8 Tips for Good Minimalist Decoration
Minimalist decoration has become very popular in recent years, so you might be wondering if there are any tips to help you join the trend. Besides decoration, minimalism is also an artistic movement based on using the fewest possible elements.
In fact, some people even see it as a way of life. They de-materialize their lives and live with only what they truly need.
In design, this means taking full of advantage of an area and making it entirely functional.
Along with functionality, its goal is to create space and a sense of calm. Order and cleanliness are also a big part of this life philosophy.
Architecture is really the main focus of this style, with decoration taking on lower importance.
In today’s article, we’re going to give you 8 tips on how to carry out good minimalist decoration.
Tips for good minimalist decoration
1. Less is more
The first of our tips for minimalist decoration is really the summary of this whole philosophy. Take only what you need. Use only the most basic, essential things. You can sell everything else or give it away. Throw out the rest.
2. Functionality first
Don’t fill your spaces with furniture and objects just for the sake of it. Your main priority should be functionality, and that goes for every aspect of your home decor.
Find functional, versatile furniture and decorative objects.
3. Key colors
Minimalism is a neutral style. This means that the main colors it uses are white, black, and neutral tones.
That doesn’t mean you can’t have things with vibrant colors. You can, but they just need to be subtle and not clunky.
4. Shapes
The characteristic shapes in minimalism are straight, clean lines. So, choose square or rectangular furniture.
Geometric shapes like pentagons and triangles are also relatively common, as is short furniture.
Keep in mind that this style puts more emphasis on the architecture than the decoration.
5. Clear surfaces
Minimalist walls and floors should always be clear. Don’t let objects build up on them.
This style is about complete orderliness. Everything being in its proper place is a fundamental part of doing it right.
6. Subtlety
It would be a mistake to think that there’s no decoration in this decorative scheme. It does make room for decorative elements, they just need to be as subtle as possible.
For example, if you want to display flowers, do it in a subtle way, with a plain, simple vase. Never clutter your space or surfaces.
7. Asymmetry
Minimalism is the king of asymmetry. This style allows you to play with it in interesting ways, and you can do some amazing decoration with it.
For example, you can put several paintings of the same size on a neutral-colored wall, with very little space between them. This will make for a striking composition.
8. Light
The last of our tips on minimalist decoration has to do with light. This style is about clarity, so light plays a major role.
This is why you often see minimalist spaces with windows that have small, monotone curtains, or none at all. It’s also common to have huge windows that let in tons of light.
Minimalist decoration also incorporates white light in certain places, to simulate natural light.
Final thoughts
Before you choose this style over another, you should ask yourself these three questions:
- What am I going to use this room for?
- What am I going to do in this room (activities, etc)?
- How many people generally use this room? Is it for the whole family?
According to interior decorators, asking yourself these three questions before you undertake any project will help you figure out what it is you really want and need. They help you focus your vision.
Experts also say that if you’re going to decorate your entire house in the minimalist style, you should start with the living room.
It’s generally the biggest room in the house. It’s also where you spend the most time, and where you receive guests.
So, you need to give special attention to this room. From there, you can start to decorate the rooms around it, until the whole house is done!
Before you get to work…
This is a useful tip for home decor in general, not just for minimalism.
What you need to do is draw a sketch of the room and how you’re going to lay out the furniture.
Think of the tips above: the spaces need to be clear, shape matters, etc. A sketch will help you figure out where you’re going to put everything before you start working.
Tailor-made furniture
There’s a common belief that tailor-made furniture is more expensive than something you’d find at a big store.
That’s partly true, and it does make sense, because the price often comes down to how many they make, not just the quality of the piece itself.
But it’s often a good idea to get some tailor-made furniture. It’s personalized and will fit in perfectly with the measurements you want.
Like we said before, the furniture in a minimalist house should be composed of straight, clean lines. You don’t often find that kind of thing at big chain stores.
So, don’t rule out the idea of getting some pieces tailor-made.