Maximizing Function in a Minimalist Kitchen: Our Small Cooking Haven

185

Japandi
Condo
≤500 sqft
1 br
Couple Living

Can a minimalist kitchen be functional too? Absolutely! Welcome to our humble one-bedroom condo kitchen, where space is tight, but our passion for cooking thrives. Cooking at least three times a week, we’ve learned that it’s not about how big your kitchen is but how smartly you use it. Rule #1: Dual-Purpose Everything In a small kitchen, versatility is key. We stick to a golden rule—everything should serve at least two purposes. This mindset keeps the space clutter-free and functional, making every decision about adding new items intentional.
What’s in Our Kitchen? Though our kitchen came pre-designed, we’ve adapted it to suit our needs. Outfitted with a compact yet efficient setup—Smeg appliances like a dishwasher, fridge, oven, induction cooker, hood, and even a washing machine—paired with Blum drawers, we’ve found ways to maximize every inch. Our favorite feature? The space-saving sauces drawer, closely followed by a thoughtfully designed cutlery drawer that’s both sleek and practical. Small Fridge, Big Impact Our fridge may be small, but it’s a blessing in disguise. Its size helps us stay mindful of grocery shopping, reducing waste while encouraging smart, intentional choices. Not Oven People, But… While some can’t imagine life without an oven, ours sees little action. Still, if you install one, be sure to use it at least once a month to keep it in working condition!
Small Kitchen Equipment Essentials With limited space, only essentials stay. One game-changer for us has been our water dispenser—perfect for warm water and tea at the press of a button. We’ve also made the most of our layout by adding a pull-out drawer for our rice cooker and a plate stand to save space. For waste management, we rely on our second Simple Human hanging dustbin—deep, efficient, and easy to maintain.
Small But Mighty Gadgets Our kitchen thrives on simplicity, anchored by powerful gadgets. The Ninja 11-in-1 is our go-to for air frying, grilling, and making soups. While our beautiful Balmuda oven is underused due to its height limits, the real star is our Staub cast iron pot. Everything cooked in it comes out mouthwateringly good. Another favorite is our Yoshikawa snow pot, perfect for whipping up miso soups and ramen—budget-friendly and reliable.
Small Coffee Corner, Big Impact We’ve also set up a cozy coffee corner that’s become a highlight of our daily routine. Our MORNING coffee machine, paired with a monthly subscription, delivers exciting capsules from around the globe. Each one comes with a barista-level brewing method, making every cup feel special. For cold brew days, we rely on our Fellow grinder—it’s a true blessing and adds variety to our coffee ritual. No matter how tiny your kitchen may be, with a bit of creativity and the right tools, you can turn it into a functional space where cooking—and even coffee-making—remains a joy. Hopefully, our setup offers some inspiration for your own minimalist kitchen journey!