Minimalist ideas are all about taking the less-is-more approach to decorating. Simple interiors are the stars of the show in a minimalist home. But what exactly is a minimalism in design?
A pared-back scheme is rooted in the principle of ridding your home of clutter. It is about harnessing the power of a 'clean' space that is not only easy-on-the-eye, but one that is restful, contemporary and purse-friendly.
It is this, what we like to call 'monastic' principle that Emmy-winning actor, writer, and producer Ray Romano and his wife, Anna, introduce to their oasis in La Quinta, California. Designed by Nate Berkus, the entryway perfectly encompasses the calm foritude that the Romanos wanted to encapsulate in their family home.
In a conversation with Architectural Digest, Nate Berkus described wanting to recreate the often boxy, unadorned aesthetic of an Italian country home.
Monastic and minimalist decor can be tricky to get right. Creating a pared-back space that also exudes luxurious comfort can be a hard balance to strike, but with careful consideration and the right materials, it can be achieved.
Invest in raw materials that draw inspiration from nature. A minimalist look can easily slip into a sterile one. To balance the space, invest in materials that add warmth but do not distract the eye. Timber is a good starting point. Old or new, pale or dark, the warm and tactile nature of wood ensures it enhances any home.
With open-plan living as popular as ever, timber planks are in high demand. 'As well as creating the illusion of depth and space, they display the beauty of the grain and knots to greater effect,' says Josh Burbidge, flooring director at Atkinson & Kirby. Their durability also makes them ideal for heavy furnishings.
Another fundamental element of 'monastic' style living is the room color ideas and palette you choose. If in any doubt, opt for a calming white.
Evoking purity and cleanliness alongside confidence and sophistication, white is a wonderfully versatile color choice for a simple and minimalist living room scheme.
This versatile neutral is one of the most popular paint trends for interiors, and it is easy to see why. Decorating with white offers a blank canvas that illuminates dark entryway spaces and can make even small rooms feel spacious and brimming with light.
One important aspect to consider when decorating with a white color palette is to bring in plenty of textural elements to create layers of interest – important factors when strong colors are out of the picture.
