Does your home feel cluttered? Perhaps it’s time to get down to the basics and focus on minimalist home decor.

Minimalism, which focuses on raw materials and essentials, has long been appreciated by those who seek simplicity. The 1960s minimalist art movement revolted against consumerist society and has influenced home design since then.

Unsure of whether minimalism is for you? That’s okay — everyone has their personal style. But here’s some inspiration in case you want to consider minimalist living.

    Minimalist Home Decor Inside

    Your living room’s centerpiece could be something as bold as a pink couch! (DepositPhotos)

    The interior is fertile ground for minimalist home decor. There’s no need to throw away everything you own, but you can start by introducing light tones to the walls, with neutral, complementary floor coverings. Consider natural materials like seagrass rugs, stone tile or wood flooring.

    Next, remove extra furniture such as seating, accent tables and art that take up physical and visual space. Instead, find one bold, interesting piece on which to center the room. It could be a piece of furniture, wall décor or art. Natural, simple furniture and neutral colors should complement your centerpiece.

    European-style cabinets in a dream kitchen with two glasses of wine on the countertop.
    European-style cabinets look great in this modern kitchen, but consider your entire home’s interior design before including them in yours.

    Looking to remodel the kitchen? Minimalists appreciate European-style cabinets’ modern appearance with clean lines and completely smooth fronts.

    Recessed lights over a dining room table with wall-size window letting in natural light

    Recessed lighting features metal light housings and is installed over the ceiling line. Many homeowners love recessed lighting because the light source is not visible.

    In addition to highlighting the ceiling line, recessed lighting adds to the room’s ambiance, making the space look warmer; full of life and light.

    While you’re at it, ditch the curtains — windows without window treatments open up the room, let in maximum natural light, and visually enlarge the space.

    Cozy living room with big, thick throw, decorative pillows and plush teddy bears on the couch. The room also has canvas wall art above the couch on the wall, and a floor lamp.
    (DepositPhotos)

    Minimalism often is budget-conscious, which means you don’t have to worry about buying lots of stuff. In fact, simply draping a quilt over a couch could do two things: enhance the room’s appearance and comfort.

    Hygge, a Scandinavian lifestyle and design trend, centers on comfort and coziness, and it’s at the forefront of minimalist home decor.

    Adding hygge to your home is as simple as relying less on air conditioning and adding quilts and throw pillows in seating areas for maximum warmth and coziness.

    Minimalism on the Outside

    A minimalist patio doesn’t need much to match form with function. (DepositPhotos)

    Minimalist home decor isn’t just something for the indoors. Minimalism is aesthetically pleasing and effective outdoors, too.

    For instance, consider a limestone patio, steel planters and bamboo fencing. Create order and clean lines with raised flower beds.

    Raised flower bed, seen in a home's front yard
    Raised flower beds add clean lines and create order in this front yard.

    Also, think about the exterior centerpiece. It could be a particular tree or a grouping of plants — whatever you want to stand out.

    The idea is fewer plants, but the ones you keep should be prominently featured.

    The Bottom Line

    Let’s face it — consumerism seems to have won. Most people buy and collect things (many of which often end up collecting dust).

    But minimalist home decor has its benefits.

    For instance, reducing your home to the bare essentials and focusing on raw materials can make a confined space seem much bigger and brighter, it can bring the outdoors inside, and it can make the home feel timeless.

    In addition, it can make your home feel decluttered, which can result in less stress and more enjoyment.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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