Minimalism is timeless. While minimalism has a surge of extra interest every few years, it is far from a fleeting trend. Amid the chaos of modern life, individuals are creating neat, organised and clutter-free homes to retreat to after a long day. Open floor plans, clean lines, neutral tones, high-quality materials, wall panelling to create texture, and a ‘less is more’ philosophy make minimal spaces appealing.
If you’re new to the wonderful world of minimalism, you’re probably scratching your head, wondering how to create a minimalist look for your home. But don’t worry, we’ve come up with some ideas to help you get started!
Declutter
At the very heart of minimalist living is a dislike for clutter. It’s not only about creating a space that is visually appealing but about instilling a feeling of peace and tranquillity. A cluttered space is synonymous with a cluttered mind, which may cause unnecessary stress. On the other hand, a clean and tidy minimal space can promote well-being.
So, where do you start? Step one of the decluttering process is to take stock of all of the items in your home you’re looking to declutter—it could be a single room or the entire house. Whatever you decide to do, tackle the process room-by-room. Otherwise, you’ll end up feeling overwhelmed. Categorise your belongings into several groups: essentials, non-essentials and items that have sentimental value to you or anyone else living in the house.
Remove the non-essentials and decide whether you want to sell, donate or dispose of them. Now, your attention can turn to your essentials and sentimental items. The key here is to make these items easily accessible without them cluttering the house. For example, you can store books tidily on a bookshelf or store items in chests of drawers and baskets that can be tucked away. Remember that decluttering isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process that you’ll need to repeat regularly to keep your space clear.
Go Neutral
You can’t have a minimalist home without a neutral colour palette, as whites, greys and beiges serve as a backdrop for a clean and uncluttered living space. But it doesn’t have to be boring. For example, you can experiment with a neutral colour palette by creating neutral block walls, one half in bright white and the other in warm beige, to create contrast and visual interest.
But you can incorporate neutrals into your home beyond the colour of the walls. For example, neutral florals, such as pampas grass and bunny tails, create a serene space that is pleasing to the eye. Neutral colours act as a blank canvas, allowing you to add pops of colour and texture elsewhere.
Carefully Select Furniture
The first rule of minimalist furniture is to choose quality over quantity. Since you’ll have fewer items occupying the space, each piece of furniture should be carefully selected based on its durability and visual appeal. Because every item has to earn its place in a minimal home, it’s important that furniture is as functional as possible. For example, beds with built-in hidden storage and dining tables that extend to create room for more people are ideal.
If you’ve opted for simple, neutral walls, you’ve given yourself room to experiment with furniture without losing the minimalist feel. For example, if most of your space is white, add a brightly-coloured sofa or armchair to create visual interest. If that’s too much colour for you, why not go for furniture with wood finishes, such as chairs with wooden arms, wooden coffee tables, side tables and picture frames? A warm wood adds some differentiation to the space without stealing too much of the focus.
Focus on Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is an essential component of a minimalist home. The most straightforward way to enhance your minimal home is to maximise natural light wherever possible with large windows and skylights to allow light to flood the room. When it comes to incorporating artificial lighting, follow the ‘less is more’ philosophy. Opt for floor and table lamps with simple geometric shapes to complement a minimalist space.
Show Restraint With Home Decor
A minimalist approach to home decor is one of restraint and intention. The key is to ensure each item serves a purpose and contributes to the space’s aesthetic. There are plenty of home decor options open to you as a novice minimalist. For example, if you want to create a central focal point in the room, you could decorate the fireplace with a spectacular gilded mirror or display high-impact art. If you’re feeling creative, why not install wood wall panels to make your space more warm and textured?
Wrapping Up: Crafting a Minimalist Home
Minimalism is a lifestyle commitment, and creating a minimalist home is just one aspect. Through thoughtful decluttering, embracing neutral colours, optimising natural light and making conscious choices with furniture and home decor, you can create a minimal home that will leave you feeling peaceful.
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