Minimalist decor: tips and tricks

Have you heard about minimalist decor and want to learn more about this style? Perhaps you're thinking about renovating your home, creating your own haven of peace, combining simplicity and elegance? Well, you're in luck, you've come to the right place!

A decorating trend has clearly taken hold for several years now: the minimalist style. As true interior design professionals, we feel it's our duty to stay informed and share our expertise with our readers.

Coming straight from the United States, the minimalist style It perfectly reflects the image of the contemporary world: modern, futuristic, minimalist, and cutting-edge. It's also a very basic style that prioritizes quality over quantity.

To adopt and incorporate it into your beautiful home or apartment, you'll need to follow several basic rules. Let us detail them for you in this short blog post:

•  The definition of minimalist decor
•  The essential characteristics of minimalist decor
•  The advantages of minimalist decor
•  Our tips for achieving a minimalist decor

By reading this article, you'll understand the entire world of minimalism , and you'll know exactly how to create a unique and welcoming atmosphere in your living space thanks to our tips and tricks. Are you ready? Let's get started!

I) Minimalist Decor: what is it?

Minimalist style first appeared in the 1960s. At that time, people lived a life of extravagance and excess. Overproduction, in particular, encouraged people to buy anything and everything. Aside from the textile and clothing industry, interior design was the most affected by this consumer boom . But instead of resulting in a beautiful and stylish look, homes became cluttered, even chaotic. It became necessary to declutter and remove all unnecessary items. This is how minimalism was born.

As its name suggests, minimalism is a style that combines simplicity and essentiality . It focuses solely on the essential elements and aims to establish "the bare minimum" within homes. It is notably inspired by the principle "Less is more. "

Because the minimalist style is recent, it also adapts to new trends and current events. A minimalist house is therefore a modern house, incorporating the latest technologies available on the market.

II) Minimalist Decor: What are the essential characteristics?

If you want to achieve a minimalist decor, you must respect the following characteristics: simplicity, the bare minimum, space, storage, ventilation, openness, quality, elegance, functionality and brightness.

1) Simplicity

Minimalism is about elemental decoration. It therefore favors simple and uncluttered elements. Furniture with lots of carvings or undulating shapes, as well as flashy or overly whimsical accessories, should be avoided.

This simplicity is also reflected in the final look of the decor. In a minimalist style, you'll never find anything superfluous . Everything is well-harmonized and well-arranged.

2) The Strict Minimum

As mentioned earlier, minimalist decor focuses solely on essential elements. Essential elements primarily refer to objects that are indispensable, even mandatory, in a room. In other words, the room cannot exist without them. For example, in a bedroom, the essential elements are the bed, the mattress, blankets, and bedside tables. Everything else is secondary and therefore not required. Similarly, in a living room, the sofa and coffee table are the main pieces of furniture.

However, even though the minimalist style favors "the bare minimum," that doesn't mean you can't add any ornamentation. You can still incorporate it into your home, provided the decor remains understated and discreet. Therefore, you can certainly opt for a beautiful piece of minimalist art .

3) Space

As you may have noticed, minimalist homes are always large and spacious. Indeed, space is a key element in this style. To achieve a clean, uncluttered look , the room should be as large as possible. To do this, you'll need to create open-plan layouts. Combine rooms with similar functions or that are interconnected into a single space (for example: the living room and kitchen, the bedroom and bathroom, the living room and entryway, etc.).

If you are obliged to put up a partition (for reasons of privacy for example) , make sure to use partitions that are not imposing such as plywood (a fairly thin and light material) , glass partition (having a transparent texture, it gives an illusion of grandeur ), folding door (which can be narrowed and therefore leave a huge space for circulation) or removable partition (which can be modulated).

Similarly, only add doors where they are essential (bedrooms or bathrooms) . In return, simply leave a wide opening for easy access .

4) Storage

In a minimalist style , all objects and furniture must be neatly arranged and organized. Because it's a clean, uncluttered style, it doesn't tolerate disorder. Therefore, you must carefully arrange all the elements in the room.

To avoid having your belongings lying around, consider adding a storage unit to your bedroom or living room. In this case, opt for closed or built-in models rather than visible ones. This will make the room look less cluttered.

Similarly, the size of the furniture must be harmonious. In other words, they must be in good proportion to create a cohesive look .

