Creating a minimalist environment in your home is not just about decluttering your rooms. A minimalist house should encompass features of simplicity, elegance, and attractive decor, and yet, still be functional. A homeowner who strives for minimalism should also avoid creating the appearance that the home in bare and uninviting.
Creating a house that is genuinely “minimalist” can be challenging. Over the years, you may have gathered many items of sentimental value. Also, you could have challenges when it comes to space, floor plans, or budget. However, there are a few rules to follow when designing and decorating your house like a minimalist.
For some people, minimalism is a way to get freedom and clarity in their life. With owning fewer possessions, a minimalist has more time to focus on what’s important. For others, a minimalist approach to house design is all about aesthetics to create a more visually appealing living space.
What is Minimalism?
The dictionary defines minimalism as a “style that is characterized by extreme sparseness and simplicity”. When it comes to minimalist house design, the focus is on open floor plans, simple forms, modest storage areas, and naturally-lit spaces.
There are many psychological and health benefits to living in an environment where “less is more”. Some studies indicate that uncluttered and organized living helps the brain process information better. Less clutter leads to fewer distractions and feelings of calmness. Having too many objects around a person can even raise stress hormone (cortisol) levels.
Rules for Designing a Minimalist House
Let’s look at five rules for designing a home environment that adheres to the principles of minimalism.
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Declutter your space
The first rule to living like a minimalist is to get rid of items you no longer need or use. In many cases, it’s not possible to design a brand-new home to live in, and you have to use what you’ve got. You may be surprised at how much you’ve accumulated over the years. So, now is the time to take a long, hard look at what is taking up your precious space.
Only keep items that are truly essential and consider getting rid of other things or storing them out of sight.
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Practical Furniture and Clear Floors
Furniture usually takes up the bulk of space in any room. So, look at what pieces of furniture you can live without. If your budget allows for it, you could think about changing large items for smaller, more practical, and functional furniture items.
Remember that sofas, chairs, and beds can also have storage spaces in them. This type of furniture can be a great addition to the minimalist house. When purchasing any new furniture, always opt for straight lines in simple colors to match or contrast with your minimalist decor.
Try to think of your floor space as premium real estate. Every piece of furniture or item standing on the floor should have a use and purpose. So, as a general rule, limit free-standing furniture as much as possible.
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Keep Surfaces Clear
Flat surfaces such as shelves should also be kept to a minimum and only have a few items on each. Try to go for floating shelves that seem part of the wall. The straight lines cause less fuss and these practical items will enhance the minimalist look of any room.
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Use Minimalist Accessories
A minimalist house should be inviting and comfortable to live in. So, well-chosen accessories are essential. At most, you should only have one or two items on any wall surface—this includes shelves or wall hangings. So, rather than have several family photos in individual frames, combine them into a large collage in a minimalist picture frame.
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Natural Light
You may not have the budget to create large patio doors in your home, but you should do what you can to let light pour in. Try to keep windows bare and unadorned to make use of as much natural light as possible. You can use sheer curtains to enhance sunlight while making sure that your privacy isn’t compromised.
Choosing Décor for a Minimalist House
When it comes to designing a minimalist house, the right decor is just as important as getting rid of clutter and having the right furniture.
One of the most important rules to follow when it comes to decorating your house like a minimalist is this—light, neutral colors. Light colors not only make rooms seem larger, but they also create less stress visually and enhance natural light. Remember that fewer colors in a room are also less clutter for the eyes.
However, you don’t want your minimalist home decor to appear bland and cold. This is where contrasting colors come in useful. You can use accessories with bright, bold colors to create a focal point in any room. These accessories could be in the form of wall art, brightly-colored cushions, patterned textures, or a small piece of accenting furniture.
