Eight minimalist kitchens where materials provide the decoration

For our latest lookbook, we’ve put together eight functional kitchens that prove that conventional building materials have their place in a home’s interior.

The kitchens in this overview use common building materials, including wood, metal and concrete, to create an atmosphere of durability and serenity.

Combining these materials creates a balanced interior, where wood provides a feeling of warmth, while metals such as stainless steel and concrete add an atmosphere of functionality.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, offering visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with red accents, homes with internal windows and spaces energized by colorful window frames.


Apartment in Lavapiés by Leticia SaáApartment in Lavapiés by Leticia Saá
Photo by Iñaki Domingo

Apartment in Madrid, Spain, by Leticia Saá

An open-sided kitchen island flanked by a duo of three-legged stools features in this kitchen in a Madrid flat by architect Leticia Saá.

A shelf-like surface holds the hob and a simple coat of white paint covers the walls and ceilings, creating an informal and bright kitchen.

More information about Madrid apartment ›


Maison Hercourt by Studio Guma in NormandyMaison Hercourt by Studio Guma in Normandy
Photo by Maxime Delvaux

Normandy farmhouse, France, by Studio Guma

Large windows and a blush pink concrete island characterize this kitchen, which is located in a rural farmhouse in northern France, designed by Studio Guma.

Original rustic beams and a stone wall complement the minimalist kitchen, in which the designers opted to forego conventional wall cupboards in favor of a slim shelf.

Learn more about the Normandy farm ›


Casa Olivar in Madrid by Matteo Ferrari and Carlota GalloCasa Olivar in Madrid by Matteo Ferrari and Carlota Gallo
Photo by Asier Rua

Casa Olivar, Spain, by Matteo Ferrari and Carlota Gallo

Rustic and industrial design motifs combine in this kitchen in Casa Olivar, a two-story apartment in Madrid renovated by designers Matteo Ferrari and Carlota Gallo.

A wooden table and uneven floor tiles contrast with sleek stainless steel cabinetry, giving the space a sense of balance.

More information about Casa Olivar ›


Sacha apartment from SABO ProjectSacha apartment from SABO Project
Photo courtesy of SABO Project

Sacha apartment, France, by SABO Project

Upholstery, storage space and plywood furniture define the interior of this Parisian apartment from SABO Project.

White walls and floors connect the abundant use of warm-colored wood with the concrete ceiling above.

More information about apartment Sacha ›


Penthouse M by CJH StudioPenthouse M by CJH Studio
Photo by Cathy Schusler

Penthouse M, Australia, by CJH Studio

CJH Studio covered the walls of this kitchen with small square tiles during the renovation of Penthouse M, an apartment in Gold Coast, Australia, that dates back to the 1980s.

A wooden bar, flanked by tall bar stools, sits in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, and a bright, cool color palette creates an atmosphere of tranquility.

More information about CJH Studio ›


K916 holiday apartment designed by Thisispaper StudioK916 holiday apartment designed by Thisispaper Studio
Photo by Maja Wirkus

K916 and K907, Poland, by Thisispaper Studio

A slatted wooden partition and concrete ceiling provide a textural backdrop to the kitchen and dining room of this flat in the Polish capital, Warsaw.

Thisispaper Studio has furnished the space with purely essential furniture – a simple kitchen unit and a functional dining area – to give the room an aesthetically calm appearance.

Learn more about Thisispaper Studio ›


Dining area in Bolívar HouseDining area in Bolívar House
Photo by Max Hart Nibbrig

Bolívar House, Spain, by Juan Gurrea Rumeu

Local architect Juan Gurrea Rumeu added dark wood cabinetry to the kitchen of his Barcelona home, creating a warm and grounding effect.

Exposed wires attached to the lighting add an industrial touch, and the presence of concrete on the walls and floors creates an interplay between warm and cool tones.

More information about Bolívar House ›


Wood-clad interior of Mossy Point in New South WalesWood-clad interior of Mossy Point in New South Wales
Photo by Rory Gardiner

Mossy Point house, Australia, by Edition Office

Metal countertops and backsplashes add a utilitarian touch to this plywood kitchen installed in a home in Australia.

Local studio Edition Office installed smooth-fronted cabinets to keep clutter out of sight, allowing select ceramics and coffee paraphernalia to take center stage.

Learn more about the Mossy Point house ›

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, offering visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring interiors with red accents, homes with internal windows and spaces energized by colorful window frames.

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