5) Ventilation and Opening

Ventilation is also an important factor not to be overlooked in minimalist decor . To ensure it, you should incorporate as many openings as possible into your home. Generally, large windows are the most recommended for a minimalist interior . They are spacious, stylish, and modern: everything minimalism requires.

As a reminder, a bay window is an opening made up of a glass pane and a frame. The frame, which serves as support, can be made of aluminum, wood, steel or iron, or PVC. But the best choice for a minimalist home remains aluminum. Not only is this material aesthetically pleasing, but it is also durable and can last for decades. It is even available in several colors and styles, giving you a wide range of options.

In terms of layout, there are several types of sliding glass doors : single-pane, double-pane, triple-pane, and so on. The choice of model will depend primarily on the size of your opening ( the larger it is, the more panels you'll need) . Finally, regarding the opening mechanism, there are fixed doors, sliding doors, and sliding glass doors. Fixed doors are more useful for letting light into the room than for ventilation. Sliding glass doors open by sliding along a track. Sliding glass doors open like a traditional door. They are particularly practical if you have a fairly large space.

6) Quality and Elegance

Minimalist decor prioritizes quality over quantity. This style favors a few chic and durable materials over cluttered, unattractive objects. Therefore, to achieve this look, you should prioritize robust and resistant materials.

7) Functionality

Minimalism isn't just about aesthetics; it's also about functionality and practicality . Your furniture and accessories should therefore have essential everyday uses. If possible, prioritize pieces that can serve two or three purposes simultaneously (e.g., a sofa bed, a convertible armchair, a modular table, etc.) . This will help you avoid wasting space and money.

Also, make sure to favor devices and tools incorporating the latest technologies. Minimalist style is above all a futuristic style , that is to say, geared towards innovation.

8) Brightness

Finally, a minimalist home should be well-lit . To achieve this, don't hesitate to add artificial light sources, in addition to natural light from windows. This will enhance the lighting inside the home, especially at night.

III) Minimalist Decor: What are its advantages?

Minimalist decor is so popular today because it's one of the most cost-effective styles on the market. Aside from its reassuring and comfortable feel , it's economical, aesthetically pleasing, and practical.

1) A setting ensuring well-being and comfort

Research suggests that interior design can impact the behavior of its owner . A darkened space can lead to negativity, while a bright room can provide energy and vitality.

If you want to feel relaxed at all times, then minimalist style is perfect for you. Being clean and airy, this type of decor will give you a sense of well-being. You'll feel relaxed and calm as soon as you step inside. Moreover, since it's an airy home, you'll enjoy a better atmosphere throughout the day.

A minimalist house is also very well lit, which will surely provide you with positivity, energy and dynamism.

2) An Economical Decor

Minimalist decor isn't just advantageous from a personal perspective, but also financially. By opting for this style, you can save a significant amount of money . You won't need to incorporate a multitude of items to decorate your home. Furthermore, the items you do include generally serve multiple functions, further reducing your expenses.

Minimalist furniture is also durable and resistant . As a result, you don't need to buy it frequently.

3) An elegant and aesthetically pleasing decor

What's most appealing about minimalist decor is its elegant and aesthetically pleasing appearance . Even though it's simple, it remains classy and easy on the eyes. It can even be adapted to different styles, such as a cozy style, which favors soft, comfortable materials, or a rustic style with more natural decor.

IV) Minimalist Decor: Our tips for achieving it

To help you achieve a minimalist decor, we have selected some basic tips to apply in your own home.

1) Ideal materials for minimalist decor

The materials used in minimalist decor must, above all, be high-quality and durable . But they must also meet the criteria of modernity and aesthetics. Therefore, it's essential to know how to properly care for them to maintain a contemporary look.

There are certain materials, in particular, that are favored in minimalist decor . Here are a few examples:

A) For the floor

Minimalist decor should extend to your flooring. Therefore, you'll need to choose materials that are elegant, understated, and high-quality . Flooring options to favor in a minimalist style include: laminate flooring, tiles, carpet, and polished concrete.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring proves to be the most practical flooring option for a minimalist interior . In addition to being flexible and lightweight, it also boasts a clean and simple design. Laminate flooring is also durable and resistant, making it perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms, or living rooms. However, it is not well-suited to damp rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens, as it is not very water-resistant.

There are several different patterns available for laminate flooring: you can choose from wood-effect, cement-effect, tile-effect , and so on. But in any case, plank-style flooring is the best choice for a minimalist home.

