6 designer tips to embrace your inner minimalist

I wasn’t always a fan of minimalism, however, I certainly do embrace it now! What with travelling back and forth between the GTA and Los Angeles and running a bi-coastal design business, the time for relaxing is at a premium. Like all those with increasingly busy lifestyles, I am looking for my home base to be tranquil and devoid of hectic activity.

Minimalism dates back to the 1900s. “Less is more,” and the appreciation of simplistic design was adopted by the famous architect Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. I believe the popularity of the minimalist aesthetic is increasing due to our hectic lifestyles. We want home to be a place to relax and recharge. We want ways to save time and energy.

Are you looking to promote a stress-free environment and help to minimize chaos? If so, check out our “Simplistic Six” design tips to help you embrace your inner minimalist.

1) Start with a neutral palette (top image)

Neutral décor has a calming effect. Painting your walls is an easy way to incorporate neutrals in your home. Benjamin Moore’s 2016 colour of the year, Simply White OC17, is one option to help achieve neutrality. Choosing neutral finishes in your home such as cabinets and flooring will stay current for years to come and allow you to easily make colour changes if you choose.

2) Incorporate natural elements

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Consider using natural elements like wood, stone, and plants. These can help promote or support a calm atmosphere. Mixed metals is an emerging trend. Look how effectively it is added in the example of a minimalist design above.

3) Use multifunctional furniture

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Get more use out of less! What about a headboard and nightstand in one? I love this example of the wood headboard with the integrated night stand. Beauty, simplicity, form and function all in one!

4) Open up your floor plan

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Spaces can be integrated and shared to be versatile instead of zoned. And note the use of multiple windows and doors to allow an abundance of natural light into the space.

5) Focus on quality, not quantity

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Try adding a few well placed, large scale accessories without a lot of ornamentation. This is an exceptional example of a minimalist décor direction that has a warm and welcoming ambiance. I especially like exposing the raw, functional architecture.

6) Be organized

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Even kid’s rooms can be kept looking organized with the use of drawers and baskets. Also, an organized space for your children reduces the risk of injury from tripping. To keep toys and other possessions to a minimum, think about recycling and donating at the beginning of every season.

I believe we can all live and appreciate more with less. What about you? Do you like minimalist décor? Do you plan to incorporate a “less is more” attitude for 2016 and beyond?

Jo-Ann Capelaci is president and principal interior designer of Colours & Concepts. The award winning company specializes in model homes and colour and upgrade selections for builders. They have been helping new home buyers choose finishes for their homes for over 20 years. Jo-Ann is dedicated to helping new home buyers create a model home feeling in their new home. Look for future articles on other topics to assist in decorating and designing your new home.