Select Furniture Pieces That Serve Double Duty

Minimalist homes are definitely not filled with furniture, so any pieces that are included must be extremely practical.

The key to achieving a minimalist home is having furniture pieces that not only serve their primary purpose but also offer hidden storage and multi-functionality. Such furniture pieces help minimize the bulk in the space and effectively conceal any extra items or clutter.

Ottomans that have lids for storage are great choices for seating when guests visit and can also be used as side tables or footrests. Additionally, throw blankets can be conveniently placed inside them for storage.

When negative space is left for the eyes to rest, it allows the mind to rest too. Such items that create texture and hide mess include baskets or wicker chests with lids.

Play With Texture

If you are using neutral colors in your home, you can enhance the appearance by incorporating textures that are irresistible to touch. This will introduce depth and complexity to the room while avoiding any excessive or crowded ambiance.

Clear Your Walls

, then feel free to add some artwork or decorations to liven up the space. However, it is important to consider the concept of minimalism and avoid overcrowding the walls.

Include Green Friends and Natural Elements

If you can’t live without your green friends, don’t worry—they will thrive in your new, pared-down home as plants are highly valued in minimalist spaces.

Plants provide a simple means of embellishing a room without introducing additional decorations or furniture that might detract from its minimalist effect.

In my more minimalist designs, I always incorporate natural elements such as natural woods or large crystals, as they enhance the aesthetic appeal and elevate the energy of the space.

Clear Out Clutter

Getting rid of unnecessary items is a vital process for individuals who want to adopt minimalist interior design. It is necessary to part ways with possessions that are no longer required or desired.

When considering decluttering, remember that this applies to more than just home decorations. Keep in mind that it also includes clothing items, beauty products, and kitchen utensils that are just occupying unnecessary space. To get motivated, examine your wardrobe: if you haven’t worn something in a year, chances are you won’t wear it again. Don’t hesitate to begin the process gradually.

Additionally, letting go of unnecessary belongings can lead to a significant sense of achievement. Take note of the emotions experienced when more space is created and the satisfaction derived from donating items. Acts of charity truly yield positive returns.

Edit Your Items

When creating minimalist spaces, be sure to carefully consider each of your possessions, ranging from knickknacks to oversized furniture, and ask yourself two important questions: Do you truly love it? Does it serve a functional purpose? This meticulous thinking will make Marie Kondo proud.

Break down the process into steps and focus only on your preferred items, which will result in a meaningful and minimalistic design. It can feel overwhelming, so tackle one room, shelf, or drawer at a time.

Let In Natural Light

Minimalist spaces can sometimes be perceived as cold, but a simple solution to this issue is to maximize the presence of natural light. If you are fortunate enough to have ample windows, make sure to invite as much sunlight in as you can. Consider purchasing gauzy curtains which provide privacy while allowing light to enter and filter through.

Clear Counter Space to Just the Essentials

To adhere to minimalism, it is essential to get rid of any mess. This is particularly important for countertops, whether they are located in a kitchen, bathroom, or any other area. Simplify your surfaces and showcase only essential items. For example, in a bathroom, store your toothbrush and other everyday items in a drawer. Utilize baskets, bins, cupboards, and storage benches as your reliable companions.

Embrace the “One In, One Out” Rule

It is truly remarkable how much an individual can accumulate within a brief duration. The kitchen drawers, bedroom closet, and bathroom cupboards, which were devoid of items when you initially moved in, are now filled with unnecessary and untouched products that are gathering dust. Even though you may not notice it, this “stuff” is causing mental clutter and occupying precious space in your house. There is no more opportune moment than now to declutter that miscellaneous drawer.

The “one in, one out” rule is often praised by those who live in small spaces, and it is an important principle to follow if you want a more minimalist home. For instance, whenever you acquire a new pair of shoes, you must contribute an older pair to the donation pile (or discard it if it is no longer in good condition).

By thinking in a gradual manner, rephrase the given text while retaining its original meaning. – Avoid adding new details or eliminating existing information. – This technique can assist in achieving a balanced spatial arrangement and preventing a sudden feeling of confinement. – Ensure sufficient space is left for each component to have energetic freedom.

Add Uniform Art

In minimalist spaces, it is not suitable to have wonderfully wonky gallery walls. Instead, opt for a uniform approach when adding art to your walls.

