Modern decor is the solution to the demands of the present-day lifestyle. It is practical, function-oriented, and minimalist – the decor trend of the day. But while you may think that it is all about choosing sleek furniture and cutting off excess, even designers agree that incorporating minimalist decor style is always a challenge. You cannot risk going too stark or bringing in too much.
When embracing minimalism in home decor, it’s important to maintain a clutter-free and efficient living space, which includes essential home systems. Regular maintenance, such as scheduling a Boiler Service Ballymena, ensures that your home’s heating system runs smoothly without disrupting the clean and simple aesthetic that minimalism promotes. Keeping everything in top condition allows you to focus on the beauty of simplicity without worrying about unexpected breakdowns.
To help you hit just that mark of warmth, homeyness, and hygge in your living room, this blog from interior experts brings you ideas and tips for modern decor in living rooms.
The Basic of Minimalism: Less is More
Minimalism works on the principle of ‘less is more’, a phrase popularized by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe who is considered a visionary in this style and the decor world. Frowning upon conspicuous consumption and believing in the ‘quiet luxury’ way of life, minimalist philosophy leverages creating a tranquil haven that is functional and hyggelig at the same time.
While it is difficult to trace back the exact starting point of this interior style, one can find it rooted in modern artistic movements like Bauhaus and De Stijl. The world wars brought about a necessary change in life from the grandeur of Regency styles to simpler homes that were not just downsized in terms of realty space but also the decor of the space.
To give you a better idea, here are some basics of minimalist style:
Simplicity & Functionality
Minimalism prioritizes simplicity in design and aesthetics. This means eliminating unnecessary elements and focusing on clean lines, simple forms, and uncluttered spaces.
Every item in a minimalist space serves a purpose. Furniture and decor pieces are chosen for their practicality and utility rather than for purely ornamental reasons. For instance, you would choose made-to-measure curtains in ripple-fold or flat panel top styles instead of ornate pinch pleats. Your furniture should have a sleek metal finish instead of over-the-top woodwork.
Quality Over Quantity
Minimalism encourages investing in high-quality items that will last longer rather than accumulating a large quantity of cheaper, disposable items. This applies to furniture, clothing, accessories, and other possessions.
Decluttering
Minimalist spaces are free of clutter. This involves decluttering and getting rid of unnecessary items and keeping only the essentials. Everything has its place, and storage solutions are often utilized to maintain organization and cleanliness.
Neutral Color Palette
Minimalist interiors typically feature a neutral colour palette, such as whites, blacks, greys, and earth tones. This creates a sense of calm and helps to visually declutter the space.
Limited Decor
Minimalist decor is understated and restrained. Instead of filling the space with numerous decorative items, minimalist interiors may feature a few carefully chosen pieces that complement the overall aesthetic without overwhelming it.
Negative Space
Negative space, also known as whitespace, is deliberately incorporated into the minimalist design to create a sense of openness and tranquillity. Embracing empty spaces allows the eye to rest and appreciate the simplicity of the design.
Natural Elements
Minimalist spaces often incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal. This is especially true for styles like wabi-sabi, Japandi, Scandi, etc. These materials add warmth, texture, and visual interest to the space while maintaining a sense of simplicity.
Personalization
While minimalist spaces may appear sparse, they are not devoid of personality. Personal touches such as meaningful artwork, photographs, or cherished objects can be incorporated thoughtfully to add warmth and character to the space without detracting from its minimalist aesthetic.
Finding a Middle Ground Between Restraint & Indulgence
The path to minimalism may present challenges, such as dealing with sentimental items or resisting consumerist temptations, or you may want to add a decor item which does not fit in the stereotyped minimalist style. But don’t worry, there’s always a way out. In such cases, you need to find a middle ground, one that lets you satiate your indulgence in decor preferences while also not being too gaudy. Let us explain with an example:
For instance, if you want to add patterns, instead of going all-out with bold patterns, add them in moderation. A patterned valance in neutral colours, short chinoiserie floral curtains, and clean striped rugs. Even if you want to introduce a more bold pattern, use them in throw pillows, or dining placemats — anything that takes up very less visual space.
Conclusion
Minimalism may look like a rather mundane and impersonal style on the surface, but there’s enough room for one to bring in personal touches in moderation. And, while it will seem challenging at the start, you’ll surely find your footing with the guidance present in this blog once you start your decor project. Happy decorating!