A minimalist aesthetic generally refers to how you style your home decor in a simple and clean way, intentionally trying to minimize the clutter in your home. Creating a clutter free environment by using this less is more approach is intended to help you design a more practical home, which then helps you create a balanced lifestyle.
Though, many minimalists still struggle sometimes in ensuring that their home is as minimal as they’d want it to be. So, we’re going to look at what we consider to be a minimalist aesthetic, and how you can achieve it in your home.
How to Create a Minimalist Aesthetic at Home
The good news is that you can create a minimalist aesthetic in your own home without having to find money for an interior designer. It’s relatively cheap to do, and you can get started almost immediately.
If you’re looking at achieving a minimalist aesthetic, this can be approached in various ways. Here’s what to consider if you’re looking to give your living space an overhaul.
1. Declutter
The first thing you should do is start by removing excess items. In extreme minimalism, you make sure that you keep only what is necessary. This applies to physical objects, as well as visual elements in design. However if you’re just getting started, you can take things one step at a time, and just get rid of the clutter in your space.
Think about giving away items, or better yet, you can consider donating them to charity if you don’t them it anymore. When you have material possessions, it can take a while to do this. But, it’s the first step on your way to embracing a minimalist aesthetic.
2. Simplicity with a Neutral Color Palette
Embrace simplicity in all aspects. In terms of color, stick to a neutral or monochromatic palette. For design elements, opt for clean lines and geometric shapes.
Minimalism employs white, neutral and earth colours – this neutral hue should be used for almost all the modern minimalist rooms elements like wallpaper, furniture (like a minimalist wardrobe) and carpets.
Neutral colours reduce distractions, and make sure there’s no visual disturbances in your minimalist style. You can then add in few dark colours, and use different textures are less vivid or darker. You can use a few accent colors to contrast against those, such as black and grays for accents – but, white will likely take up the majority of your space.
So along with neutral colors, you’ll also want to add in some accents too to break things up. This can be anything from light fixtures through to furniture, used to separate the bright colors and make your white space a little more interesting.
3. Function Over Form
Each item in a minimalist space should serve a purpose. Aim for functional design where everything you have is there for a reason. The amount of time cleaning the furniture in your home can be better spent elsewhere, so simplifying the open spaces that you have has a knock on effect on the rest of your life.
The goal of a minimalist lifestyle is that your life gets easier after you simplify your home, with aesthetics being a part of that too.
4. Quality Over Quantity
Many of us are caught in the capitalist mindset that more is better, and because of this our homes become filled with inanimate objects that contribute little to our happiness.
Instead of having many items, choose a few high-quality pieces. This rule can apply to furniture, art, clothing, and virtually any other items. Doing this can also help to save money that can be spent on other things.
5. Space and Lighting
Maximize open space and embrace natural light. The absence of clutter will allow light to flow freely, making spaces seem larger and more welcoming.
It’s crucial to have space for minimalist aesthetics, and not having it will have a huge impact on whether you decide minimalism is for you. Natural colors and earthy tones can make you feel relaxed, or even restful visually, especially when combined with whitespace.
6. Minimal Decoration
Stick to minimal decoration. If you choose to have decorative pieces, make sure they are meaningful, functional, or contribute to the overall aesthetic. There’s no point creating a clutter free space to then go and fill it all with more decorations and junk.
7. Balance and Harmony
Aim for a balanced look, focusing on symmetrical arrangements and a cohesive color palette to ensure harmony in the space. Consider your home from a different visual aspect if you want to get a better understanding of balance.
Remember, achieving a minimalist aesthetic is not just about creating a certain look; it’s also about embracing a mindset of simplicity, functionality, and intentionality.
Common Questions about Minimalist aesthetic
What is the opposite of minimal aesthetic?
The opposite of a minimal aesthetic could be considered a maximalist aesthetic. Where minimalism is about reducing elements to the bare essentials, focusing on simplicity, cleanliness, and open space, maximalism embraces the “more is more” mentality. It revels in abundance, exuberance, and variety.
What is the difference between aesthetic and minimalist?
The term “aesthetic” is a broad term that refers to the overall look, style, or design of something, be it an artwork, a website, a home interior, or even a personal style. The hard definition is that it’s about what is pleasing or attractive to the senses.
An aesthetic can be minimalistic, but it can also be ornate, retro, modern, rustic, futuristic, and so forth. Essentially, the term ‘aesthetic’ is about the visual beauty and the emotional response it evokes.
On the other hand, “minimalist” is a more specific term that refers to a particular aesthetic or style. Minimalism is characterized by simplicity, with a focus on the essentials and eliminating unnecessary elements.
It is about creating a sense of calm and clarity by reducing clutter and distractions. In art and design, this often translates to using a limited color palette, clean lines, and plenty of white or empty space. Though it can also refer to someone’s lifestyle, which involves owning fewer possessions and focusing on experiences rather than things.
So, to summarize, “aesthetic” is a broad concept about the style or appeal of something, while “minimalist” refers to a specific aesthetic characterized by simplicity and lack of clutter.
Why do people like the minimalist aesthetic?
People are attracted to the minimalist aesthetic due to its embodiment of simplicity, elegance, and functionality. The minimal design’s reduction of clutter creates a calming, peaceful environment and emphasizes the key features of a space or object.
Its modern and sophisticated appeal aligns with a focus on mindful and intentional living, as it encourages individuals to keep only what adds value to their lives. Additionally, its sustainability aspect, promoting the use of fewer items, helps reduce unnecessary consumption and waste, aligning with a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle.
Hence, the minimalist aesthetic offers a harmonious blend of visual appeal, practicality, and ethical living.
Where is minimalism most popular?
The minimalist aesthetic has gained widespread popularity around the globe, with particular prominence in regions like Scandinavia, Japan, and the United States. Scandinavian countries are known for their minimalist design, emphasizing functionality, simplicity, and the use of natural materials.
Japan’s centuries-old minimalist tradition, rooted in Zen Buddhism, prioritizes tranquility and the beauty of empty space. In the United States, minimalism has been embraced within interior design, architecture, fashion, and even lifestyle choices, serving as a response to consumer culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a minimalist aesthetic allows for clean spaces, which in turn can help to give you a clear mind. When you have too much stuff around your house, this can reflect in your mental state. When we have minimal distractions in our lives, we can focus on the things that really matter in life.
