Minimalism is a movement that flowed from popular art to home design in the 1960s, yet it’s still regarded as one of the most innovative styles. Minimalism has been labeled the pioneer of forward-thinking design. Minimal interior design breaks a room into the necessities—this means every single item must be functional. It values combination of simplicity, sophistication, beauty and practicality.
If you’ve been a longtime fan of the look but are unsure about how to get started, our step-by-step approach will help you get started. If you truly want to embrace the minimalistic aesthetics, ask yourself what can be eliminated, what can be stored out of sight, and what items aren’t essential; then organise according to priority. So if you’re keen to make a statement but you’re not sure where to start? utopiast guide to minimal decorating should give you the confidence to give it a go.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #1: Create the Base
When creating a classic minimalistic interior, it’s all about the base. Subdued hues rule here, from biscuit to greys and every ecru-inspired tone in between. Why? It’s clean, crisp and fresh while inspiring a sense of calm. And just because it’s colour-averse doesn’t mean it has to be bland or boring. In fact, quite the opposite. Do not be shy and make sure to introduce some colour, but choose solid pigments that are easy on the eyes and fuse well with the neutrals, such as earthy style browns, blues, tans, and greens.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #2: Quality Over Quantity
The challenge of working within the pared-back aesthetic is how little you actually have to work with. This makes the decision process even trickier than usual. You really have to consider each piece carefully before it enters the room, but this also means the end result is more thoughtful and considered—your goal is a space that anyone would want to spend time in. In this case, it truly pays to buy quality over quantity and invest in the classics that will truly stand the test of time, and your interest levels. Choose well-made pieces that are built to last, will withstand daily use, and look better as a result.
Just one common mistake we do when we think about a ‘minimalist’ space – thoughts often drift to white walls and neutral schemes but you can also achieve a beautiful pared back look with a broader palette. Overall keep the tonality of the space low-contrast and layer in tactile, natural textures to create a warm, relaxing environment.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #3: One-in One-out Philosophy
It’s astonishing how much one person can acquire in a short period of time. The empty kitchen drawers, bedroom closet, and bathroom cupboards from when you first moved are suddenly brimming over with non-essentials and unused products that are now collecting dust. Even when you can’t see it, this “stuff” is cluttering your headspace and taking up valuable room in your home. To prevent this dilemma from happening at all, we recommend putting “One in, one out” rule into practice, where for every item that comes into your home, something else should go out in turn.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #4: Different Textures in Similar Tones
A minimalistic room with neutral tones can tend to feel cold or bland, but there’s one foolproof trick that remedies this every time: texture. Turn up the temperature with knitted throws, pillows, sheepskin rugs, and velvet décor for that much-needed comfort factor. While restraint is usually advised, feel free to go wild with these sensory touch points, just as long as they’re in the same tonal family. If you mix too many textures, materials, and surfaces of all different colours, the result will surely be headache inducing.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #5: Invest in Storage
So you’ve cleared the clutter, applied the “one in, one out” rule, and chosen quality over quantity, but there are still a few stragglers hanging around. This is where you get sneaky and invest in stylish storage where chaos can live on the inside but appear chic on the outside. This is great news for all of us who love the minimalistic look but are true maximalists on the inside. You don’t have to completely forgo your collector past, but the hoarder mind-set has to go.
Written by Katja Butala
Shop the selection of minimal pieces for your home:
In the recent days we've woken up to the new reality. The world is in a state of fear and uncertainty that is stressful and overwhelming for all of us. In times of uncertainty the small businesses, freelancers and artist are extra exposed and vulnerable to the economic slowdown. We brainstormed some tips how can [...]
Maison et Objet, international interiors trade fair, has just come to a close. As one of the largest international interior trade shows it presents its visitors with an almost dizzying array of colour, texture and product innovation. It is a melting pot of all the best-established brands and upcoming new designers showcasing their latest collections. Photo: [...]
Take advantage of warmer temperatures and longer days with our selection of cultural activities from around the region ranging from photography exhibitions, talks to art and designs weeks. Look no further for the cultural boost you don’t want to miss! Egon Schiele. The Jubilee show. Leopold Museum, Wien, Austria: February 23 - November 4, 2018 [...]
