Minimalism isn’t just a home decor aesthetic; it’s a lifestyle. It means getting rid of any unnecessary clutter in your life so that you can focus on the essentials, such as your family, friends, and personal growth. When applied to interior design, minimalism emphasises a simpler way of living by removing unnecessary objects, prioritising quality and functionality, and choosing simpler furniture and decor. This creates a space that is easy to maintain, has enhanced functionality, and promotes a sense of calm to homeowners and visitors alike.
Proper minimalism can be hard to pull off, however. Without knowing the core aspects of the aesthetic, your minimalist room might turn out looking empty instead of fresh and organised. Here are a few decorating tips to keep in mind when creating your modern minimalist home, so that you can be well on your way towards a cleaner and more intentional lifestyle.
1. Choose Simple Wall Decorations
How you decorate creates the difference between a barren room and a minimalist room. Decorations are still a big part of minimalist interior design, even if you’re leaning towards a sleeker, cleaner look. It’s just a matter of which pieces you plan on incorporating into the space.
You can breathe more life into a room by getting a few simple wall decorations. For example, you can look for art prints with an abstract design or monochrome colour scheme, which would fit perfectly with the general minimalist aesthetic. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your individual taste in your home without anything clashing. Limit yourself to only a few high-quality pieces to show off; negative space is an essential part of minimalism, and you want to make sure that each art piece has room to breathe.
2. Ban Clutter
Removing clutter is one of the most important rules of minimalism. If it’s not needed, it doesn’t need to stay there. When decluttering, consider getting rid of items such as clothes you’ve outgrown, unnecessary papers or documents, and other miscellaneous things you might find in the house.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should get rid of all personal things. Minimalism as a lifestyle encourages keeping what truly makes you happy, and this includes material possessions. If something is too precious or sentimental to throw away, then it’s worth still keeping.
3. Choose Which Knickknacks to Display Carefully
A touch of life and individuality sets apart a minimalist home from all the others. Don’t throw away a decor piece if it’s special to you; instead, find a way to integrate it in your interior design. A minimalist home still has space for sentimental pieces and knick knacks, as long as they are displayed intentionally. Consider placing some of your favourite souvenirs on your bookshelf next to a few select books. Other ornaments can be placed sparingly on coffee tables or shelves. These neat little touches show off your personality without detracting from the minimalist theme.
4. Stick to a Neutral Colour Palette
Perhaps one of minimalism’s more famous qualities is its neutral colour palette. White, beige, gray, and even darker browns or black create a calmer, more balanced atmosphere, especially when paired with natural light. While some colours can be added as accents, it’s best to stick to neutrals when choosing furniture, wall colours, and flooring to really capture the minimalist look.
5. Incorporate House Plants
Plants add life and elegance to a room and have also been shown to help reduce stress and fatigue, making them beautiful and useful additions to any minimalist room. Varying plant sizes also adds variety and depth to the space. You can place one or two larger pots in room corners, add smaller ones on tables to act as centrepieces, and even get hanging plants for the ceiling. Fresh flowers or flowering plants are a charming addition to a minimalist home, acting as small splashes of colour that can liven up the space without making it look messy.
6. Use Multifunctional Furniture
Multifunctional furniture eliminates the need for extra pieces that will clutter up the space. For example, consider looking for footstools that double as extra storage space for your living room or bedroom. You can also get a bed frame that allows storage underneath the mattress, or a sofa bed that serves as extra seating during the day and a spare bed for guests. For your office or bedroom, you can get a desk with an extra bookshelf attached to keep any supplies and books in close range.
Balancing Function and Personality with Minimalism
At the end of the day, minimalism is a simple, easy-to-follow interior decorating style that can bring a sense of calm and joy to your day-to-day life. It’s also a great aesthetic for showcasing your own individuality, with your unique touches standing out more when paired with the simplicity of the rest of the home. As long as you follow the basic rules of minimalist design, you can’t go wrong.