Minimalism is a design aesthetic that emphasizes clean lines and simplicity. A minimalist interior design is devoid of excesses. It includes only objects the designer deems strictly necessary for function, form and cohesiveness. This is a style that looks simple to achieve, but it can be surprisingly challenging to design a minimalist interior space. Read on to discover the basics you will want to know if you would like to apply this aesthetic to your own living space.

Minimalist Furniture

There are many different furnishings that could qualify for a label of minimalist. Some of the most popular are designs from the 1950s by furniture manufacturers such as Knoll and Herman Miller. People often incorporate vintage Danish modern furniture into minimalist design schemes. Contemporary Ikea furniture also works well in minimalist spaces.

Other types of furniture also work well in minimalist environments. Any piece that features clean lines and appropriate colors could work well.

Minimalist Color Schemes

There are many valid approaches to choosing color schemes for minimalist interior spaces. One of the most popular methods is to utilize a neutral color scheme with colorful accents sprinkled throughout the space. Gray is currently the trendy neutral color of choice, and it is a color that works well with the minimalist design aesthetic. Many designers are incorporating gray into their minimalist color palettes.

It’s also popular for people to use variations of the classic black and white color scheme. Many trendsetters are choosing to add shades of gray or bright accents for extra visual interest.

De-Cluttering to Achieve Minimalism at Home

Clutter is the enemy of a minimalist interior design project. This is because clutter detracts from the clean, simple lines so favored by minimalist designers. It dilutes both the cohesiveness and the clear focus of the space. Excess clutter has the potential to choke and destroy an otherwise outstanding minimalist design scheme. If you already own a house full of furniture, de-cluttering can be one of the quickest and easiest ways to transform your décor. This process involves getting rid of any items that are interrupting the visual harmony in a room; it also involves identifying anything that is not essential to the functionality of a space.

There may be objects cluttering up your space that you aren’t willing or able to get rid of. Hiding clutter can be a valid means of achieving minimalism. An interior design specialist says they recommend self storage in Louisiana to clients who are in the middle of clearing their clutter to make way for a minimalist remodel. Simple storage containers, drawers or filing cabinets can help with maintaining order when it’s necessary to keep items that are unsightly but still in use at home.

Minimalist Art

Art can make the difference between a boring space and an enticing one. Decorative art does have a place in the minimalist interior decorating scheme; it can greatly enhance the visual harmony of a space. You’ll want to be selective and use art sparingly for decorating minimalist spaces. Choose just a few appropriate pieces that will fill the space well and make the greatest impact.

Minimalist decorative art can be either two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Painting and photography are two examples of two-dimensional artworks, and sculpture is an example of three-dimensional artwork. Collage and assemblage art could be either two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Minimalist paintings distill the essence of the subject, and they eliminate all but the essential brushstrokes in the composition. Paintings are ideal for adding color and interest to walls. Minimalist sculpture embodies the essence of the subject in a tangible three-dimensional space. Sculptures can brighten up table tops or shelves where needed.

These are a few of the basics that are essential for mastering the minimalist style of interior design. You can apply these ideas when you are selecting the décor for just about any room in your home, and they are also applicable to office spaces and other spaces.

Author: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based in Boston. When not writing, she enjoys baking and reading. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2