It wasn’t too long ago that the name Marie Kondo was a household name. Everyone was rolling their socks and t-shirts and determining what household items “sparked joy” using the KonMarie Method.  It really was the revolution for minimalism and decluttering.  When you’re thinking about selling your home, decluttering and simply tidying up is a must. When we think about how to design a minimalist home interior, we want to focus on simplicity, functionality, and intentionality in design. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you achieve a minimalist aesthetic.

Step 1: Define What Minimalism Represents to You

Understand what minimalism is all about. Familiarize yourself with minimalist principles and focus on what you truly need and love.  In doing this, establish what your goals are. Decide what aspects of your home you want to simplify, whether it’s decluttering, reducing furniture, or enhancing functionality.

Step 2: Begin The Organizing Journey

Starting the decluttering process can feel overwhelming. It’s best to choose one room to start.  Assess your belonging in each room and evaluate items based on utility and emotional value.  Keep only what you truly need or cherish. For here, you will implement a decluttering method.  Consider methods like the Marie Kondo method (keeping items that spark joy) or a 30-day declutter challenge.  Choose a frequency to work on your decluttering process, whether that be an hour a day, a week, a month, or binge declutter on the weekend. Decide what’s feasible for you and get it done.

Step 3: Select a Colour Scheme

When creating a minimalist home décor, you want to stick to neutrals and subtle accents. Use a calming palette of whites, greys, beiges and muted tones when selecting paint colours. This will give you a tranquil and cohesive environment.  Then, add subtle accents such as soft textiles, woods, and natural materials for warmth.

Step 4: Select Practical Furniture

When it comes to functional and practical furniture, consider choosing quality pieces that are timeless and high-quality that will last you years.  Look for items that serve multiple purposes such as a sofa bed or storage ottoman.

Step 5: Welcome Open Layouts

How you set up the room makes all the different. Leave room for movement and flow in the room by arranging furniture in a way to create a clear pathway. This will open up areas, making spaces feel more airy and less crowded. Bringing in area rugs can help define open spaces without adding visual clutter.

Step 6: Focus on Lighting

Choose simple light fixtures with clean, minimal lighting designs that complement your aesthetic. Maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed with light curtains or blinds to enhance openness.

Step 7: Streamline Your Decor

The simpler the décor, the better when it comes to minimalism. Limit accessories and choose a few key décor items that reflect your style. Think large art pieces or statement plants. Embracing negative space is key. Allow for empty areas in your décor to create a space of calm and simplicity in your home.

Step 8: Incorporate Natural Elements

We love bringing in plants to incorporate natural elements in homes. Introduce greenery with a few carefully placed plants to bring life into your space. And if keeping real plants alive terrifies you, then opt for artificial greenery. There are so many on the market now that look just as good as the real deal. Use natural materials whenever possible, such as wood, stone or linen for texture without cluttering the visual landscape.

Step 9: Create a Maintenance Routine

You’ve put all this effort in to creating a minimalist home décor, that you now need a plan to maintain it. Keep surfaces clean and clutter-free by developing a regular cleaning routing. Periodically review your space and remove any new clutter that accumulates.

Step 10: Personalize Mindfully

Having a minimalist décor doesn’t mean you can’t display items that are important to you. Choose a few personal items that have significance to you and display them intentionally. Stay true to your style always. Minimalism doesn’t mean sacrificing your personal style. Find ways to express yourself within the minimalist framework.

By following these steps, you can create a minimalist home that feels open, functional, and harmonious, providing a serene space to live and relax.   Ready to start shopping for your minimalist décor home?  Here are some great stores to check out that provide a mix of affordability, quality, and style, making them excellent choices for minimalist decor shopping:

Article: An online furniture store that specializes in modern, mid-century-inspired pieces with clean lines and functional designs.

West Elm: Features modern furniture and decor that often incorporates natural materials, perfect for a minimalist aesthetic.

IKEA: A go-to for affordable and stylish furniture with clean lines. They offer a wide range of minimalist options for any room.

Muji: Known for its sleek, functional design, Muji offers a variety of home goods that emphasize simplicity and practicality.

CB2: A sister brand to Crate & Barrel, CB2 offers contemporary furniture and decor with a minimalist flair.

We hope these tips on how to design a minimalist home interior have been helpful. Sign up for our monthly newsletter for more helpful tips on homeownership, whether it’s buying, selling or simply home decor tips!