Minimalist interior design

Minimalism can be taken to an extreme in various fields, like in the realm of minimalist art, where one can witness single-tone paintings. But when it comes to interior design, the multifaceted functionalities of a home make the realisation of minimalism a complex process. Creating a modern, aesthetically pleasing home involves more than just clean lines and a white-on-white colour scheme.

It’s important to remember that the primary focus of a home should be comfort and function. With that in mind, here are some guidelines that can assist in achieving a minimalist design while keeping in pace with current trends.

The Fundamentals

A minimalist decor scheme is pleasing to the eye due to its clean look. It can make any room appear more inviting and can also help to reduce stress. A home that is well-organised and maintained, featuring soothing colours, no clutter, and comfortable furniture, can greatly contribute to a relaxing ambience. There are some basic methods for achieving this. These include simple flooring, muted paint colours, minimalistic furniture, clutter-free surfaces, straightforward window treatments, and uncomplicated storage; all elements of minimalist design.

The secret to a minimalist home lies in using only essential items and eliminating everything else. Each item should have its designated place, and storage should be visually appealing. However, this doesn’t mean that sculptures and wall art should be completely avoided in a minimalist design; they just need to be simple.

The Living Room

The living room is a space where a significant amount of time is spent with family and friends. Given its purpose, it should be one of the most functional and well-organised rooms in the home. A minimalist living room can infuse elegance and positive energy into a home. The traditional minimalist living room features shades of grey, white, and black, but these aren’t the only colours to consider.

Achieving a minimalist aesthetic in the living room is often done by using neutral colours but with quick flashes of an accent colour such as orange, red, or green. This accent colour could be an area rug, a brightly coloured lamp, or a vase on the coffee table. Opt for furniture with geometric shapes, clean lines, and simple textures to truly embody this look.

The aesthetic of a living room can also be enhanced by the strategic use of glass. Coloured glass is readily available and can be used as a feature behind a striking piece of furniture that is placed against a wall.

The Kitchen

The kitchen, often referred to as the heart and soul of family life, provides both spiritual and physical nourishment. A well-appointed kitchen is essential to a minimalist home, even for those homeowners who don’t see themselves as culinary enthusiasts! Hidden storage, sleek lines, and modern aesthetics are the hallmarks of a minimalist kitchen, which is sometimes the most challenging room to keep clutter-free. Remember, the modern minimalist kitchen isn’t complicated or fussy; there’s just enough room to accomplish tasks or enjoy a light meal with friends.

The colour scheme in the kitchen should adhere to the same principles as any other room: simple and subdued. But don’t shy away from adding a pop of colour by including a beautiful stand mixer on the counter or a set of brightly coloured canisters on a shelf. Give the room a cool serenity by unifying the decor through colour and simplicity, while toning down the kitchen’s hardware and cabinetry.

If you wish to add some brightness to the room, consider including a back-painted glass splashback behind the cooker or a run-of worktop. This can be very effective, and there’s a wide range of colours and finishes available.