The Tiles

Tile is a popular material in homes due to its durability and elegant appearance. Furthermore, it's a versatile flooring option , available in a variety of styles, shapes, and textures.

To highlight a minimalist style in your home , it's best to opt for plain tiles, meaning those without any patterns or embellishments. Porcelain stoneware is particularly well-suited to other materials, as it has a more natural and elemental appearance. In terms of texture, nothing beats smooth tiles: they are more elegant and luminous . However, these models are not highly recommended for bathrooms because they can be quite slippery. Instead, choose non-slip tiles (but still plain) . Finally, for color, keep it simple with shades like brown, white, black, or gray.

The Carpet

A popular flooring choice during winter, carpet brings warmth and comfort to any room. It's particularly well-suited to a minimalist home thanks to its simplicity and cozy texture. However, if you decide to choose carpet, you'll need to know how to maintain it properly. This type of flooring tends to easily accumulate dust and dirt of all kinds.

Regarding its placement, you can use carpet for your living room or bedroom floor. However, avoid putting it in a high-traffic area such as the kitchen or main entrance.

Polished Concrete

While relatively unknown a few years ago, polished concrete is increasingly popular today. This flooring closely resembles the texture of tile, meaning it is smooth, compact, and homogeneous . The only difference is that, unlike tiles, it has no visible marks.

Polished concrete also tends to brighten the room where it is applied. This is why it is perfect for a minimalist home.

B) For the ceiling

For the ceiling, nothing beats concrete or plasterboard. These two materials are pure, simple, and require minimal maintenance. To better suit a minimalist style, you can paint them white or other soft colors.

Some people also prefer to use wooden planks for their ceilings. This type of covering is indeed practical and quite charming. However, to avoid an overly rustic or retro look, it should be stained white or varnished.

C) For furniture

For the furniture, you can choose from the following materials:

Melamine Wood

While wood is undeniably a solid and durable material, it can sometimes lack finesse and lightness. Yet, minimalist style demands these qualities. To remedy this, you can opt for its alternative: melamine-faced chipboard. Made from wood fibers and decorative sheets , it offers the chic look of wood with a more flexible and lightweight texture. It is available in a variety of styles and colors, making it suitable for constructing all types of furniture (beds, kitchen cabinets, vanity units, etc.).

Metals

Metals like steel, stainless steel, and aluminum are also highly recommended for minimalist furniture. They are not only durable but also very modern and aesthetically pleasing. Their flexibility allows you to shape them into the designs and forms you desire. And above all, their original color (chrome gray) perfectly complements the clean lines of minimalism.

The Glass

You can add a few glass furniture pieces to your minimalist home to bring more refinement (a coffee table, a bedside table, etc.) . However, keep it to a minimum to avoid making your interior look too sophisticated.

Upholstery textiles

To give your furniture, especially your bed, a more modern look, you can upholster it with fabric . Make sure to pad the inside well for a better finish.

D) For the walls

Unlike other styles (industrial or retro) , minimalism doesn't really favor a wide variety of wall coverings. Paint is the most commonly used and recommended option. However, you still have a broad selection in terms of quality and texture. You can choose water-based paint (if so, prime the walls first before applying it) , oil-based paint (for a glossy effect) , velvet paint (for added elegance) , and so on. The quality of the paint is crucial , as it can determine the final color appearance.

To achieve a successful minimalist decor, certain colors should be favored over others. Here are a few examples:

The white

White is the quintessential color for a minimalist style . It's pure, clear, and versatile. You can adapt it to any style. White also tends to make a room appear larger, making it perfect for a small space. Finally, it brightens the room, creating a more open and airy feel.

You can wear this color as a complete look, or combine it with another color of your choice. If you choose the latter, then opt for darker shades rather than lighter ones to enhance the contrast .

Grey

We often associate gray with sadness. Yet, this isn't the case in interior design. In the world of interior design, gray tends to energize and create a welcoming atmosphere in a room . It's also an elegant and understated color that complements any style.

You can use it as a complete look by alternating light and dark shades (to prevent the room from becoming too dark) . You can also combine it with other colors. Ideally, you would opt for white to brighten the space.

Chrome grey

Chrome grey is the ideal colour for your accessories such as taps, pipes, etc. Even though this colour is understated, it remains very chic and classy .

