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How to achieve the minimalist look

Lifestyle
2 years ago
3 minutes

Once thought to be cold, impersonal, and lacking in character and warmth, minimalism is now seen as a way of decorating that is in lockstep with busy lives and our increased awareness of good design. Here are our tips for achieving the perfect minimalist look in your new apartment or townhome.

 

Clear your decor, clear your mind

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Minimalism doesn't mean you have to go for a sterile aesthetic. Rather, it means you choose your best decor pieces - the ones that spark the most joy - and let them shine in your home. A gorgeous bunch of flowers in a stylish vase looks cleaner than a collection of fussy pieces. Similarly, clear surfaces rather than piles of papers (that should have been put away last week) will do wonders for your mental health. Not only will you clear your mind, but you will also be presenting the best of your taste and personality through your decor.  

If you've just moved into a new apartment or townhome, taking a minimalist approach will offer more than clean lines and a fresh aesthetic - it's also the most economical way to start the next chapter of your life. When you have a clear direction for the look of your home you won't find yourself making expensive decor mistakes. 

 

Quality over quantity

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Buy premium quality furniture when you can afford it and don't settle for cheaper items that may look shabby in a matter of months. Minimalism is about choosing well-designed pieces in natural materials that stand the test of time - this also avoids feeling the need to update your decor whenever a new style trend comes along.

 

Neutrals 

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For a true minimalist look opt for neutral colours as your base palette. This doesn't mean you have to forego colour though - the principle is putting together a neutral base and enhancing it with pops of colour that reflect your personality. Consider adding colour through rugs, wall art or cushions. Interior designers recommend that the predominant colour should be used for 60% of the room with a coordinating secondary colour for 30% and the remaining 10% should be the accent colour. This also means that if you want to change up your decor, it's a much easier (and more affordable) experience!

 

Textures

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Colour isn't the only element that can create intrigue to your decor. Textures add layers of visual interest and warmth without detracting from the cohesive and elegant minimalist look. Use texture to create depth and contrast - a soft wool rug on a hardwood floor or a rough-weave cushion on a sleek leather couch will make your home pop. 

 

Storage

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There's no place for clutter in a minimalist look, which is one of the reasons why the style is popular with busy people. The key to making this work is to have storage assigned for everything and creating an easy system to put things away. Consider how you use the items around your home and the path of least resistance to putting them away after use. Your daily routine when you leave home in the morning and return in the evening is also worth considering. If you have a dedicated space for your coat, bag, wallet and keys near the front door these items won't end up cluttering your living space - an added bonus is there won't be a mad rush in the morning trying to find your essentials. 

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