Minimalism is not new, but it is gaining a new following in recent years. Many people want to declutter their homes and make the spaces more functional, simple, but still stylish. Contrary to what many would think when they think of minimalism, it is not making your space bare and lifeless. It is keeping only the essentials and making sure that each element of your home has its function.
If you are into minimalism and you want to achieve the look and feel of a minimalist home, then this post is for you. Here, we will share with you some great tips on how to practice minimalism when it comes to your home decor. By the time you finish reading this, you will feel more confident to take the first steps toward a minimalist lifestyle.
Clearing Out the Space
The first step you have to take is to evaluate your space and the things you have in it. With minimalism, you will enjoy having little to no clutter. But before you get to that point, you will have to do the difficult task of letting things go.
Take a look at the things you have on display. Do they serve a function or are they just dust-collectors? Stick to what’s truly essential. If you can’t throw the rest because of sentimental reasons, you can keep store them in the cabinets or cupboards.
You can change the look of your home by displaying a few items at a time. You can then take out the ones you have stored and exchange them for the ones on display. The point is not to clutter your home with so many things at once.
Giving Importance to Empty Spaces
Another element of minimalism is allowing some spaces to remain empty. The space can interact with the objects you place in it, which in turn, gives definition to the look and feel of the area.
You can achieve the balance if you define a focal point. Choose pieces of furniture that you want to stand out in the living room, for example. By having an empty space, the eyes will be drawn to that centerpiece. It will also define that this certain area is for entertaining guests, for reading, dining, etc.
Choosing Colors and Keeping it Simple
With minimalism, you might think that the walls are just painted in white, gray, and other neutrals. But know that you can play with a bit of color for your minimalist home. You can choose bright colors to make the space more lively. However, be careful when selecting the color palette that you will apply.
Keep it simple by choosing a particular palette and playing with different shades to give accent to your space. This will help in breaking the monotony of a minimalist color scheme which is usually made up of neutrals.
Be Strategic in Using Decorations
Don’t feel restricted when it comes to decorating your minimalist home. You can still put some decorations. What you have to keep in mind is that you should use those decorations as accents.
You may be tempted to hang all of the artworks that you have on the wall. Choose one that will be the focal piece for the room instead. When you do it this way, the wall art will be much more appreciated because it will stand out.
Experimenting with Different Textures
Since the color scheme of a minimalist home is restrained, you would want to try out other elements to play with such as the texture of various things in the room. Consider getting an elegant chandelier, for example.
You can also consider getting wooden floorboards if you can. That will add great texture to the room. There are other things such as the pillows or duvet in your bedroom that you can experiment with when it comes to texture.
Allowing More Light In
In minimalism, you want to have as much natural light in the space as you can. To do this, keep the windows bare. Just leave them as they are and allow the light in your room. This will add to the overall feel of the space.
If you are not comfortable with having bare windows because of privacy concerns, then you can always make use of curtains. Just make sure that they are simple and uncomplicated. You can also use blinds instead.
Conclusion
Are you ready to have a minimalist home? These are the first steps you can take to be one. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment. See what works for you and what doesn’t. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with your home and you are happy. Don’t jump in the minimalist wagon just because it’s a fad. Do it because you want to have less clutter in your life. In the end, you will be the one who can tell if it works for you or not.
Ezra is a recent graduate from Mindanao State University with a degree of Entrepreneurial Marketing. Soon after she graduated, began researching and doing copywriting work for WestViewMFG.com. The topics she mainly writes are about real estate, home improvements and interior design.