Rich in What Matters - 3 Tips to Curate a Minimalist Kitchen

Standing in the kitchen this week I had a “thank goodness for minimalism” moment. It started with the realization that I'm spending more time in the “heart of the home” this winter than last.

Noticeably more.

Regardless of the cause—my affinity for baking or simply having more kids to feed this year (including a nine-month-old baby who seems to consume constantly)—I was at peace with the situation.

The gratitude-epiphany continued as I realized working in a decluttered kitchen delivered a sense of calm.

My kitchen before minimalism wasn't a pretty sight. Not because of my lack of effort or intention, but because of the sheer takeover of stuff.

I had enough coffee mugs to serve the neighborhood and enough plastic utensils to host every kid on the block. (Not once did either scenario happen). Besides holding superfluous serving potential, the kitchen seemed to grow random paper piles. All occasionally fertilized by food remnants that reappeared despite my scrubbing.

Needless to say, it wasn't a peaceful place to be.

A recent poll found that Americans spend an average of 67 minutes per day in their kitchens. That's the equivalent of over 400 hours (or 16 days) annually.

In my experience living as a minimalist family, less stuff in a kitchen enriches the time that is spent there.

A minimalist kitchen still takes work and upkeep (the dishes don't put themselves away). But less stuff simply means less work to be done.

Before minimalism, I could work in my kitchen for 30 minutes with little visible progress. More stuff always needed my attention. Eliminating the excess made my kitchen work more effective and enjoyable. And it can for you, too.

Here are three tips to curate a minimalist kitchen:

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Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, two-year-old son, and nine-month-old baby girl. You can also find her on Instagram and now also on Facebook.