Minimalist design means bare essentials, not an excuse for inadequate furnishings.
Today's minimalist design is showcased in ultra-modern design, Scandinavian design, green living and traditional Japanese design reflecting Zen and simplicity. Characteristics include clean, uncluttered sight lines like open concept floor plans; lighting that is either dramatic or bright; multi-tasking furniture and spaces; solid color combinations in black, white, grey, primary colors (red, yellow, blue); or white space with one trendy secondary color (apple green, teal, purple, honeysuckle). Minimalist design is not an excuse for untidiness and dirtiness or a reason for inadequate furnishings. Minimalist design is not always necessarily expensive, but it shuns the use of inferior materials.
Instructions
1. Retain the essential four items in any entry way: an unusual coat stand or wall hooks for coats, purses and scarves. Create space for shoes underneath a wooden bench; alternatively, a long ottoman doubles as bench and storage. Install a pendant light and an eye-catching patio rug that removes dirt yet goes beyond mere function.
2. A dramatic fireplace requires other elements to stay low-key.
Design the Living Area with a bright sofa scaled to the room's size. Accent with an ottoman that triples as coffee table, additional seating and storage; alternatively, chairs and table can be in neutral colors while the rug is of an arresting, colorful design. The focal point of a living area can be a dramatic fireplace while all other elements stay low-key. A big window is always an asset, providing the bright white lighting of minimalist design with a scenic view, or, install one dramatic chandelier/floor lamp for illumination.
3. Open floor concept is minimalist design; highlight using the same color palette.
Highlight the open floor concept of your Dining and Living Areas with the same color palette. Push the dining table against the wall, use single chairs for each end of the table and replace standard side chairs with a long bench to provide lots of seating and an updated look.
4. Updated minimalist design uses pendant lights and flat wood paneling for cabinetry
Continue the open floor concept of minimalist design into the kitchen. Install stream-lined pendant lights over the breakfast bar/kitchen island. Use plain, flat wood paneling for your cabinetry and natural stone countertops. Decluttering countertops is key to a minimalist look.
5. Stone or glass sinks are minimalist and trendy.
Apply minimalist design to the bathroom via stream-lined faucets; glass and natural stone for countertops and sink; simple, canned lights for the ceiling; dramatic sconces or a row of lights for the vanity sink. Keep personal items out of sight in cabinets all the time, have a neatly hung bath towel, floor rug and geometric-patterned shower curtain/glass stall.
6. Attain a minimalist bedroom via a neatly made-up bed as a focal point with only one pillow, a quilt and an unusual headboard. Illuminate only with a stream-lined bed lamp or sconces. Limit accents to one chair, rug or uncluttered vanity table.
