As clear slope-minded as a minimalist might say that less is more, less happens to fall under the minimalist category. Minimalism can’t just be a design trend – it must be intrinsically invested in quality above quantity. For example, to achieve the minimal look in the home, one really must invest in quality home accents above all else as they entail both aesthetic and functional longevity when compared to their mass-produced substitutes.
Or, in the words of Lindye Galloway, a designer for the Lindye Galloway Interior Design firm in Georgia: ‘Start with simple shapes and monochromatic, neutral colours that allow each piece to be a jewel without getting lost in the less-is-more aesthetic.
Think Big
Whether your aim is a modern or a cottage look, begin by seeing which of the things in the space make up the biggest positive or negative elements. If they do not serve an obvious function and do not contribute in any way to the overall look, get rid of them right away. Make sure there aren’t a lot of functional items in view, like bulbs, cords and paper files that you can tuck into pretty bins or baskets or a few hidden cabinets, recommends Marie Ducheyne, a designer for the online design service Decorist. When you are going to add prints to a minimalist home, do it thoughtfully, infrequently, and in a simple, small pattern. Smooth natural textures that add pleasing variation to a room – think plainly woven rugs or a variety of plants – can be an easy way to add warmth without overpowering your space; or add effective, subtle texture with recessed shelves. Or perhaps your minimalist home is too spartan.
Keep It Simple
You can, of course, combine corner seating with a few brightly coloured accents or unique shapes if you like, but there’s no pressure to do so. Minimalist design keeps things simple, using a few carefully curated round, rectangles and polygons to create a visually balanced, clutter-free space. It means not going overboard in decor and keeping only a couple of colourful objects for accents. Too much junk is unsatisfying, and so anything unnecessary needs to be boxed up and placed in a storage unit, away from sight if not quite out of mind. Within that context, choose soft, textured fabrics for furnishings to provide a ‘room within a room’ sense of comfort. Keep window treatments bare to minimise visual noise; if you must introduce pattern, restrict yourself to one or two decor accents such as patterned rugs or curtains.
Keep It Neutral
Although minimalist colour palettes are often made up of whites and grays, there’s room to add accents of colour if you feel like it – lay down a dramatic carpet pattern or put some textural linens on a sofa, to add a dose of colour without having it beg for too much attention. Make a room flutterproof and add storage by investing in multipurpose furniture, like a wooden tray perched atop a coffee table for corralling remote controls and collections of hats. While neutral colours may feel sterile, additive warm minimalist décor offsets this coldness, balancing the room beautifully. Consider fabric textures such as woven textiles, wood or jute, or generate warmth through considered art or houseplants.
Keep It Clean
In fact, it’s the small details that count in minimal living, and sometimes it’s only attention to the last detail that makes the difference. Therefore minimal living is about putting away as much as possible, only leaving those items out that have an aesthetic or functional purpose, or both. If you’re a visual person who loves decorating shelves, remember the one in/one out rule, and for each new item you want, donate or dispose of something older as part of the deal. Straight lines are the defining feature of minimalist design, so stick to furniture with clean edges and geometric forms. Neutral tones on walls like white, blush, beige and tan feel subtle and calm without overpowering a space, while ensuring it stays light and bright. If you need a more cheerful pop of colour, try it on in the form of a bit of greenery, or neutral-hued framed photos that can be changed at will. Try adding touches of natural materials such as wood and fabric, which bring in warmth and texture.
Keep It Minimal
For those embracing the minimalist lifestyle, one thing rings true: less is more. Not that everything old is to be discarded, or that nothing old is to be dispensed with. Rather, it is that, for everything new that is added, one should carefully consider if that new thing contains something that would make the space a better place and add it with that goal in mind. Since minimalism is all about symmetry and balance, this naturally extends to the accents that you choose in your home: two symmetrical bundles of flowers or a pair of identical chairs either side of a coffee table are a good example of this. Fill your minimalist home with elements taken from nature: succulents or potted plants on your kitchen counter or your bedroom dresser.