Simplify Your Décor With Minimalist Design

I recently wrote about maximalist design, calling out those people who like bold colors and eclectic décor, in large amounts of both. I felt it was only fair to look at the other side of the design spectrum—the people who live by the “less is more” philosophy.  If you’re someone who can’t get comfortable amidst any degree of clutter or big splashes of color, here are some ways to get down to the right interior look for your home and simplify your décor with minimalist design.

Strip it down. 

A minimalist will always choose simplicity. That means the bare essentials win out every time. Why display a collection of photos when one says it all? The more surface area you can see, the more content you are in your surroundings.

In every room, take a mental inventory of your décor. Ask yourself, “Does this contribute to the room’s look and feel?” If you’re not sure, remove it and see how the space looks without that piece. You don’t need to discard any of your cherished decorative accents. Stash them in a (well-organized) closet and swap out your décor occasionally (seasonally or every three to four months) to refresh your spaces.

Stick to a carefully chosen color palette. 

Too many colors are disruptive to the minimalist’s eye. You’re not looking for eye candy everywhere but prefer to focus on the simplicity of your interior design. You achieve harmony with one or two colors rather than a mix of multiple hues and patterns. Your minimalist preference probably veers toward white or neutrals. Choose your dominant color and let it dominate the room. Add patterns and textures that complement, in small doses. Stay consistent with a simple color theme and allow it to define that space without distraction.

Stay within the lines.

This style of interior design is defined by crisp lines and clean curves. You can add a decorative accent here and there, like a sculpture, but avoid anything too complex or detailed. 

Find your focal point.

Every room needs one. Determine the decorative core of your space—an area rug, absolutely fantastic chair, or a piece of artwork could fill this role.  Build your décor around that focal point, placing color, texture, lines, and dimension in ways that complement it. When you’re shopping for new furnishings for that space, remember your focal point. In fact, keep a photo of it on your phone so you can compare any potential purchases to how they can live and work together.

Achieve balance with scale.

Keep in mind a sense of proportion in your interior decorating. Your minimalist design is based on creating open spaces that will frame the details in your room—much like a photo surrounded by a large mat actually brings more attention to the artwork. A coffee table that is sleek and stylish but too large in comparison to the sofa and other seating throws off the balance of the room. Channel your inner Goldilocks and evaluate your décor to find the combination that is just right. It’s fine to add something dramatic that is large—particularly when it acts as the focal point—but restrain yourself from doing it with a heavy hand. 

Get touchy with textures.

A minimalist décor gets a dimensional boost when you add texture. A textured rug, knitted throw, or woven basket, for example, add a tactile layer to your space. While your decorating scheme is defined by smooth lines, you can spark the space here and there with bits of texture, like a multi-media piece of artwork. Natural fibers—bamboo, rattan, wicker, wood, cotton, and jute—are a wonderful choice to insert into your decorating plan. 

Choose everything with purpose.

In order to stick to the “less is more” philosophy without compromising function, you should choose your furnishings as much by their purposefulness as their appearance. An ottoman that doubles as a storage compartment is a good example.

Let there be light—and plenty of it.

Natural sunlight is a natural energy booster. In any room, you should aim for streaming as much light as possible. In a minimalist décor, maximize the impact with light that emphasizes the clean lines and simplicity of the design. Simplify your window treatments. Better yet, get rid of them. Utilize the lines of your window frames and eliminate the softness of curtains, drapes, and valances, which is in direct contrast to your theme. 

Use lamps to create light where you need it. Choose fixtures that present simple lines and curves, from the base to the bulb and the lampshade. A chandelier can be the exception here when the detail contributes a textural accent with more complex shapes.  

Patterns have their place. 

Just as you can introduce larger pieces and splashes of color—with restraint—patterns can provide a perfect accent. The fabric or design on a pillow, wall art, or decorative accents (e.g., pottery, linens) will enhance your simple design. The colors in the pattern must pick up or complement your color palette. 

An open floor plan is ideal for a minimalist design. A vaulted ceiling adds lines and simple detail that extend your decorating “canvas.” 

The minimalist thrives in an environment of refined elegance that comes with simplicity, open space, light, function, and the balance of perfect proportions. Whether you’re a minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between, your home’s decor should be a reflection of your personality. Explore the colors, textures, and accents that inspire you and ignite your passion to decorate. If your current home just doesn’t work with your vision, browse the gallery of Homes By Taber’s communities, single-family floor plans, and move-in ready homes in the most desirable Oklahoma City suburbs.