If you’ve been wanting to embrace minimalism in your home and lifestyle, but haven’t figured out how or where to start without completely revamping your space, we’ve rounded up some simple organizing and decorating hacks to help you get started.
Below, we spoke to some interior designers to share how to pretend to be a minimalist.
Hide your mess
Piles of clutter can be an eyesore in any home space, so Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer at Decorilla, recommends hidden storage options when it comes to streamlining your space.
“Clutter is one of the biggest obstacles to achieving that clean, minimalist look, so being able to put away small but essential items is one of my top tips,” says Tatsioni.
Opt for hidden drawers in thicker floating shelves or seats and beds that can easily be lifted to store extra pillows, blankets or other items you may not need on a daily basis, Tatsioni explains.
Jennifer Jones, principal designer at Niche Interiors, agrees. She says the key to minimalism is being able to hide the clutter that comes with everyday life.
It will be essential to ensure that your home has plenty of closed storage space such as built-in wardrobes, side tables with drawers or larger cupboards.
Whether it’s a kitchen drawer for storing mail or storing dog treats and leashes in unused cupboards, make sure you optimize all your storage units. Jones also likes to use baskets and bins inside her closed cabinets to corral items for easy access.
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Stick to simpler color palettes
Tatsioni emphasizes that minimalism is all about the “less is more” approach to interior design, so she recommends sticking to simpler color palettes. When it comes to choosing paint colors, try to choose three shades that you love to create a balanced palette.
“It gives a little wiggle room in terms of decor and complementary tones that help open up the space or add dimension,” says Tatsioni.
If you choose all neutral tones but still want a burst of color, you can incorporate vibrant colors with decorative accents such as lamps, curtains and bedding. Since these items can change seasonally or whenever you want a refresh, you can experiment with different patterns and textures.
Be picky with your decor
When it comes to decorating your space, you’ll want to be intentional and selective with home accessories. Overdoing it can make a room feel busy or even overwhelming, says Tatsioni.
Depending on the size of the surface, Tatsioni does not recommend more than the three or four accessories shown.
“Choose simpler patterns for rugs, textiles and artwork to maintain that defining calmness often associated with minimalism,” says Tatsioni.