“Less is more.”
The minimalist concept is not a new one. However, it is currently dominating the design and artistic scene in today’s postmodern society.
Minimalist interiors are popular for various reasons, but above all, for their ability to provide a clutter-free space that is calm and deeply relaxing. Minimalism in interior design takes on many forms. There is no single style that defines it. It can be Scandinavian, contemporary or even mid-century. But the basic philosophy that defines a minimalist interior for what it is, is that less is definitely more.
Minimalism in interior design is visualized by spacious rooms with a minimal amount of furniture and detail. It is popular primarily because this style is very light and free, while still emphasizing on perfect order and organization. It depicts a balanced life that is relaxed and carefree – yet stable and orderly, without neither dysfunction nor discrepancy.
If you’re thinking of embracing this design aesthetic, here’s how to do it:
1. Only the essentials, please
The basic principle of minimalist design is to pare it down to only what is absolutely necessary. No frills, no fuss – only what is functional. The idea of what is essential is different for everybody. For some, it could mean just a sofa and a coffee table in the living room. For others, it could be a sofa, a coffee table, a lounge chair and a piece of art hanging on the wall.
Consider what you need care and think about what you can do without. Decorations can still play a part in your minimalist home. Think about decorating with items like mirrors, that are functional as well as ornamental. Also, remember that living in a minimalist interior shouldn’t be uncomfortable. If you need a couple of cushions and a rug on your feet, include them.
2. Go with white, or something neutral
The key to minimalist interiors is to keep your colour scheme simple, and nothing says basically like an all-white palette. Not all whites were created the same. Creamier whites can provide a warmer look, while brighter whites offer a fresher appearance.
While this basic hue is an obvious choice for minimalist interiors, anything neutral will work as well. Pair earthy tones if you want a warmer feel, while wood surfaces can prevent your space from looking too sterile. Another popular scheme to go for is monochromatic – black-and-white interiors are modern and timeless, and they make a big visual impact. For starters, use black as accents in your furnishings and keep the rest of your surfaces white. Bring a pop of colour with plants or a vibrant hue like gold.
3. More natural light
Minimalist interiors let in plenty of natural light into the spaces. That means not letting dark and heavy draperies get in the way. Instead, opt for light and airy day curtains. Plan for open spaces that allow daylight to filter through the different areas of the home, rather than closed-off zones that create dark nooks and crannies.
If your home does not have abundant sunlight, artificial lighting can help. But keep things inconspicuous with indirect and recessed lights that hide the light source away from the eye, or go for clean geometric shapes and sleek lines if choosing pendants or lamps.
4. Clutter needs to be gone
Clutter-free spaces are a key component of minimalist designs. The epitome of calm and tranquillity, they also make for fewer distractions and easier housekeeping. In the kitchen, it would mean countertops free from bulky appliances and cookware. In the living room, it would mean getting rid of piles of old magazines lying around. For the bathroom, it would mean not cluttering your vanity top with copious amounts of makeup. You get the idea.
A clutter-free space can always fall back into a melange of the mess over time so maintenance is important. Set aside intentional sessions over the course of a year to get rid of things and consider adopting the ‘one in, one out’ rule before you incorporate anything new at home. Always put items back to where they belong after use, and never leave them lying around on your surfaces. Lastly, plan for well-concealed storage units around the home that help you hide away some of the clutter.
5. Let things breathe
Finally, let things in your space breathe a little. Space your furniture out to create a sense of openness. Don’t make the mistake of getting only diminutive-sized furniture when doing so, however! The key is to make sure your furniture is proportionate to your space. For smaller homes, forgo unnecessary furniture pieces to make sure the rest of your furniture are at an appropriate distance from one another.
Will you be embracing this pared-back aesthetic? Let us know in the comments!
