Minimalist Decor: Making More of Less

We are drowning in wealth. If you don’t believe me, check any drawer, closet, cupboard or chest of drawers in your home. Chances are, it’s full of bursting potential. The same goes for the many tables, surfaces and counters – everything is drowning in an overabundance of assets. In 2023, perhaps the best thing you can do for your home is to make it less old and embrace minimalism and no-nonsense things.

According to Joshua Baker, American writer, author and philanthropist, minimalism comes into our lives intentionally. “We need to challenge our perception and our motivations and whenever we do, we win. Society will try to convince us that buying more and more things will bring us happiness. But that’s not true. Wealth never doesn’t bring lasting happiness. And when we intentionally lay low, we begin to direct our lives toward our greatest passions,” he says.

The minimalist decorating style is all about restraint so that the space, lighting, and accents stand out. What this essentially means is to stop and pare down your furnishings and decor pieces to just the essentials. Himani Shroff, a Delhi-based architect, says, “This means you are left with a space that is simple and uncluttered, that emphasizes architectural features, showcases a set of objects curated for maximum impact, and Creates a timeless aesthetic.”

Baker, who has written four books on minimalism and intentional living, says that we as a culture tend to take on more (vacation, birthdays, sales, necessities) but rarely have the opportunity to discard. “Since we believe the best solution is to find organizational tools to manage it, we look for larger containers or more efficient organizational tips and tricks,” he says.

The person who advocates minimalism discourages the idea of ​​clutter and organizing to stay on top of possessions from time to time, saying that “owning less is far more beneficial than organizing more”.

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“Excessive possessions rob us of time, money, focus, and energy. Our life is limited and made of limited resources. Every time we direct those resources toward buying or managing things we don’t need, we lose the opportunity to direct those resources toward things that matter,” he says. Yes, the year of less should begin at home.

Shroff agrees that minimalism helps your home breathe and creates a simple, sparse and stylish look that makes its way to other aspects of your life over time. “Minimalism goes hand-in-hand with functionality. A well-designed minimalist space incorporates an open floor plan, ample lighting, and clean lines to create an inviting and comfortable space.

So, how can you pare down things around the house to make the most of minimal space?

Use a subtle color palette

Stay away from pops of color if you’re looking for a minimalist look. Monochrome palettes lend themselves well to minimalism. Wear neutral colors like grey, beige and light pastels with shades of white and cream. “You can add a little colour, but make sure it is not over the top. Color should be used in moderation,” says Shroff.

edit for sparse spaces

Empty spaces are the foundation of minimalist decor because they encourage relaxation and calmness. Make sure that your rooms are not cluttered with vases, statues and knick-knacks. Declutter and edit regularly, and purge what you don’t need. “Keep surfaces to a minimum, and display only what you really love on shelves and tables. Pop what you don’t need regularly into the cabinet,” says Pune-based interior designer Achintya Kolhapure.

create a focal point

Now that the room is edited, aim for visual balance by having the focal point. Minimalism doesn’t just translate to simple spaces; Accents and decor elements have their place, but in moderation. “Try not to overwhelm your home with too many accents. Instead of tons of art pieces on every wall, choose wisely and display one impactful piece on one wall. The same goes for accents and accessories; Don’t drop on the surface,” suggests Shroff.

let there be light

Natural light is your home’s best friend, no matter what your decor. Bare windows work really well in a minimalist style, but they’re not very practical. Install French windows, especially in areas that open to natural views. Sheer or plain curtains work well, as do simple blinds and wooden louvers.

display simple objects

No wonder Scandinavian-style accents and accessories work best in minimalist settings. Reconsider the quantity and quality of items in your home. Get rid of things that no longer spark joy, and invest only in quality items that you’ll love to use. Do not keep them apart for a few days. “When set against a neutral background, even the simplest ceramic figurine or candlestick stands out,” says Kolhapure.

more texture, less pattern

Adding new textures in different places creates visual and tactile interest in a minimalist interior. Think wood floors in one room, shaggy rugs in another. The bedroom benefits from an upholstered headboard and grained runners while textured wallpaper and bright accents create the perfect living room. When it comes to pattern, less is always more. “If you can’t live without them, choose smaller patterns or tone-on-tone pieces. A beautiful patterned rug is ideal—it ties the room together and creates interest,” says Shroff.

Baker says the first step in the right direction doesn’t have to be big. If you’re struggling to make progress in this area, don’t try to remove the hard things first (sentimental items, papers, books, even hard-to-reach places like the attic or garage). “Instead, take a bag or box and start walking through your home looking for things you can remove. Then, pick an ‘easy’ spot and remove an entire area in a place where you can see progress.” be able to appreciate it.”