Elevate your days with our selection of minimal home accessories that add a touch of creativity to your style and help you stay organized and intentional all year long. We have brought together timeless, classic objects by our independent designers and sustainable brands destined to become enduring favourites. From big goals to everyday moments, these [...]
Minimalism in Interior Design: Decorate Your Home Like a Minimalist
Minimalism is a movement that flowed from popular art to home design in the 1960s, yet it’s still regarded as one of the most innovative styles. Minimalism has been labeled the pioneer of forward-thinking design. Minimal interior design breaks a room into the necessities—this means every single item must be functional. It values combination of simplicity, sophistication, beauty and practicality.
If you’ve been a longtime fan of the look but are unsure about how to get started, our step-by-step approach will help you get started. If you truly want to embrace the minimalistic aesthetics, ask yourself what can be eliminated, what can be stored out of sight, and what items aren’t essential; then organise according to priority. So if you’re keen to make a statement but you’re not sure where to start? utopiast guide to minimal decorating should give you the confidence to give it a go.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #1: Create the Base
When creating a classic minimalistic interior, it’s all about the base. Subdued hues rule here, from biscuit to greys and every ecru-inspired tone in between. Why? It’s clean, crisp and fresh while inspiring a sense of calm. And just because it’s colour-averse doesn’t mean it has to be bland or boring. In fact, quite the opposite. Do not be shy and make sure to introduce some colour, but choose solid pigments that are easy on the eyes and fuse well with the neutrals, such as earthy style browns, blues, tans, and greens.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #2: Quality Over Quantity
The challenge of working within the pared-back aesthetic is how little you actually have to work with. This makes the decision process even trickier than usual. You really have to consider each piece carefully before it enters the room, but this also means the end result is more thoughtful and considered—your goal is a space that anyone would want to spend time in. In this case, it truly pays to buy quality over quantity and invest in the classics that will truly stand the test of time, and your interest levels. Choose well-made pieces that are built to last, will withstand daily use, and look better as a result.
Just one common mistake we do when we think about a ‘minimalist’ space – thoughts often drift to white walls and neutral schemes but you can also achieve a beautiful pared back look with a broader palette. Overall keep the tonality of the space low-contrast and layer in tactile, natural textures to create a warm, relaxing environment.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #3: One-in One-out Philosophy
It’s astonishing how much one person can acquire in a short period of time. The empty kitchen drawers, bedroom closet, and bathroom cupboards from when you first moved are suddenly brimming over with non-essentials and unused products that are now collecting dust. Even when you can’t see it, this “stuff” is cluttering your headspace and taking up valuable room in your home. To prevent this dilemma from happening at all, we recommend putting “One in, one out” rule into practice, where for every item that comes into your home, something else should go out in turn.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #4: Different Textures in Similar Tones
A minimalistic room with neutral tones can tend to feel cold or bland, but there’s one foolproof trick that remedies this every time: texture. Turn up the temperature with knitted throws, pillows, sheepskin rugs, and velvet décor for that much-needed comfort factor. While restraint is usually advised, feel free to go wild with these sensory touch points, just as long as they’re in the same tonal family. If you mix too many textures, materials, and surfaces of all different colours, the result will surely be headache inducing.
Photo: Pinterest
Step #5: Invest in Storage
So you’ve cleared the clutter, applied the “one in, one out” rule, and chosen quality over quantity, but there are still a few stragglers hanging around. This is where you get sneaky and invest in stylish storage where chaos can live on the inside but appear chic on the outside. This is great news for all of us who love the minimalistic look but are true maximalists on the inside. You don’t have to completely forgo your collector past, but the hoarder mind-set has to go.
Written by Katja Butala
Shop the selection of minimal pieces for your home:
Stana Kilim
300.00€ – 2 200.00€Price range: 300.00€ through 2 200.00€Related Posts
6 Simple Ways to Support Small Businesses Right Now
Interiors inspiration: Maison et Objet
Things to Do and See: April – June
Artful Accessorizing: The Minimalist Home Objects for a Fresh Start