character of mid-century design with the clean, pared-back principles of minimalism. This kitchen masterfully captures that essence. The straight lines of the handleless cabinets provide a sleek, minimalist foundation for the handcrafted wooden cabinets with fluted glass fronts,” explains Judith Gelling of Kitchen Architecture.
Midimalist kitchen decor is all about balance. Here, the wallpaper adds just the right amount of pattern and interest – enough to express individuality without overwhelming the space. Midimalism is synonymous with calm, considered design with personality. This kitchen nails it.
What is a midimalist kitchen?
Midimalism is a relatively new and emerging style in the kitchen world. Drawing from the best traits of minimalism and maximalism, it’s a design ethos that is growing as more people seek kitchens that feel lived-in and full of personality.
“A midimalist kitchen achieves the perfect balance between minimalism and coziness. It keeps the calm and organized feeling of minimalist design but introduces soft textures, natural materials, and carefully selected decorative details that make the space warm and welcoming. It maintains clean lines and a well-thought-out 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 Grazzie Wilson of Ca’ Pietra, what matters is the materials and how you layer them. “Midimalist kitchens prioritize conscious layering, thinking about natural materials, soft tones, and the right amount of decorative detailing.”
“Unlike minimalism, which often strips a space down to the essentials, midimalism invites warmth and personality. It’s about balance: clean lines meet earthy textures, and every surface is chosen to be beautiful, tactile, and livable,” she explains.
Source: Homes & Gardens
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
