Less is more. This is the very definition of minimalist interior design, portrayed by its distinguished clean lines and reductive, uncluttered, monochromatic look.
One just can’t deny the warmth and serenity this interior design theme can give. But, achieving such a minimalist look can be more deliberate and quite frankly, difficult. There’s more to purging your home of unnecessary items and selecting a few furniture items that will match a neutral backdrop.
When overdone, the attempt to achieve a minimalist look can leave your space rather cold, dull, and unwelcoming. So, how exactly can you master the style with confidence? In this two-part guide, we are talking about everything you have to know about minimalist design and how you can recreate it in your home.
What is a Minimalist Style?
Minimalism is an interior design approach that is characterised by austerity and plainness in décor. It’s primarily achieved through the use of functional furniture and accessories with pared-down silhouettes as well as a neutral colour palette, which altogether creates a layered, warm, and inviting space.
As a recommended interior designer that specialises in minimalist renovation projects in Singapore, allow us to elaborate on this further.
What Makes a Minimalist Home
Neutral Base: A true minimalist home always starts with a neutral base—white, beige, tan, grey, and all the other ecru-inspired tones. This provides the foundation to a warm environment and in which you can build upon similar tones and textures.
Minimal Furniture: Furniture items in a minimalist home should be few but functional. A bedroom with a bed, dressers, and perhaps a nightstand or bookshelf should be enough. Anything more than that could be too much.
Clean Lines: Aside from being functional, furniture should be straightforward and sleek, too. Make sure that you’re shopping for furniture with form and function in mind. Stick to symmetry, clean lines, and simple silhouettes.
Clear Surfaces: Surfaces—including walls, floors, tabletops, etc.—should always be kept clear except for one-two display accessories. As much as possible, get rid of anything that doesn’t fall on the ‘functional’ category.
Limited Accessories: As mentioned above, a minimalist style allows for a few decorations. Otherwise, a home completely devoid of accent décor would be a bit boring. Put a vase of flowers on a table or hang a tasteful artwork on your wall—either way, the result will be stunning.
Final Tips
The challenge of working on a minimalist aesthetic is how little you have to work with. While you have to consider each item that enters your space, it also means the result is more thoughtful and considered—hence, it pays to always invest in pieces that will stand the test of time.
How many furnishings do you actually need? Keep only the essentials. You probably don’t need more than a set of table and chairs in your dining room, do you? Assess every item in your home and if you think you can live without it, get rid of it.
While it’s essential to get rid of the excess, you can always add a few items as you go on. But, if you have to do that, you will also have to practice the “one in, one out” rule: For every item that you bring into your home, something else should be brought out in turn.
There’s something about the idea of a minimalist home—with its clean and straightforward features—that we can all appreciate. If you love the look of minimalism to your space, get in touch with us at Fineline Design today!
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