Clear, single-coloured, simple, "less is more" - these are some of the terms and concepts that immediately pop into your head when you think of minimalism. Minimalist interior design is very similar to the way modern interior design works and involves using the bare essentials to create a simple and organised space. It typically combines an open ground plan, plenty of light, functional furniture, and focuses on the shape, colour, and texture of just a handful of basic elements. Achieving this look is more elaborate and frankly more difficult than just selecting a few pieces of furniture with a white background, which can leave a space feeling cold and uninhabited. There is beauty in simplicity, but as with any interior design style, there is also a certain level of skill required. That's why we've written down some guiding principles on how to achieve the proper minimalist design.
1. Restrict your Colour Palette
If you'd like to transform your interior into a minimalist style, start by painting the walls. Minimalism applies in all areas, including colours. All-white interiors are very popular with minimalists. Grey and shades of earthy tones also do the job. The point is that neutral colours are the right ones for your minimalist design. You can break up the monotony of neutrals by adding accents of pastel monochromes or solid primary colours; a pillow here or a vase there. Be careful not to overdo it or spoil the whole effect.
2. Use Simple Geometric Shapes
Minimalism is all about straight lines, smooth curves, simple shapes and even surfaces. So stay away from complicated pieces of furniture with engraved or complex details. They may look beautiful, but they're not the right fit for you. Keep it flat, smooth and neat.
3. Kill Boredom by Using Texture
If you've been wondering how to make your white or gray space more appealing, here's your answer: texture! Introducing different tones of texture into your interior while keeping the same colour will give you some variety. It will liven up your space in a minimalistic way. But again, don't overdo it! That's the essence of minimalism.
4. Use a Focal Point in your Interior
Centerpieces, artwork or even furniture can play the role of a center point in your interior space. A centerpiece could be a statement vase on a central table or a painting. Relatively large paintings with vibrant colours that contrast with the overall neutral atmosphere will naturally grab attention. However, if your interior already contains splashes of colour, you might want to combine these with the palette of the artwork.
5. Favour Quality over Quantity
Minimalism calls for little decoration, ornamentation and extravagant details. But how else can you make your interior elegant? Invest in valuable materials like marble or high-quality porcelain. There’s no need to tile all your walls with marble. Just one wall or partition, and that can work as your focal point.
6. Tidy Home, Tidy Mind
Minimalism is all about cleanliness, purity and neutral colours, which is the perfect context for highlighting the slightest mess. With this in mind, you need to clean up regularly and make some space for everything. Try to limit things on the table or cabinets. Cupboards, cabinets and shelves are in the interior for a practical reason.
7. Attention to Detail
Minimalism is not a detail-oriented style. However, just as clean surfaces and colours highlight the clutter, they also show off the wrong details. Poor details can be evident in small things, such as the attachment of a lighting unit to the ceiling, faulty door hinges or defective tiling.
8. Choose Decorations Wisely
You can use decorations in the interior, but be careful not to overdo it. What kind of decorations can be introduced into your minimalist interior? Houseplants in the same size pots or pots of different sizes but the same shape and colour would be ideal. A picture on the wall, as we have already said, is a great touch and a single large picture is much better than several small ones.
9. Be Careful with Patterns
Do you like to use patterns? The rules of colour and shape apply to patterns too. Bet on simple, geometric patterns with neutral colors or monochromes. The less detail and colour, the more appropriate the pattern can be.
10. Let the Natural Light in
Natural light will complement white and bright surfaces, making the space feel comfortable and spacious. It also shows the true colours of the walls, floors and furniture. Finally, it preserves the true essence of a minimalist style.
If you would like to change your existing interior into a minimalist style, the first step would be to paint the walls. As we said, it is best to use neutral colors for them. Try out Adam’s online calculator to instantly see how much it would cost you.