Truth: Understated yet elegant home decor should be one of your goals for 2024.
Why: Walking into a calm color scheme, functional layout, and clutter-free room makes you feel very relaxed.
And the beauty of it all is that by putting together a minimalist decorating style, you can live like this every day.
Minimalism is all the rage, experts say, as homeowners look more than ever to turn their homes into quiet retreats.
“Minimalism has grown in popularity in recent years, due to the growing need for homes with a calming feel. Perhaps because the pace of our lives has become faster and home offices have become the norm. '' explains Charlotte Granville, home remodeling expert at Fixer. .
However, don't jump too quickly. Because there is a method to minimalism. To help you create this gentle, delicate style, check out the minimalism do's and don'ts that experts say.
do you have a budget
Photo credit: Cathie Hon Interiors
Before jumping into a new decorating style, determine how much you can spend, says retailmenot shopping expert lisa davis.
To help you plan, she suggests “creating a budget and vision board to stay organized in the process.”
Once you've determined your numbers, look for ways to save money, like painting old, noisy furniture a new color.
And what would be the cheapest (i.e. free) way to minimize it? Get organized and get rid of clunky, outdated items or just plain junk.
However, if you're pursuing a new minimalist design to hide documents or donate larger items, be aware that you're getting rid of things that can't be replaced.
“Decluttering doesn't mean throwing away things that are useful,” Davis adds.
Don't veer too harshly
Photo courtesy of Architectural Workshop PC
Just because it's simple and clean lines doesn't mean it lacks warmth or style. Rather, it provides an elegant base for adding character and coziness. Therefore, avoid strictly limiting the colors or only purchasing items in one color, as this can make the room look plain.
“Don't go too flashy without adding any accent colors or personal touches,” warns Cassie Hanson, founder and lead designer at boutique company Dae Planner.
“Leaving too much space in a room can make your home feel empty,” warns Hanson.
Bottom line: Incorporate your personality and family favorites into your minimalist style.
“If art is what makes a home feel like home, it's an important element to include in your exterior,” notes Granville. You can also try his minimalist art to “showcase your style and enhance the overall serenity of your design.”
Add visual interest
Photo courtesy of Kristina Crestin Design
Chairs, chairs, tables, carved vases. Of course, these items are the basis of home decor, but the simple lines of a minimalist room also require something to break up the monotony.
Hanson says adding greenery can accomplish this goal.
“Incorporate elements like plants and flowers to add visual interest and warmth,” she says. This way, you can add some color and liven up a lackluster layout with something eye-catching.
Do not include disposable items
Photo courtesy of Houzz
Indeed, this bench seen above is suitable for sitting or casually draping a faux fur blanket. But is it really that comfortable? Most people will be drawn to the more functional and attractive chairs in this room.
“Avoid using furniture or accessories that serve no purpose other than decoration,” says Hanson.
In a minimalist home, every piece of furniture should have a solid role and ideally play a double role as another (for example, as a seat or footrest with convenient storage). ottoman, etc.)
Granville advises homeowners seeking minimalism to choose furniture for “functionality and simplicity,” not just aesthetics. Practicality and style should go hand in hand.
Don't be too modern
Photo provided by: Regal Construction Reform Co., Ltd.
If you like the ultra-modern style of black and white, give it a try. But for others, keep in mind that it is not necessary to create a modern design scheme to achieve minimalism at home.
“A pop of color is a statement,” says Davis, and there's nothing wrong with this decorating style.
“Minimalism is centered around reducing elements in your home to the essentials, but that doesn't mean those items have to fit a certain look,” Granville adds.
So if you like the beach or cottage vibe, you can install a minimalist version of each.
be careful
Photo credit: Clean Design
Once your minimalist decorating plan is in place (or at least begins to transition from vision board to reality), don't revert things back to previous iterations.
Of course, you don't want to stress over a magazine on your coffee table or an extra chair you've pulled into your living room. However, be careful when deciding to do something new.
“Adopt a less-is-more mindset and be careful about what accessories you bring in going forward,” says Davis.
This means you'd better think twice before buying a trio of crystal birds for your shelves or a separate set of kitchen baskets.