What does a quasi approach to minimalism mean? I’m suggesting that we can take some of the principles of minimalism to create a clean and simple home interior, without taking on the entire philosophy.
I’m not preparing to sell/give away/consign most of my belongings. No, that is not happening. But, I know that when we live with clutter, disarray and a hodge podge of ‘things’, it can actually create stress for many of us.
Having said that, a simple, clean, minimalistic approach to home decorating is not for everyone. Some of us love all those collectables, displays, nic-nacs, end tables, vintage pieces, the you-name-its that fill our homes. I say kudos to you if that makes you happy!
For me, though, I am becoming a fan of the simpler, cleaner look as I go through midlife.
A Little Bit About Minimalism
When it comes to styling a room, what factors do you take into consideration? The actual style and aesthetic might be the key deciding factor, but it’s rarely the only one.
The minimalist approach to décor aims to address not just how a room looks, but how it feels as a space, as well as the practical difference it can make to your life. We’re going to look at three of the essential elements of the minimalist style and how they can help you create a simpler space in which to live.
Does this mean you must become a ‘minimalist’ in every aspect of your life? Must you toss everything you own except for the absolute essentials? No and No. 🙂
These elements are not going to define who you are or put a label on your home. But they will help you create a place that will let you breathe, reduce stress and then, who knows, maybe you’ll decide to embrace the minimalist way of living.
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A Quasi Approach to Minimalism
Clutter be Gone
It’s easy to end up with lots of little accessories and knick-knacks to put around any room. The right accessory can have plenty of emotional resonance, or act as a vignette for the room’s theme or visual style. Too many, however, and the room can feel over-designed to the point of exhaustion.
Be honest: how many trips to HomeGoods have you made recently? Is it actually possible to walk through that store and NOT buy something?? I can say from experience, it’s not easy! I always find something new, different and oh-so-adorable. Fortunately for me, it has been a purchase for home staging inventory, so it didn’t end up in my Living Room!
The more unnecessary objects in a room, the more stressful it can start to feel. It’s also worth mentioning the hassle that clutter adds, practically speaking. The more small objects in the way, the more dust tends to gather and the longer you have to spend tidying it.
In minimalism, learning how to throw things away is key. You don’t have to get rid of all accessories, but it is wise to learn how to make the most impact using only a few.
If you are the type of person who loves to display accessories, home decor and wall art, here is a tip for you: rotate your stuff.
Put 1/3 of it on display and keep the rest put away. Periodically rotate in another 1/3 of your lovely things, and put away what has been out. It will almost seem like you went shopping for some pretty, new decor!
Keep It Easy and Casual
Some elements of the contemporary style of home design go hand in hand with minimalism. Having furniture with clean, straight lines along with flat, smooth surfaces like new wood flooring can help incorporate some of the key traits of a minimalistic approach.
This includes the ability to open up new space in the home, letting it breathe more naturally. Making way for more natural light and allowing it to really penetrate a room can make the space feel more comfortable, as well. Again, there’s also the advantage that these kinds of materials and furniture are easier to clean than heavily detailed, fabric-based alternatives.
Everything in its place
With the lack of clutter, and the introduction of more space, you can more effectively zone any individual room.
For instance, you have more space for a reading nook in the living room, if you want one, or a workstation in the bedroom. It’s all about choosing and keeping the furniture which offers real value to your life.
For example, if your living room has five seats but you only use three and never use it as a more social spot, minimalism teaches you to get rid of the two extra chairs. This way, you can either free up the space entirely or make room for other furniture you might have a better use for.
If your home is feeling a little cluttered, a little claustrophobic, or simply a little aimless in its design, a quasi approach to minimalism can help you get it back to the clean, simple, stress free home that you desire.
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Hi Candi, we need to sell my MIL’s home soon to fund her aged care home where she lives. Being Italian, her home is full of heavy furniture and clutter, although everything is precious to her. We need to ‘dress’ the house for sale and I love the ideas you have provided in this post. The saying ‘less is more’ is so true. Thanks for the ideas!
Hi Sue, if you follow these tips and remove all of the excess furniture to make the home look lighter and brighter, you should be able to sell it pretty quickly. It really does make a difference!