If you’ve wanted to embrace minimalism in your home and lifestyle but haven’t found how and where to start without completely redoing your space, we’ve rounded up some easy organizing and decorating tricks to help you get started.
Below, we chatted with some interior designers to share how to fake being a minimalist.
Hide Your Clutter
Clutter piles can stick out as eyesores in any home space, so Anna Tatsioni, the lead interior designer at Decorilla, recommends hidden storage options when it comes to streamlining your space.
“Clutter is one of the biggest setbacks to achieving that clean, minimalist look, so being able to tuck away little but necessary things is one of my best tips,” Tatsioni says.
Opt for hidden drawers in chunkier floating shelves or seating and beds that can easily lift up to stow away extra throw pillows, blankets, or other items you may not need on a day-to-day basis, Tatsioni explains.
Jennifer Jones, the principal designer at Niche Interiors, agrees. She says the key to being a minimalist is being able to hide away the clutter that comes with daily life.
Making sure your home has lots of closed storage like built-in cabinets, side tables with drawers, or larger sideboards will be essential.
Whether it’s dedicating a kitchen drawer to store mail, or storing dog treats and leashes in unused cabinets, make sure to optimize all your storage units. Jones also loves using baskets and bins inside her closed cabinets to corral items for easy access.
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Stick to Simpler Color Palettes
Tatsioni emphasizes how minimalism is all about a “less is more” approach to interior design, so she recommends sticking to simpler color palettes. When it comes to choosing paint colors, aim to pick three hues you love to create a balanced palette.
“That gives some room for maneuvering in terms of decor and complementary tones that help to open up a space or add dimension,” Tatsioni says.
If you choose all neutral tones but still want a burst of color, you can incorporate vibrant colors with decor accents like lamps, curtains, and bedding. Since these items can be swapped out seasonally or whenever you want a refresh, you can experiment with various patterns and textures.
Be Selective With Your Decor
When it comes to decorating your space, you’ll want to be intentional and selective with your home acessories. Overdoing it can make a room feel busy or even overwhelming, Tatsioni says.
Depending on the size of the surface, Tatsioni recommends no more than three or four accessories on display.
“Choose plainer patterns for rugs, textiles, and artwork to maintain that defining calmness that’s often associated with minimalism,” Tatsioni says.
