We believe that the key to dreamy interiors that strike the perfect balance between lived-in comfort and elegant style is "less is more". However, as Steve Jobs put it: "simplicity is complex", which is why we're disclosing the tricks of the trade to make minimalist interiors truly effortless. Dressing your home is a personal experience; there is no one-size-fits-all recipe. However, this isn't to say that there aren't a few proverbial boxes that are best ticked. If your new project is achieving your aspirational home aesthetic, look no further; we consider ourselves experts when it comes to this particular topic.
1. Clean lines and clear silhouettes
Keep it simple with clean lines and simple silhouettes, especially in spaces that require practicality over comfort. The kitchen is a prime example of a room that is best complemented by solid textures such as concrete, teak and glass. Start from the ground-up, sticking to anything from solid wood floors to marble or vinyl (and avoiding rugs and carpets). As you pan upwards, you want to steer clear of overly kitschy kitchen prints; buying framed prints that you love is a worthwhile kitchen investment. Painting your walls a cool, fresh tone such as an off white or light grey will create a space that promotes a healthy, clear-minded lifestyle. Simple silhouettes will offer a room clarity of style, while also allowing you to accessorise as you see fit, depending on your mood or the season.
2. Block colours
Creating a space with a homey allure while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic requires attention to detail and an established theme. We suggest
creating a mood board to choose a colour palette for your home and each room. It's best to stick to a colour scheme led by neutral shades and then you can add detail and make it your own. The key to minimalism is using block colours on larger spaces as opposed to complex designs and patterns. As shown in the image below, this is not to say that you can't introduce cushions to add interest and intricacy to the design of your room. We love the use of the dual-tone wall, a trend we touched upon in our blog on the
Dulux Colour of the Year 2020, Tranquil Dawn.
3. Savvy storage space
Decluttering is a key pillar when it comes to minimalist design. The principle of minimalism is that it's visually pleasing and favours quality over quantity. For this reason, finding storage solutions which act as an invisibility cloak for those bits and bobs, essential to real life but inessential to your display shelves, is important. Whether you opt for a bookcase with hidden compartments, a bed with hidden storage underneath or a simple storage chest or drawers, it will be easier on the eye (and the mind).
4. Indoor plants
When you're aiming for a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic it's tempting to neglect colour altogether. We can certainly relate to the gravitation towards neutral palettes; however, we cannot stress enough how much indoor plants can add to your interiors. Not only do they provide a neutrally toned space with a fresh yet natural contrast, they also benefit your general wellbeing. Softening a concrete jungle with greenery is the minimalist interior designer's holy grail. This works whether you're looking for ways to add some tasteful life to your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen or living area... you can't go wrong with indoor plants. (You can with the plant pots, mind... we've stuck to our
Concrete Floor Planter in this image).