Mastering Minimalism: the Art of Decorating With Less

"Minimalism is not a lack of something. It is the perfect amount of something." - Nicholas Burroughs.
What comes to mind when you think of a beautiful home? Do you think of many trinkets and décor items, memorabilia from all aspects of life, and an assortment of furniture and fixtures? Or do you imagine open, large spaces with clean lines, select furniture pieces, art, décor, and loads of light?

If the latter appeals to you, minimalism is definitely the design philosophy you must adopt.

Challenging your Creativity

Minimalism is not about spending less or being thrifty. Instead, it challenges your creativity, innovation, and sense of design by demanding a well-thought-out and judicious approach to doing up your interiors. Since the essence of the minimalist style is to choose quality over quantity, each accessory, décor piece, and fixture in your home reflects due consideration. Given this deliberate approach, if you intend to go minimal, it is a good idea to spend a lot of time on the drawing board and work out a mood board of minimalist decorating ideas before you go shopping.

The Hero Complex

Minimalist decoration is not about being boring or conservative. It can be bold, sophisticated, and impactful. In terms of designing, this means that it is a good idea to pick a centrepiece for every area of your minimalist home. A sizeable imposing chandelier or an impressive art piece could be the showstopper of your living area. Picking the hero of your bedroom can be a more personal endeavour. It could involve designing a wall which allows brass light fixtures to create a lattice-like design or even placing an ornately framed large family photo on the main wall. Every good story needs a hero, and so does your minimalist home.

Space, Flow, and Harmony

The one great advantage that minimalistic decor brings to your home is that it allows for a free flow of the design. Singular, stunning centrepieces without any clutter or obstructions make for the very best of small flats and apartments. In cities like Mumbai, where space is always a challenge, keeping furniture and decor pieces to a minimum allows for ventilation and natural light. These are homes you step in and breathe in harmony. Moreover, Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui also recommend keeping the home clean and clutter-free. This is made easy by picking a minimalistic approach.

Minimalist Decor Tips

• The first question you must ask before you embark on this quest is, "Is minimalism for me?" Minimalism is a choice of careful consideration, simplistic living, and packing a punch into less. As a large family with varying interests or as an adventure enthusiast, minimalism may not be your style. But minimalism may be your mode of self-expression if you are a young professional, a new couple, an art enthusiast, or someone who appreciates clean, large spaces. Clarity is the key to making this choice.
• Minimalist décor is about curating your furniture, fixtures, and décor. And since you are in the process of stripping down to the necessities, it is important to pick out pieces that blend seamlessly together. This does not mean you cannot pick contrasts. An all-white living room can reasonably do with a pop of colours in the centrepiece, but do they complement each other? That is the spirit of minimalism.
• If minimalist decor has to be expressed in one word, restraint must be it. Limiting yourself to a simple colour palette can be an important element. It is important to extend this philosophy when it comes to picking tiles and fixtures as well. A busy patterned floor tile can take away from the open, minimalist style that you wish to achieve, even if there is no clutter. Match the tabletops, counters, wall tiles, and wall colours to create a holistic effect.
• The most crucial element in minimalist design is light. You are no longer taking the help of objects, furniture, or accessories to highlight the spaces or the beauty. You are creating a sensory experience through the play of light. It is a good idea to pick lamps, chandeliers, and lighting that will accentuate and highlight the spaces. Using natural light to add a glow to your home is another exciting design technique.
• "Ask yourself if this brings you joy." Minimalism is more than a design to follow. It is a lifestyle, a philosophy. Living a clutter-free life is an exercise in restraint. Travelling without the need to shop, living the experiences without the need to bring back artefacts, living light and simple, placing needs ahead of wants, and getting multiple uses out of every possession - these drive minimalistic living. Add to this flat surfaces, clean lines, and time, and you will be rocking the minimalist décor style. 

Conclusion

Minimalism is a life choice, an art form, and a décor style to follow. A minimalist home is an owner's pride when done right and kept clean.