Having endless hours of being cooped up in our homes the past several months, it’s no wonder that lots of us have realized a design facelift may be in order. If you’re one of those people, it may be time to try something new. When we have more furniture and whatnots than we do space, it can give us a more chaotic feeling. That is not a feeling that needs any help in 2020. A more minimalistic approach gives our living space a more open feel and may just be the ticket to making you fall in love with your space all over again.
It Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing
The most important thing to remember when it comes to minimalism is that you don’t have to go all in to embrace it. You don’t have to have completely empty rooms with bare basic furniture and no comfort or decoration. You can have a minimalist space and still add comfort with sheepskin rugs, or add a touch of color with a signature sofa or chair. It doesn’t have to be completely sterile and bland!
It’s the footprint of your furniture that usually takes up all of your room. You don’t have to give up seating space if you’ll go with a sofa with smaller arms and a narrower profile. A less full sofa can be made to feel more plush with some strategically placed pillows. Occasional tables don’t have to be bulky and square. Smaller rectangular tables often give all of the room you need for a lamp and a place to set a drink.
Use Neutral Color Schemes
A neutral color scheme is a signature of minimalist design. This doesn’t mean you can’t add splashes of color with accessories. A neutral pallet also means that you can change the look as often as you’d like by using colorful throw blankets and pillows. Artwork on your walls can also give a great example of your style aesthetic. Remember, you can add drama by just painting one wall a dramatic color as a feature wall. Tie the wall color to the vibrant throws and pillows throughout the room. It’s the best of both worlds
Switch Curtains for Blinds
Minimalistic design is about reducing unnecessary elements to create more open space and feel. To further this idea, think about replacing any big, bulky curtains with more streamline blinds. I’m not talking about your mother’s Venetian blinds. There are tons of types of roller blinds, pull down shades, and Roman blinds, that fit within the window frame itself. There is virtually no intrusion into your living space. Many cut out UV rays and help keep your house cooler in the hot months by blocking the hot sun from penetrating the space.
Invest in Clever Storage Solutions
Minimalist homes may look like must have rid themselves of all of their belongings. This is not the case. Getting rid of unnecessary items doesn’t mean you rid yourself of everything. Instead, minimalist homes simply have a variety of clever storage solutions. Consider built in wardrobes with sliding doors, under bed storage, built in bookshelves, and more. Storing items away in an organized and compact manner doesn’t just look great; it also gives you a calmer feeling knowing your things are stored away and easily accessible. You won’t be sifting through endless clutter trying to find the things you want; which drives me batty!
Even if going full-on minimalist doesn’t mesh with your style; implementing some ideas of a minimalistic approach can still make your life better. A less cluttered home is easier to keep clean and that can give you more time to spend on family, hobbies, and relaxation.