Last updated on October 26th, 2021
Since you’re reading this, allow us to first congratulate you on your decision to embark on a journey towards minimalist living!
We understand it’s not easy to let go of ‘things’ when creating a minimalist home. Getting rid of them can be a bittersweet experience – whether it’s your favorite t-shirt that you no longer need or a beloved family hand-me-down heirloom, that’s been gathering dust.
Also, here’s the thing – having a minimalist home is not about having a clean, spartan room with minimal or no furniture. Designing a minimalist home is all about you, your things, and how those things make you feel. And you can either plan on going minimalist from the construction phase or change an existing home into a minimalist space.
Here’s a beginner’s guide (if you will) to planning your dream minimalist home.
1. Embrace those architectural details
If you are reading this way before you start developing your minimalist home, let us give you a golden piece of advice – embrace the architectural elements of your home. Even when you are remodeling your existing space, take advantage of your existing structurally built details like columns, staircases, etc. Be creative and let your exposed brick wall retain its identity, or let your floor add value to your minimalist journey, as it is.
2. Use fewer and bigger furniture pieces
The visual balance between colors, room proportions, textures, and your choice of furniture and decor form the keystone of a minimalist home, as does empty space. Try to stick to big furniture pieces and let them make a subtle statement in simplicity and avoid distractions with multiple pieces of furniture.
Think of function with anything you choose to bring into your space. Choose a lightweight dining table over a heavy and ornate one, for instance.
3. Say no to non-functional furniture
Minimalist homes aim to declutter spaces and lifestyles. The less non-functional furniture you have, the more likely the room opens up and starts to feel lighter. Think about the last time you used all the extra tables in your living room. No, pretty vignettes sitting on them, doesn’t make for functionality! Maybe it’s time to big them goodbye. How about the console table? Would a plant serve better purpose in its stead? How about integrating your kitchen appliances for a cleaner and more uncluttered space?
4. Wall colors
Another tip is to minimize the use of dark and attention-soaking colors in your space. The lighter the shade, the more expansive and light a space will feel. The minimalist color palette essentially covers neutrals, earthy and muted tones, and varying shades of white, beige, and grey.
That’s not to say you can’t use dark colors at all. If you love black, for instance, by all means, use it! Just balance it out with bright sunlight filtering in, and lots of lighter colors all around it.
5. Let nature-inspired decor elements take center stage
Embrace a “quality over quantity” approach to the decor items that you place in your home. Creating a list of decor elements you want to keep or give away. Stick to the essentials and those that spark joy. Add keep nature at the heart of everything – think wooden boxes, log stools, terracotta pots, bamboo, sisal, hemp, or other materials that are raw and close to nature.
6. Let things be green
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that plants are the stars in a minimalist home. They help you stay connected to the outdoors, while you stay inside. Remember to stick to the same seamless design aesthetic, even with your plants and pots.
The minimalist look is not all about using the correct color, textures, or furniture but is also learning how to pare down on the number of built-ins and furnishings that you possess. It is adapting to an essentials-only lifestyle and minimizing distractions in spaces.
Do let us know if you think we’ve missed anything important in the comment section below. And if you care to read more on going minimalistic, this might be worth a read.
