Whilst there will always be those of the opinion that minimalist interior design translates as cold and stark, we’re here to show you that there is actually a great deal to admire about this interior design style. We do believe that the minimalist style can be just as interesting as any other interior design style. So how exactly do you achieve this in your own home to create the look, whilst not ending up living in a sterile art gallery?
What is minimalist interior design?
The minimalist style has its foundations firmly rooted in simplicity. Toned down décor, everything for a reason, less is more. Minimalist interiors are uncluttered, crafted to frame the views and emphasise the architectural features of a space, rather than its contents.
Minimalist interior design embraces concise lines, and a tight colour palette with carefully considered accents. But it doesn’t have to be cold. There is such a thing as ‘warm minimalist’, featuring enriched shades that invite you to cosy down into a place of comfort. These understated interiors are soothing places to spend time, far from the austere environments that hearsay would have them billed as.
Functional fittings and furniture are important elements of minimalist style. Dual purpose is the name of the game, with concealed storage forming a key facet of the design process.
What is there to love about minimalist décor?
Minimalist décor obviously has aesthetic appeal, but it has more to give than looks alone.
Firstly, an uncluttered space is known to enhance health and happiness. It prompts you to appreciate the simplicity and clean beauty of your surroundings, emphasising more what is there rather than what is not, and creating a peaceful, relaxing space in the process. And the calm colour palette exudes an air of serenity, easing the mind. The functional furniture that underscores minimalistic design provides practical storage, even in the smallest spaces. And of course there are the space-saving benefits, and the fact that minimalist style has the knack of making smaller spaces appear larger.
Minimalist spaces are simple to maintain too, which can only be a good thing. And because minimalist style is timeless, your interior design, if done well, will endure for years to come.
How to go about creating a minimalist interior?
For those wishing to adopt minimalist interior design style, there are some core principles to embrace…
- Champion your home’s distinctive architectural features by accentuating them rather than masking them.
- Justify the need for each element you introduce into your minimalist interior. Everything should have a purpose.
- Declutter, and declutter again. And for those items you need to keep, invest in clever storage solutions, concealed into functional furniture or fittings. Obviously for those like us with children, this is going to be a constant process and storage really is key here!
- Adopt a less is more mantra, and live by it day to day. This is the key to mastering the minimalist style.
- Take it easy with patterns. Plain fabrics and layered textures in the same tones are going to work better here. Pick one pattern only and use this as your language throughout the room.
Minimalist interior design… achieving the look
Minimalist décor calls for the perfect balance between style and practicality. It needs to be understated, without feeling clinical. Timeless rather than transient.
When done well, minimalist style feels graceful. But it is not always easy to get right. If your interior design inclination is minimalist, an experienced interior designer will be able to help you achieve just the right equilibrium.
Whether you’ve just moved into a new home, or have a desire to breathe new life into an existing space, we’d be delighted to work with you to design your dream space. Please get in touch to discuss your project.
