I’ll say it, I love Minimalism. It’s a design style that encourages a lifestyle. It’s not for everyone, but it works it’s magic on people feeling a little weighed down by All. The. Stuff. Fear not cushion lover. Minimalism is a style that can be adapted to suit your current lifestyle, including your plush pillows.
THE INITIAL CULL
To get started on your new minimalist interior (and life!), there is an essential step: the clean out. Getting started is the hardest part. Set some guidelines for what you will and won’t keep. The two most important rules most minimalists adopt are: does this item bring me joy or is this item useful? If the item can satisfy one or more of those criteria, it stays and, on the flipside, if it doesn’t satisfy the criteria, it’s got to go! There’s so much satisfaction in knowing that your home is a carefully curated sanctuary, perfectly reflecting your needs and interests.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Minimalism isn’t about throwing away all your earthly possessions and feeling deprived. You absolutely should keep the items you love but ensure that items you don’t cherish anymore (or didn’t even to begin with) aren’t sticking around and weighing you down. Invest in quality pieces that you can see yourself keeping for 20 years. Sure, the initial outlay of money is greater, however choosing a style that is simple (and most importantly, that you love!) will ensure longevity and work out more economical in the long run.
SIMPLE COLOUR PALETTE
To get the most out of your newly refreshed space, keep the colour palette simple and cohesive. Note: this doesn’t rule out colour. Greys, blues and greens work a treat in minimalist interiors as they are calming, but still somewhat visually stimulating. Keep your furniture quite neutral in colour, adding colour by using art and soft furnishings.
WARM UP WITH TEXTURE
Minimalist interiors can be interpreted as cold or harsh without the addition of the right soft furnishings. Adding colour and texture using soft furnishings will create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. The right balance of textiles is essential as if you use too many in the space, it’s not really minimalist anymore. Carefully edit the space but keep in mind the need for texture and warmth.
THINGS YOU LOVE
I love to read so I love my books and the way they look. I find comfort in having them in my home.
Minimalism isn’t about owning nothing, its about valuing all your possessions and knowing they add to your life rather than burden it. Keep your spoon collection or your Superhero Figurines. These items tell a story of who you are and what you love, so feature them in your home.
Ultimately, minimalism is a choice to live life with less to enjoy more time with the things (and people!) you love.
Research and written text by Kate Batten