Minimalist homes are popular for many due to their calm and serene atmosphere, providing comfort without clutter. Clutter is often distracting, and prevents us from switching off – a form of visual stress. Minimalist homes lack clutter, often incorporating clever and sleek places to hide it away, creating a more appealing and relaxing zone. Also, having fewer belongings scattered around your house means that the cleaning will be much easier! So, how can you transform your home with minimalism?
Start with one room at a time
Transforming your entire house in one go can be overwhelming, and often inefficient. Begin by placing all your focus on one room, sift through the belongings in that room and consider what you need and what isn’t serving its purpose. Figure out how to make the room a centre of calm, eradicating clutter and excessive decorations and distractions. Once you’ve got the hang of it with one room, it will be easier and more fun to work on the next!
Carefully choose your furniture
Furniture is usually the dominating factor in any room, and a factor that can define an entire room’s design and style. Begin simplifying your room by looking at your furniture and considering if it fits into the minimalistic category, if not – how could you make it look more minimalistic? Aim for the fewest pieces of furniture possible, eliminating any pieces that are not serving a purpose. The best minimalist homes boast a few pieces of furniture with a simple design and neutral colours.
Clear floors and clear surfaces
The one thing all minimalist homes have in common is that they keep floors and surfaces clear. No clutter scattered across the floor, no stacked items and no on-floor storage. Other than your furniture, rehome, recycle or throw away any clutter that is occupying your floor. The same applies to surfaces: one or two minimalistic plants and decorations are allowed, but the rest will have to go! This will make your home much less stressful and it will have a positive effect on your mind.
Update with modern, minimalist smart technology
Over recent years, home technology has evolved, with many smart home technologies fitting seamlessly into minimalist homes. This can range from home assistants and thermostats to smart home security systems. The latest smart and wireless systems are made with sleek and compact designs that will not clutter up your walls and surfaces, adding to the convenience and safety of your life at home.
Keep your walls clear
In many homes, it is popular to hang artwork and photographs on the walls. However, a minimalist home will have clear walls except for one or two pieces of simple artwork that you find inspiring or homely. This prevents a room from looking boring or too plain and allows you to express yourself. Complement your chosen artwork with a simple real wood frame.
Find a place for everything
One of the most vital aspects of a minimalist home is finding a place for everything. Find designated storage areas for objects that may usually sit around on counter-tops or bookshelves. One great way of doing this is by investing in a decorative basket. Find a spot for every object and appliance in your house and remember where you put it!
Choose subdued colours
Neutral colours are always effective in a minimalist home – however, this doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with some colour. If you want to add a splash of vibrant colour to a room, try a feature wall that utilises subdued hues or consider a more pastel hue. White is always a classic choice for minimalist homes, but any solid colour that doesn’t put too much strain on the eyes will look great too. You can always make a statement with your clothes, too; contrasting your neutral home decor with a bright, colourful dress, for example.
