14 Things a True Minimalist Would Never Have at Home
Minimalism might be one of the most popular interior design trends at the moment, but it’s also one of the most difficult to achieve. Relying on simplicity and essentially outlawing the presence of lived-in details like clutter and mess (something that pretty tricky to stick to if you aren’t a naturally tidy person), minimalism requires a certain level of commitment, which is why it can often be difficult to transition your home from one style of décor to minimalism. Before making the big jump, furniture needs to be re-purchased, unnecessary knickknacks have to be thrown out, and you have to invest in clever storage opportunities so your laundry, kids’ toys, and clutter are hidden from sight.
These stringent rules mean that there is now a list of things that you would never find in a minimalist home. From certain types of plants, to patterns on cushions, there are some standards no-nos in this particular trend. To assist you in your journey to complete minimalism, we’ve listed all the things you should think about getting rid of — or, at least, hide in your closet.
1. Fussy Rugs
Moroccan or Persian style rugs; dated floral, check or striped patterns; or shaggy styles tend to overpower spaces and draw in the eye. Rugs in minimalist homes should aim to be unassuming, complementary, and neutral in color.
2. Flowering Plants
Although flowering plants are a sweet choice for garden beds and home entrances, they can look a little fussy when used as décor. Move shrubs and plants outside and replace with a more minimalist plant, like rubber plants or fiddle leaf figs — even succulents are great for this.
(Photo Credit: Homes to Love)
3. Clashing Cushions
In minimalism, the aim of the game is cohesion. Your cushions don’t have to match exactly, but having an overarching color scheme or pattern helps keep them unified.
4. Exposed Knickknacks
While some artfully placed bits and bobs — like vases, books, and trinkets — can help your space feel more “lived in,” it’s best to keep most life accessories out of sight. Things like remotes and shopping bagsshould be put away after use.
5. Complex Patterns
Patterns in small doses, or blown out to be oversized, can definitely work in minimalist spaces. However, overly busy, tight, or complex patterns should be avoided, as they overcomplicate the space. This one might not be as obvious, but you also won’t see a lot of floral patterns in a minimalist home. Floral patterned chairs, sofas, wallpaper, or other room features dates the space easily, and draws the eye unnecessarily.
(Photo Credit: Homes to Love)
6. All-Over Carpet
Although it’s not always under your control, the minimalist style lends itself better to clean wood or tiled flooring. Dated carpet choices in white, beige, or grays can be harder to style.
7. Clutter
It goes without saying, but general clutter doesn’t really have a place in minimalism. Stacks of magazines, chewing gum packs, old coffee mugs, and wrappers muddle the area. Disposable items like coffee cups, takeaway containers, water bottles, and other plastic things should live in the cupboard or the garbage can.
8. Too Many Colors
The easiest and most straightforward way to decorate is to build a neutral base and then introduce some soft, complementary colors like deep blues, forest greens, or blush pinks. When you have too many competing colors in one place it can complicate the design.
(Photo Credit: Homes to Love)
9. Defunct Decor
Items in your house that no longer serve a purpose and don’t fit in with your style — for example, your spouse’s sports memorabilia, that hat stand you don’t use, and that vase of fake flowers — should be removed and replaced with useful and chic alternatives.
10. Household Products
Although we need them, household products like cleaning sprays, dish towels, laundry detergent, and dishwasher liquid should be kept out of sight to keep things orderly.
11. Exposed Wires, Cables, or Phone Lines
When styling your home, employ some clever tricks to make sure your TV’s cords, your phone wires, and your chargers aren’t cluttering your space.
(Photo Credit: Homes to Love)
12. Unnecessary Kitchen Accessories
Barbecue tongs, egg timers, avocado slicers, measuring cups, and apple corers are all very useful items, but for the sake of minimalism, they should be kept in drawers and cupboards and not on countertops.
13. Busy Furniture
As a general rule, the furniture found in minimalist homes is sleek, functional, streamlined, and not fussy. Overstuffed couches, dated carved tables, and oversized chairs tend to overcomplicate things.
14. Distracting Bright Colors
There’s no reason to shy away from a pop of color in your minimalist home if that’s what you want. However, if the presence of the color is too jarring or distracting, it’s a good idea to relax it to a softer shade. We would suggest staying away from overpowering colors of the neon variety.
This article was written by Homes to Love editors. For more, check out our sister site, Homes to Love.
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