What Is Minimalist Design?
TLDR? Thoughtful. Uncluttered. Practical.
Minimalist design is the most edited-down variation of modern design. It is known for its clean lines, simplicity, and monochromatic elements. Minimalist decor and interior design have a thoughtful, elevated look – and at the same time can give off a luxe, warm, and inviting vibe. Check out these minimalist design tips to easily transform your space.
Minimalist Colors + Materials
At the end of a long day, you need a space that is relaxing and under control. Minimalist design gives you Zen vibes simply by choosing the right colors and materials. The first step to creating a minimalist room is to paint the walls a light, neutral color. From there, create a streamlined palette of colors and hues to work into decor and furniture. Colors like muted blue, cinnamon, and shades of gray coordinate easily and add warmth to a minimalist room. Pops of bolder colors can be impactful when used as accents, like artwork. Minimalists love to incorporate geometric and abstract patterns, too – as long as it’s in moderation.
For materials, look for reflective surfaces. Think chrome, steel, and glass. It’ll make your space look bigger and brighter by diffusing natural light.
Minimalist design is built around furniture that will outlast trends. Look for geometric shapes and smooth silhouettes. Minimalist design is all about visual balance and physical flow. When laying out the furniture in a room, try creating a central focal point around a circular coffee table or overhead light fixture. Balance each piece symmetrically around the center statement piece for a balanced look.
You want a space that looks amazing, but you need a space that functions well. Pro tip: Look for furniture that can double as storage space. A storage ottoman does double duty as a footrest and a place to hide your kids’ toys. A sideboard for your kitchen/dining area can hide your extra wine glasses while also giving you space for a record player or framed art.
Our number one design rule for minimalist decor? Less. Is. More. Minimalists prioritize one bold piece of furniture or art and keep the rest of the room simple and straightforward. That means your vintage coffee table or original painting can be legit statement makers.
A minimalist home might seem stripped-down, but it should still feel warm. Think: tons of texture. Layer your living room and bedroom with neutral throw blankets, faux furs, and hides to give it a lived-in feel.
Lighting and the ability to move light through rooms is one of the most important elements in a minimalist home. Bouncing natural light off of white and neutral tones is key to creating a spacious, calm home. Minimalist design is known for its geometric light fixtures. Try a sputnik chandelier or teardrop pendant in the dining room. For the living room, we love arched floor lamps or industrial-inspired table lamps. Just add halogen or neon bulbs and you’re set.
One of the top reasons we love minimalist design? It makes small spaces feel bigger. (Score!) Keep the flow of your living room open and airy by picking clean-lined seating, acrylic tables, and blinds or shades instead of curtains. If you’re a curtain fiend, stick to sheer options to let sunshine in. Complete the room by layering a sisal or seagrass area rug in a neutral color over wood or tile floors.
You need a restful sleeping space at the end of a long day – not a cluttered bedroom. To control the chaos and give your space a minimalist feel, select streamlined furniture with plenty of storage space. An armoire or wardrobe is useful if you have a small (or nonexistent) closet. A nightstand with a drawer can corral books, headphones, and charging cords, while a storage bed can give you extra space for stashing out-of-season clothes. Opt for bedding in warm colors like terracotta and oatmeal to complete the look, and you’re all set for a refreshing night of sleep.
For a minimalist and clutter-free kitchen, storage is key. A simple tray on the counter corrals mail, keys, and chargers – and makes your space just a little more Zen. Peel-and-stick wall tiles are a quick way to update your kitchen. Mosaic tiles in white or black will take your minimalist kitchen to the next level. For your minimalist dining area, keep decor to a minimum to let your Bolognese (or, let’s be real, Thai takeout) shine. Decor can quickly overwhelm surfaces – killing that minimalist vibe. Opt for a simple planter or unique vase for a calm, put-together look.
