Minimalism is a philosophy that prioritizes less over more. One of the ways this philosophy manifests is through simplistic home decor and interior design. And, as a homeowner, sometimes a little decluttering can make a huge difference in your life. But, making the changes to your current home decor scheme to be more minimalist can feel daunting and difficult. Here are some tips to help you pull off a minimalist design in your home!
- Think clean and crisp. Clean and crisp lines are the name of the game in minimalism. White kitchen cabinets are popular in minimalist design because they look clean in a kitchen and keep the design lines crisp. Instead of soft, cushiony couches, consider more mid-century stiff lines. That isn’t to say you have to live uncomfortably; instead, focus on finding quality pieces that are comfortable but have a clean design line. The less cluttered your space feels, the better you’ll feel, too!
- Find storage solutions. Wooden baskets, blanket ladders, cube organizers, metal baskets…the possibilities are endless. Storage solutions are great for hiding clutter and making your space seem more organized (even if it’s something you struggle with). All the different storage solutions can create a unique design element in your space. Whether you want more natural elements or you’re looking for something with an industrial vibe, there are lots of storage solutions out there that can make your space look great but appear decluttered.
- Clear your countertops. Do you know what makes a kitchen seem cluttered? Items on countertops. Clear your countertops and instead store away all the items you’d normally put on your counters either in your pantry or in your cabinets. Utilize unique cabinet storage solutions that can make it easier to organize all your kitchen countertop items. A clear kitchen that appears decluttered can make your kitchen feel cleaner and more minimalist. You can have a small vase of flowers or a couple of countertop appliances available, but make sure you limit yourself and maximize as much counter space as possible.
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- Go monochrome. A monochromatic color scheme is great for a minimalist design. And, even if you don’t have all the same color, using different shades of a singular color can create some texture in your design while remaining minimal. Too many colors can overwhelm the senses, and it makes your space lose a tranquil feeling. A monochrome color palette can create consistency and also encourage the idea that less is more. You can add small pops of color in accents like dishware or even an accent pillow.
- Focus on practicality over style. While something might look cute at the store, actually ask yourself what you’re hoping to do with it. Are you just going to display it, or does it have a purpose at your home and in your lifestyle? If you’re just going to set it on a shelf and forget it, then you probably shouldn’t buy it. Instead, find items that have a practical purpose and incorporate them into your home decor. With minimalism, the goal isn’t to have items just to have them but to do more with less.
- Use neutrals more than bold colors. Neutrals are calm colors that look great in any room of your home. That’s what makes them perfect for minimalist home decor styles! Focus on using neutrals more than bold colors in your home decor. This gives you a good base to build your decor from. You can mix neutrals, too. Pair gray with a rusted brown and black and white to create contrast and variation for your space. One of the simplest ways to create contrast in your design is to install dark luxury vinyl flooring throughout your home.
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- Quality over quantity – always. Just like you should prioritize practicality over style, the same goes for quality over quantity. High-quality pieces are always a good investment. If you want those items to last for years to come, then you should invest in high-quality items. A few high-quality items are better than having a lot of items of poor quality. With poor quality items, you’ll need to replace them more often, so you’ll actually end up spending more money in the long run than if you just invest in higher quality pieces from the beginning. While it might seem like a blow to your bank account now, your funds will actually thank you years down the line.
- Prioritize natural light. Natural light is your best friend in minimalist design! It provides a beautiful highlight to all the items in your space, but it also is a great way to highlight the clean lines in your design style. If you’re worried about the cost of your heating and cooling bills, you can add some blackout curtains to your home and leave them closed at night or when temperatures are extreme. Investing in some good seals for your windows can also help to curb energy costs. With the savings on your energy bill, you can invest in some more high-quality pieces for your minimalist design!
- Add some blankets. Crisp lines should still feel cozy. Blankets are a great way to accessorize your home but also have practicality. You never know when you’re going to want to take a nap or curl up while watching a movie. A blanket is perfect for that! Pets like blankets, too, lounging around on them or sitting next to you while you’re burrowing yourself under one. Blankets that have simple patterns and are in colors that match your decor scheme are great for a minimalist design style.
Creating a minimalist design doesn’t have to be difficult. With a few simple tricks, you can have a beautiful space that doesn’t feel cluttered and prioritizes the philosophy that less truly is more in life. As you create your space, focus on adding natural light and keeping practicality at the top of your mind.