A minimalist approach to interior design is all about achieving better aesthetics through simplicity. And while it does involve stripping down the elements of design to their lowest common denominators, it’s important to understand that minimalist design isn’t ascetic in nature. It has nothing to do with denying oneself the pleasure of designing and arranging your interior.
On the contrary, a well-planned minimalist design has everything to do with restraint and revision, so that the subtle flourishes the designer undertakes achieves a more intense effect. Here are five of the steps we go through at Furniture Fitouts to establish minimalist interior design:
1. Start by Creating Space.
One of the great aspects of minimalist design is its focus on the actual space that you’re working with. You can start this process by de-cluttering the space, which is a therapeutic process in and of itself. But this is only the beginning. You’ll also need to take inventory of the furnishings, fixtures and decorations in the room. Everything that is ultimately arranged in the room needs to have breathing space.
2. Establish a Base.
Once you have created space and made room for a minimalist design, it’s time to lay the foundation of your new design scheme. Most minimalist designs work mainly in soft, subdued colours that are clean, crisp and fresh – making the restrained use of bolder accents all the more effective. White, beige and soft greys are popular for minimalist design schemes, but this is by no means a requirement. However, concentrating on a single colour will help keep the atmosphere relaxing.
3.Select Simple Furnishings.
Excess is to be avoided if you’ve embraced a minimalist’s approach to interior design. This means that the furnishings and decorations that you select for the space need to be simple and restrained. Choose pieces with clean lines and a limited, natural colour palette. It’s best when the various articles of furniture look similar to one another, as this creates a sense of flow. There is, however, one exception: the showpiece. More on that in the next section.
4.Choose Your Showpiece.
We mentioned the restrained use of accents in the point above. One of the most important ways to achieve this effect is by choosing a stand-out piece for the room. This could be an article of furniture or a decoration. The showpiece is your chance to introduce a splash of colour or an unexpected infusion of geometric lines or shapes to the room. However, it’s essential not to overdo it. Limiting yourself to one impactful showpiece will strengthen the room’s design, but taking this too far will dilute the effect.
5.Make Careful Use of Textures.
Subtle use texture can give a space an almost tactile impression. Stonework, subdued tapestries or a well-placed throw rug could all accomplish this. Just be sure not to go overboard in the texture department, as strong minimalist design definitely favours smooth, surfaces, clean lines and crisp colours. To that end, introduce textures as a subtle form of accent to balance out the room.
Are you interested in using a minimalist approach for your interior design project? Contact us to arrange a styling consultation with one of our interior designers to discuss your specific needs.