Less Is More: Creating a Minimalist Living Room

As we continue to spend more of our life at home, creating a space that propels comfort and peace is an art. And as real estate agents who specialize in staging homes that are warm and inviting to potential buyers, we tell clients all the time, “Less is more.” The minimalist style is about clean, mindfully decorated, functional living. Here’s how to achieve the look in your living room:

1) Welcome Decluttering
Interior design is like our minds—the more visuals, the more thoughts, the less relaxing the space. Discover the level of minimalism you need to achieve that feeling, as it is unique to each of us. Take the Marie Kondo approach: remove what doesn’t bring you joy (if you haven’t purchased her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, it’s incredibly helpful).

2) Clean Lines
Lots of small decorations can make your living room feel visually cluttered. Simplifying your décor will produce “clean lines.” Use fewer and larger items instead. That doesn’t mean hiding your travel souvenirs. Arrange them in a curio-style cabinet, where they are seen as a collection. Using furniture that’s at a consistent scale with simplified shapes will also reinforce the room’s clean lines.

3) Playful Colors
While a neutral palette creates a sense of calm, pops of color can draw your guests to the space. Sporadically add accents (a bold loveseat, accent table, curtains, or an oversized art piece). Just stick with one or two signature colors that complement your neutral shades.

4) Warm Lighting
Choose lighting that makes your living room feel welcoming and elevate the look. Your lighting plan should include illumination, style, and purpose. A large, unique glass lamp will enhance the room’s beauty and change the room over the day and night.

5) Natural Elements
Organic features go hand-in-hand with minimalist design. Taking full advantage of sunlight, incorporating a few plants and natural textures will add a special dimension and depth to your interior. Simple wood accents or shelving will warm up, not overwhelm, the space.

6) Seek Balance
Minimalism is not about emptiness or coldness but intentional, just-enough design. If you purchase a simple-but-comfortable sofa, skip adding a bunch of pillows and decorate with a high-quality, ultra-soft faux fur throw. Rearrange your coffee table until it feels beautiful but not bare. When you layer a room with various metals, ceramics, and textiles, even when they’re the same color, it creates an inviting, sophisticated, balanced living room.

Source: MansionGlobal.com