Although the minimalist style is simple and fuss-free, it takes an incredible amount of effort and planning to bring it to life in the interiors of a home. “Less is more” is your guiding principle. But in actuality, it has the following three elements.
Neutral colors
Minimalism is big on simplicity and neatness. That’s why when it comes to hues, it’s mostly neutrals and monochromes. The dilemma with using these palettes is the space can easily look boring and flat. That is, when you use only one shade of color in every corner of the room. The trick in avoiding the monotony is using different shades while sticking to one color.
Believe it or not, there are so many shades of white out there. There’s paper white, decorator’s white, white dove, marble white, and a lot more. Mixing these shades, along with different textures like wood, metal, glass, and fabrics can instantly turn your boring all-white bedroom into a chic monochromatic sanctuary. So, while your floors are sporting the white-washed wood look and your ceilings have decorative moldings, you can get the classic off-white Roman shutters or shades for the windows in your NJ home.
Multi-functional furniture
If there’s one thing that’s strikingly obvious about minimalist homes, that would be the negative space. Plenty of blank, empty spaces. These corners add to the clean, simple look of the interiors. Rooms can afford to make way for lots of negative space when the furniture in it is highly functional that you won’t need a lot.
Think of loft beds that have desks underneath or sofas that double as storage. When you have these, there’s no need for too many pieces, precisely because the existing already does a lot of functions. Opt for these items when you shop for new furniture. At the same time, look for those that have a minimalist feel to it: clean lines, simple shapes, and natural materials.
Several storage areas
Clutter is a big no-no in minimalist rooms. As much as you want the furniture to be simple and neat, surfaces need to be free of stuff. To avoid piling so much stuff, what you need are storage areas, strategically placed in corners where you’re most likely to leave stuff, say, the entrance hall near the door or the foot of the stairs.
Do take note that the display of your storage spaces is equally important. The general principle is to make your storage not as obvious as they should be. Keep them concealed — or at least “hidden in plain sight.” For instance, go for benches that have storage underneath. These are perfect in the foyer. You can also have shelves or drawers under the stairs. However, if you want to go for open shelving, say, in the kitchen, make sure to arrange your stuff neatly.
A minimalist space may look effortlessly chic, but to pull it off, you really have to pay attention to key elements. Are you now ready to dress your space less so it can be more?