Minimalism has been tempting us with its clutter-free, pared-down sensibilities for decades, but for many of us, it’s long been a dream unrealised. Now, times are going to change! We bring you some simple steps to help you turn your home into a minimalist’s dream:
Step one: identify how far you are from your goal
- You can do this by asking yourself a few questions:
- Do I get the feeling of being overwhelmed when I enter my house?
- Are my favourite belongings overshadowed by everyday items?
- Do I struggle to have a home that looks tidy?
Photo © Christopher Simmonds Architect
If you’ve answered yes to these questions, you need to get working on that minimalist dream. If not, why not read on for some tips to help you update the stylish simplicity you already have?
Step two: picture your goal
Use interior design magazines, other people’s homes and architecture you admire to inspire you towards an end result, then either make notes or create a mood board to help you keep that image in mind.
Step three: the purge!
This is where you get rid of everything you don’t need. It’ll be hard and you may need a friend to encourage you to part with some of your belongings, but keep your goal in mind. You don’t have to feel guilty about throwing things away, either – give any unwanted items to charity. You don’t even have to do it all in one go, take the time to see which items you use and enjoy seeing, and which you wouldn’t miss. On the other hand, you could try giving yourself a strict two minutes in each room to grab your most treasured possessions, then see what’s left on the shelf.
Photo © Trend Design + Build
Step four: the renaissance!
Once you’ve got rid of your home’s superfluous bits and bobs, you’ll naturally want to be careful about what you bring into it. It’s a good idea to only let things in if they fit the following categories:
Things that hide the essentials you had to keep:
There are some things you simply have to have in your home, but they may not fit the minimalistic way of life. We’re talking about anything from books to clothes to household bills, and you’re going to need somewhere to put them. There are some great storage solutions around these days that’ll fit seamlessly into your home, giving you both storage and style. For example, you can get sleek ottoman beds from Time4Sleep that lift up to reveal hidden storage space, while many modern homes have used the hidden spaces that are often overlooked during interior design, such as under the staircase, to provide them with somewhere to store the essentials while making a great style statement.
Things that meet your image of your dream home:
Light is one of the most important things in a minimalist home as it gives a sense of space and clarity, so be sure to choose window dressings that don’t shroud your rooms in shade. Semi-sheer voile curtains are ideal for providing some privacy, but if you can, leave windows bare.
Simple or multifunctional furniture is a must. The aim is to have as little furniture in your home as possible, so stick with the essentials in simple, modern designs, choosing multi-purpose pieces wherever possible. A great example is a kitchen island that can serve as a workspace, breakfast bar and under-surface cupboard space, all in one.
Step five: enjoy your clutter-free home!
Photo © Clifton Leung Design Workshop