Minimalist decor may seem plain at first, but with creativity and the appropriate pieces, it can become beautiful and expressive. We enlisted designers for their tips on creating minimalist rooms in any room in your house.
Start by editing furniture to remove unnecessary pieces that don’t serve any specific function, according to Galloway, who recommends prioritizing furniture shapes with neutral monochromatic color schemes.
- Keep it simple.
When designing a minimalist home, it is key to keep the basics in mind when selecting furniture and decorations for the space. This involves selecting simple furniture pieces with minimal ornamentation and sparingly using patterns in decoration; additionally, it’s crucial to effectively utilize open space to highlight furniture pieces and other room features.
Minimalism goes beyond simply eliminating clutter; it involves eliminating pieces that don’t contribute to the space or provide any value or function. Start by carefully considering every piece in each room and asking yourself, “Does this have any use?” If the answer is no, consider donating or selling it, whether that means an old tablecloth or stackable storage containers; any time an object doesn’t get regular use, it should go.
An effective way to combat the feeling of sterility in minimalist spaces is through ample natural lighting. If possible, open windows and use sheer curtains to let in natural sunlight. Accent lighting such as pendants, recessed lights, or wall sconces in neutral hues or metallic finishes is also beneficial in maintaining an air of cleanliness in any room.
Plants are another excellent way to bring life and warmth into a minimalist space, whether as table centerpieces or coffee table decorations. Not only are plants beautiful additions that bring color and softness, but they’re also a great way to keep your home smelling fresh!
- Keep it clean.
A minimalist space should be clean and organized, with items placed exactly where they belong. This includes cleaning up spills immediately and putting away dishes after use; dusting, vacuuming, and mopping the floors on a regular basis as part of regular maintenance duties rather than waiting until a big cleaning day once or twice every week to do these chores.
When furnishing and decorating a minimalist home, quality should always come before quantity. One high-quality sofa will do much more to fill space than three inferior pieces that simply take up room. Furthermore, buying durable pieces ensures they won’t need replacing anytime soon, prolongs their use, and saves on replacement costs over time.
The expression of personality and character can still be present in minimalist spaces. For instance, adding pops of color through decorative accents such as vases is an easy way to add warmth without cluttering up a space; similarly, painting one wall in an eye-catching hue adds charm without cluttering up an otherwise minimalist space.
One way to keep a small space tidy is to store items out of sight. Wall-mounted shelves can help store out-of-reach books or plants, while under-bed storage can hold items like out-of-season clothing or extra blankets.
One effective way of maintaining a minimalist space is to ensure it receives sufficient natural lighting. This can help make the space appear larger and feel airier; additionally, incorporating elements with natural textures like wood and handwoven textiles adds warmth and character.
- Keep it light.
Decorating a minimalist home requires keeping things light. Minimalist design often restricts its color palette selections, so it’s crucial to incorporate accent hues to draw attention and create contrast. Furthermore, choosing colors that blend naturally with your space’s overall design and lighter tones may help make it appear larger.
When selecting furniture pieces, try to avoid those that take up too much room and prefer pieces with sleek lines that complement minimalist decor.
Minimalist design emphasizes incorporating various textures into your space, such as paints, fabrics, plasters, marble, furniture, wood, and other materials. Doing this will add visual interest without adding clutter.
To keep things light and airy, invite natural light into your space. Open your windows and let the sunlight pour in! Not only will this make your space feel larger and more open, but it will also create an inviting ambience in your home.
Consider installing recessed lighting fixtures to effectively illuminate a room without blocking out natural light if you cannot open your windows to let in natural light. Recessed lights tend to be discreet and unobtrusive, perfect for minimalist home design!
- Keep it functional.
Minimalist home design involves selecting only those elements that are essential. This applies to furniture, art, and accent pieces alike. Evaluate each item according to its function, emotional significance, and visual alignment with your minimalist vision, among other factors. Donate or discard any item that doesn’t meet these criteria.
When selecting pieces to keep, prioritize neutral hues that complement one another without overwhelming your basic aesthetic. While minimalist interiors often associate white, you should incorporate other hues into your room design to avoid a cold and uninviting feel. Natural textures also bring warmth and visual interest; consider including wood grain panels, handwoven textiles, or concrete in your design scheme for maximum effect.
An essential aspect of creating a functional minimalist interior is concealing items that do not need to be visible, using solutions like bins and baskets to store household utility items like lightbulbs, cords, paper files, and batteries. Concealed storage solutions also come in handy in bathrooms for hiding extra toilet paper rolls and soap dishes.
Optimizing natural light can easily overcome the perception of minimalist spaces as cold and unwelcoming. Allow sunlight to fill your space by leaving windows unreduced or investing in sheer curtains that filter in light. Select furniture that reflects and diffuses light, rather than blocking it. This will help the space feel brighter and larger. Additionally, consider adding accent pieces that create focal points that serve both visually pleasing and practical purposes, such as large-scale statement art pieces or vertical rows of personal photos.
- Keep it stylish.
Minimalism goes beyond just getting rid of clutter; it also involves making mindful choices when selecting home decor items and furnishings that make up your minimalist aesthetic, such as throw blankets, wall art, or modern light fixtures. Rather than opting for inexpensive decor pieces that may not endure or harmonize with your minimalist aesthetic, When making these decisions, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential pitfalls, such as buying low-quality decor pieces from discount stores that don’t align with this aesthetic, like cheap plastic toys, for instance.
Pick a soothing neutral palette such as whites, soft grays, and earth tones to set the stage for your minimalist home design without feeling clinical. Neutrals create a clean backdrop that helps establish an effortless atmosphere in your space without becoming overbearingly clinical or cold.
To keep your minimalist home stylish, incorporate textures into its design. Textures add warmth and contrast that makes the space less dull; natural wood, handwoven textiles, and plants provide great examples.
Avoid overusing patterns, as they are considered a major design no-no for minimalists. This doesn’t mean avoiding them altogether, though! If you do use them, make sure that they are small scale and subtle tone-on-tone motif patterns, or add visual interest with something like a patterned rug or curtains!
Minimalism is all about creating an airy and pleasing space; taking these tips into consideration can help you design an unobtrusively stylish minimalist living area.
