Minimalist interior design refers to a simple yet elegant style. The style is characterized by neutral tones, functional objects, open-spaces, and no clutter. Minimalist styles are compact and focus on using simplicity to create effortless chicness. It can be challenging to design a minimalist home; attempts at minimalism can easily end up lacking character. To help you design a home that’s both simple and beautiful, follow these ten steps.
Carefully choose storage
Storage is very important when it comes to creating a minimalistic space. Clever storage can help you to maximize space and create simplicity by keeping objects hidden. It’s useful to buy items of furniture with inbuilt storage, for instance, sofas, beds or coffee tables. Using higher shelves can help you to make a small room appear bigger. Floating cabinets in your bathroom can also create an illusion of more space.
Go clutter-free
One of the key ideas in minimalist design is getting rid of clutter. The minimal style focuses on the concept that less is more. Many of us will have accumulated a large number of possessions that we do not use or need. We tend to store these items away for a ‘rainy day’ instead of finding them a better home. The charity store is the best place for most of your unwanted possessions. However, if you’re looking to make some money back, there are several apps that you can use. Decluttr is a useful application to sell items like books, games or DVDs. Shpock is another handy app, where you can sell anything from furniture to clothing.
Natural light
When you’re designing a minimalist home it’s important to make the best use of natural light. Light helps us to enhance our open-spaces, and make our rooms feel more spacious and relaxing. Natural light is also associated with a variety of health benefits.
According to a study in HealthLine, office workers experienced a better night’s sleep when they were exposed to more natural light. Purchasing glass sliding doors is the perfect way to create more natural light around your home.
De-personalize
Minimalist design styles avoid displaying too many personal objects. The goal is to store personal items in cupboards and drawers and decorate using one or two pieces of simple art. The style mimics the aesthetics of a ‘show home’, everything looks neat and sophisticated. It doesn’t mean that space lacks character, as Nicholas Burroughs once said, ‘minimalism is not a lack of something. It’s the perfect amount of something.’
Use nature
Elements of the natural world compliment a minimalist home very well. For instance, you might choose to use plants as your only form of decoration. This way you’ll keep things simple, while also creating a beautiful and healthy home. Plants will cleanse your air and save you relying on an air purifier.
Neutral tones
Neutral tones are a key feature of minimalist design. Choose just one or two simple colors such as black and white, or white and grey. Try to stick to the same shades throughout your entire home. If you can’t decide on your design, try using the Planner 5D app. With this application, you can test out your ideas virtually before you create them for real. The application allows users to complete floor plans, test furniture, design styles, and more.
Clear surfaces
Keep your surfaces clear in both your kitchen and your bathroom. Functional objects like condiments or cookery books don’t need to be left out on your surfaces. It’s best to store these away and keep everything neat and clear. Every object should have a designated place. If clutter starts creeping back into your life it’s probably time for a good clear out! Tackle each problem area of clutter from your attic to your wardrobe. Once the mess is gone, you’ll benefit from a more orderly home.
Simplistic art
Jennie C. Jones says, ‘there is a poetic nature to minimalism that is about striking a balance between full and empty.’ Artwork is a key feature of a minimalist home, to avoid that ‘empty’ effect.
When you are choosing artwork for your home, remember to keep it simple. Abstract art that uses two colors can be ideal for a minimalist home. Sculptures are also a wise choice, to create a unique and stylish effect. The Saatchi Art app is a great resource to find artwork for your home. The app allows you to use virtual reality to see what an art piece will look like before you purchase it. Choosing artwork is one of the toughest design elements to get right. Make sure that you take your time browsing and comparing your options.
Find inspiration
When you’re starting a new design project, it’s wise to have a few sources of inspiration to help you. Magazines such as Architectural Digest, Dwell, Elle Decor, and Minimalissimo are all great places to get a few ideas. Interior design isn’t an easy process, there’s a certain art to creating a minimalist space. Create a folder of photographs that you can return to when you’re shopping for soft furnishings and paints. If you’re struggling to put your ideas together, you might prefer to call in the help of an interior designer. With careful planning, you’ll be able to make the very best of your space.
Functional objects
Minimalism is about choosing functional objects and eliminating any excess. It’s useful to keep this idea in mind when you are shopping for new items. With each object that you consider buying ask yourself, ‘what is its function, how will it enrich the space?’ The process involves choosing fewer decorations and focusing on stylish furniture.
A minimal home that’s free of clutter helps us to feel at peace and calm. This interior design trend also helps you to be mindful of your purchases. You can carry these good habits with you when you are shopping for everything, from your groceries to your clothes. In time you’ll find that these habits allow you to spend less money and create less waste.
