(10 Basic Steps to Get You Started)

"Less is more" is the underlying belief in minimalist design. But, it's actually so much more than just simply having fewer stuff in your home. Minimalism is actually a way of living built upon the principle of being intentional with how you decorate. Where one thinks bare and bleak, minimalists see it as simple. Where one thinks dull, minimalists see it as sexy.

And, there are rational reasons behind that. An average household has over 300, 000 items! This translates to the average person spending 12 days each year hunting for items they can't find –in their own house. Beyond home design, minimalism extends to one's lifestyle. 

One major misconception about a minimalist space is that it requires less thought, but conversely "it takes more consideration to choose fewer pieces, as everything should have a purpose with both design and function in mind,” Melissa Lee (founder & creative director of Bespoke Only) shares.

Shira Gill, a home organizing expert, says, "A minimalist home is synonymous with an intentional home—it’s about surrounding yourself with items you need, use, and love, and stripping away the excess." An intentional home lends you an abundance of benefits, namely lesser stress, more contentment, and more freedom.

Although there are probably close to a hundred tips on how to transform your home into a minimalist space, we've put together 10 basic steps for you to follow to help you ease into this new journey.

1. Start by reflecting on your WHY

Helen Youn, master-level certified KonMari Consultant, suggests starting with your "why". According to her, "Think about why you want to have a more minimalist home and consider how your home will be able to support you to live an intentional life. When you have a clear vision of the life you want and get down to your core values, it will give you clarity on which items to keep and which to let go."

2. Decluttering is a must

Since minimalism is essentially living with less, decluttering is key. Melissa Lee says, "If there’s something you haven’t used in years—get rid of it. Everything in your home should serve a purpose, either emotionally, aesthetically, or functionally."

3. Repurpose

After you've successfully decluttered -and before you buy more décors or furniture- try reusing and repurposing what you already have. This way, you don't have to buy anything. Helen Youn says, "Some of my favorite organizational products include clear shoeboxes because they're see-through, stackable, and can be labeled," having used them in kitchens, bathrooms, linen closets, and garages.

4. Use assorted materials

A minimalist design doesn't have to be boring 'same-same'.

Featuring a muted color palette is a traditional minimalism design principle to which you can add texture by using diverse materials like cloth, pottery, canvas, glass, and timber. This design style blends form and function and can be achieved easily by using a functional household item with a rich texture.

5. Choose a stand-out furniture or article

If you're unsure where to begin, find a statement piece of furniture —letting it shine. It then becomes about crafting a story around it with art, plants, and lamps. Utilizing color doesn't automatically mean inviting back clutter into your simple world of minimalism. But, continue to keep the principle of form and function in mind, as well as maintain a clear line uniting your interior design.

6. Add accent elements

Combine a neutral décor (e.g. beige, grey, stone) with a contrasting color element, such as a piece of furniture, a work of art, or a feature wall.

An accent element is like a pleasant surprise in a room, and it doesn't have to be showy. It's just a wonderful way of drawing your eyes to something special rather than it being obscured in a crowd.

7. Let the scenery speak for itself

If your home features a spectacular view, keep your indoor space simple to allow the view to be the center of attention. Remove items you don't use and keep furniture simple. Choose one or two indoor plants and an artwork that complements the view outside.

8. Keep furniture simple & your materials consistent

With so much choice available in today's marketplace, it's easy to get swept up when selecting furniture. With minimalist design, downplaying the furniture and opting for something with simple style to allow other items, like art, take center stage is sensible.

The key to attaining a minimal aesthetic is to keep things simple and create a space that feels “bright, airy, relaxing, and modern,” says Decorist designer Olivia Besselaar.

9. Use light as decor

Think outside the box and choose beautiful lighting instead of functional lighting.

Yes, chandeliers may be a minimalist's biggest scare, but there are some gorgeous lights on the market that are works of art as they are -—which can complement any minimalist interior style. Frosted glass pendant lights or hanging drop lights work very well.

10. Allow plenty of open space

Welcome -and make use of- negative space. Avoid the temptation to stuff a room with furniture just because there's still plenty of space.

Besselaar says, “Negative space showcases the beauty of the simplicity of your home. It lets the materials speak for themselves and tell their story. Don’t feel like every inch of your home should be furnished.”

She explains that a minimalistic style promotes feelings of calm and tranquility within simplicity; and leaving a little negative space conveys the sense of having a space to breathe. Indulge in the expanse.

“If you have a large amount of negative space and feel the need to dress it up, simple touches such as indoor plants or a piece of artwork can help make the space feel homely while maintaining the understated and simple minimalistic aesthetic," adds Besselaar.

We hope you're as excited as we are to see how your first attempts at minimalism develop. Keep in mind that whenever you're stuck, go back to your "why" and ALWAYS have fun decorating your home. Don't push it to become a replica of a specific look. Design and arrange based on what works for you.

 

Content Credits

https://www.mydomaine.com/minimalist-home-5120219

https://www.wallartprints.com.au/blog/minimalist-interior-design/