Consider finding a way to create a harmonious balance in your space by incorporating either a bold and striking piece of artwork or a neatly arranged vertical row of frames filled with personally selected images.

Revisit Your Bookcases

To begin creating a minimalist space, start with bookcases as they tend to become cluttered easily. Begin by eliminating and donating books that you know you won’t read again, enabling you to neatly organize your remaining books with upright bookends and horizontal positioning. Bailie recommends adding vases and decorative objects (but only those that hold significance!) in odd quantities to bring a lighter appearance to the space.

Step back and visually hopscotch the placement of your decorative items into the shelves to determine where you want to place them.

Let The Architecture Stand Out

If your space has eye-catching wooden floors or unique built-ins (fortunate for you!), make sure to remove any items that would obstruct their shine. Consider removing rugs, curtains, and any kind of clutter. The intention is to highlight architectural features such as crown molding and arched doorways.

Stick to One Color

When considering a theme, select one color and use it consistently. Opt for light, calming colors such as white, gray, or pastels. Use varied shades of the chosen color for your walls, upholstered furniture, and linens to create a peaceful, layered appearance.

Mindfully Add Accessories

Additionally, it is not necessary to include accent pieces solely for the sake of it. Our designers concur with Smith’s advice that you should not feel apprehensive about having bare walls. There are alternative methods to integrate accent pieces into your home that are visually appealing and serve a purpose.

When curating, it is important to be thoughtful and consider that less is more. Trays placed on coffee tables or dressers not only enhance the decor but also serve the purpose of organizing the items we require for everyday life, adding a touch of style.

If you are uncertain about what to do with items that were given to you as gifts but do not align with your new, minimalist lifestyle, consider taking photos of them to preserve the memories. Afterward, place them in the donation pile, allowing someone else the opportunity to give them a new home.

Remember the Power of Lighting

Light is everything in all spaces, especially minimalist spaces. You can create various moods with your lighting plan, ranging from natural light to softer ambient light. It is important to let the light shine in!

Don’t plan to rely solely on overhead fixtures in your space; make sure to stock up on table lamps and task lamps as well. Keep drapery nice and airy; a minimalist home is not the place for ultra-thick, ornate, or bold colored curtains.

Keep It Simple

When choosing items for a minimalist design, give preference to uncomplicated shapes and neutral monochromatic hues. These elements are visually attractive without overwhelming, yet they bring significant allure and coziness to a room.

Add Accent Pillows

Even if you have a minimalist space, you still need a place to rest your head. By choosing accent pillows in different tones, materials, and sizes, you can add your favorite color, texture, and scale to bring the space together. So take the opportunity to enjoy selecting an assortment of accent pillows.

Accent pillows not only provide a comfortable surface for you during a Netflix marathon, but they also offer a convenient option to revitalize your living area with the changing seasons.

Define a Space With an Area Rug

The power of a rug should not be underestimated as it can be the finishing touch that your minimalist space needs. The inclusion of an area rug can establish boundaries and provide visual relief as you move from one area to another, particularly in open floor plans.

Play Up Your Coffee Table

While minimalist spaces often keep surfaces clear, Bailie suggests focusing on one particular area for styling. Utilize your coffee table as a central point. Adorn it with a neat pile of your preferred museum books, a simple floral arrangement or orchid in an attractive artisan vase, and any significant object. These three elements will showcase your personal style while also introducing a visually appealing graphic element and texture—a necessary inclusion for any type of home decor. Unsure about the number of items to include on your coffee table? Opt for a grouping of odd numbers as it tends to work most effectively.

Small Details Make a Big Impact

When decorating or updating a minimalist space, remember to carefully consider even the tiniest details when choosing your décor. Every item, be it a reading lamp or a tchotchke placed on your fireplace mantle, should be chosen with intention. This level of mindfulness and attention is essential for creating an exemplary minimalist space.

Embrace the Journey

Additionally, keep in mind that similar to any design endeavor, the creation of a minimalist environment will not happen instantly. The accomplishment of a minimalist living space does not need to be accomplished within a short period of time. Instead, it should be viewed as a gradual process.

Taking each of the above steps systematically will undeniably result in long-term benefits.

21 Ways to Embrace Minimalist Interior Design at Home