The black

Black is synonymous with mystery and discretion . It also embodies elegance and class. All these qualities make it perfect for a minimalist home. However, you absolutely must combine it with other clean colors (preferably white) to avoid an overly dark effect.

Powder pink

A major trend in 2020, powder pink remains a highly sought-after color in 2021. It's particularly loved for its lightness, softness, and grace . A room painted in powder pink becomes brighter and more refined.

Just like white and grey, you can use it for a complete look. It's best suited for your bedroom, dining room, or main entryway, and less so for your living room or bathroom.

Duck blue

It's the trendiest color of 2021. It's everywhere: in textiles, accessories, and of course, interior design. It's an intermediate color, somewhere between blue and green. Teal creates a welcoming, serene, and original atmosphere . You can pair it with white, brown, or black.

Burgundy red

Even though minimalist style favors lighter colors, that doesn't mean you have to banish warm tones like burgundy. You can absolutely use it on your walls, and even your furniture if you wish. It will notably bring more vibrancy to the room where it's applied.

Mustard yellow

Similar to burgundy red, mustard yellow will bring energy, warmth, and cheer to the room where it's used. But don't overuse it, or the clean, minimalist effect will be lost.

The golden

Enhance the luxurious feel of your interior with gold-colored decorative accessories . However, just as with chrome gray, always maintain moderation and discretion.

2) What furniture is suitable for a minimalist decor?

The choice of furniture is also important in interior design. Indeed, these are the main elements that will make up the home . Therefore, it's essential to know how to select them carefully. Here are the essential pieces of furniture for a minimalist home, for each room.

A) For the bedroom

A Bed

In a minimalist style, a large, well-padded bed is preferred. A Scandinavian-style upholstered bed is highly recommended, but you can also choose a melamine-coated wood bed (preferably white) or a solid wood bed, provided it has a graphic shape and is well-finished.

Two bedside tables

They will serve as a complement to the bed. If possible, choose a similar material for the bed and bedside tables. But if you can't, at least use materials that match well.

A storage unit

Today, storage furniture is increasingly being moved away from the bedroom. But if you don't have enough space, you can still put it there. However, opt for built-in, closed wardrobes for a tidier look.

B) For the living room

A Sofa

No more wooden sofas with intricate carvings and patterns! In a minimalist style, futuristic models such as corner sofas are preferred , or comfortable models like Scandinavian-style sofas.

A Coffee Table

A sofa should always be paired with a coffee table. To truly achieve a minimalist decor , you should choose a coffee table with a simple shape and a fairly medium size. As for the material, you can choose from a wide range: glass, melamine-coated wood, MDF, etc.

Furniture & Accessories

You can add other furniture depending on your needs and the size of your living room. For example, you could add a TV stand, a bookcase, or a decorative chest of drawers .

C) For the Kitchen

Previously, concrete countertops were common in kitchens. But that's no longer the case. Now, fitted units made of MDF or melamine-faced chipboard are preferred. All the utensils and appliances used in the kitchen are already integrated into these units (refrigerator, oven, etc.).

There are several types of kitchen furniture: there are glossy, smooth, matte versions... There are also several colours, starting with white, black, wood-effect brown, red, etc.

D) For the Bathroom

The shower cubicle

No more bathtubs or traditional showers like in the old days! In a minimalist interior , a shower enclosure is the preferred choice. But not just any model. Contemporary versions with a glass panel and an ultra-slim shower tray are especially popular.

The shower unit with washbasin

Previously, a simple sink was installed opposite the shower for brushing teeth or washing hands. Today, these functions are performed by a washbasin , which is supported by a shower vanity unit. This unit is usually made of melamine-coated wood, but you can also make it from treated wood.

E) For the Dining Room

For the dining room, you'll obviously need a large table and several chairs . For the table, choose modular models that can extend or shorten depending on the number of guests. As for the shape, a simple, linear design will suffice. For the chairs, be on trend with upholstered models, white or transparent Chiavarian chairs , or even stainless steel or steel models.

In conclusion, here are some ideas for decorative accessories that you could add to your minimalist interior:

• The paintings of art
• Photo frames
• Lamps and light fixtures
• Decorative textiles such as curtains, blinds, blankets, cushions...
• Mirrors
• Green plants
• The electric fireplace (to heat the living room)

Note that you now know absolutely everything there is to know about the world of minimalist decor . Thanks to this article, you've discovered some ideas and tips for creating a perfect decor that respects its principles, but also reflects your personality!