The minimalist style in home interiors has been widely embraced by people everywhere since its introduction in the 1990s. And for good reasons. A minimalist home looks clean and uncluttered, making even small spaces appear larger and airier. It’s also a timeless aesthetic that’s easy for anyone to put together. And because it’s all about refinement and well-curated pieces, you can do away with furniture and other items that you simply don’t need.
What are the basic elements of the minimalist look?
Minimalism is rooted in the concept of “less is more”. Simplicity is key to achieving the look, but this does not mean a drab, bare room with no personality. There should be a melding of style and function in everything you add to the space.
Some of the basic elements of a minimalist home include:
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Architectural details
With the room stripped to the bare essentials, architectural details can provide character and focal points -
Storage
To keep the space uncluttered, there should be adequate but stylish storage that goes well with the room’s overall appearance. -
Ease of cleaning
The spic-and-span minimalist look requires daily cleaning and tidying up, so find a routine that’s easy to follow and will not take up too much time or effort -
Less color and furnishings
You shouldn’t avoid colors altogether, but they should be kept minimal, and the palette should be subdued. Decors must also be neutral as much as possible. Every piece of furniture or decorative component should be justified and must harmonize with the space.
Choosing the furniture
As furniture will take up much of the space in the room, it’s best to plan for it first. Add only the pieces that you need, such as a couch, a coffee table, another chair, and a simple entertainment console for the living room; or a bed, a night stand, and a shelf for the bedroom. In choosing the furniture, ask yourself if you truly need each piece, and if not, perhaps you can let it go. Weigh which pieces are truly important, and which you can give up without sacrificing comfort and convenience.
The ideal furniture for the minimalist aesthetic is of high quality and can stand alone. The design is understated, with clean, simple lines and finishes, as well as an illusion of sparsity. This does not mean plain, however. Functionality is paramount, but it should be balanced with aesthetic appeal.
Choosing colors
White is the default color of choice for most minimalists, but other neutral colors can work just as well. Earthy palettes, such as beige and brown, are also ideal, as are other colors that are not stressful to the eye, like blues and greens.
As a rule of thumb, you should have no more than three hues of similar shades in one room. However, you may also choose to accent the room with a contrasting color, or splashes of bright colors. The choice is entirely yours, but always keep to the underlying principles of simplicity, subtlety, and harmony.
Choosing accessories
Accessories and decorations are often used to bring personality to a minimalist room. But in keeping with the aesthetic’s streamlined look, they should not be overstimulating, or look too heavy or bulky for the space. In addition, be mindful not to make the space look cluttered with too many accessories.
High quality, collectible decors and accents are ideal in a minimalist space. Each one must be something you truly like and treasure. It could be a favorite artwork, or a gift from someone close to you, or photos of your loved ones. Natural elements also work wonderfully with the minimalist style, so consider accenting the room with indoor plants, wicker or straw baskets, textured throws in natural fibers, and so on.
Planning the lighting
Lighting plays an important role in the minimalist aesthetic. A minimalist home must have abundant light, whether natural or artificial. Glass walls and windows are common elements, and curtains and other window coverings are often omitted.
If you do want to add window treatments, choose simple designs, such as solid colored curtains or wooden blinds. If you have a landscaped yard or a great view, having minimal or no window treatments will also allow the view to be integrated into your home’s overall look.
If a room is not getting enough natural light, compensate with the right amount of artificial light. Indirect lighting is perfect for the minimalist aesthetic, as it is unobtrusive and creates a soft and subtle glow. Recessed track lights also have a similar effect. Other suitable fixtures include pendant lights, floor lamps, and string lights with a sleek, streamlined design.
Find your dream minimalist home in Orange County with the Cordova Real Estate Group
Whatever your style or design preference, we have the knowhow and local expertise to help you find the perfect home. Call us today at 949.858.0405, or send an email to marianncordova(at)gmail(dotted)com.