Creating a minimalist apartment design can bring a sense of calm and simplicity to your living space. With the right tips and techniques, you can achieve a stylish and functional minimalist design that enhances the overall ambiance of your apartment.
This blog post will explore 20 minimalist apartment design tips to help you streamline your living space and create a harmonious environment that reflects your style.
Whether you’re a minimalist at heart or simply looking to declutter and simplify your apartment, these tips will provide practical insights for achieving a minimalist design that is both visually appealing and highly functional.
What do you need for a minimalist apartment?
Minimalist decor can transform your living space into an elegant and practical haven. By eliminating non-essential items and embracing the “less is more” principle, you can achieve a cleaner and more organized home.
Say goodbye to cluttered shelves and walls filled with unnecessary trinkets. Instead, create a calming atmosphere with muted colors and a few carefully selected pieces that truly spark joy. With a minimalist approach, you can enjoy a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, without overwhelming the senses.
Keep only what you need
Minimalism is about having fewer possessions and keeping things to a minimum. This could involve decluttering or simply stashing items away in a closet or cabinet.
Incorporate clean, simple lines
In minimalist decor, simplicity is essential. Opt for furniture with clean lines and simple shapes, such as a basic square coffee table or an uncomplicated lamp, to maintain orderliness in your apartment.
Use plants
Introducing some natural greenery into your space can make a significant impact, especially when it takes the place of other decorative items. Instead of displaying vases and figurines on surfaces, consider adding a couple of houseplants. When selecting a pot for your plants, opt for minimalist designs with simple, clean lines.
Add texture
While you aim to keep your minimalist apartment clutter-free, it shouldn’t give off an empty office building vibe. To introduce variety, incorporate different textures into your living space. Consider adding a fuzzy rug or a chunky knitted throw blanket. Even just one piece with a distinctive texture can alter the ambiance of a room.
Use mirrors to add depth
Larger rooms usually seem neater, especially when they are less cluttered, so create a sense of space in your apartment by incorporating depth with a mirror.
You can opt to either mount a mirror on the wall or utilize a freestanding mirror. If you choose to hang one, position it on a wall opposite a window to reflect the light more efficiently. In the case of using a freestanding mirror, position it in a corner to bring more light to an often darker area.
Choose neutral colors
Minimalism and eclecticism are opposites, so it’s best to steer clear of using an excess of colors, especially bright ones. Stick to neutral colors such as gray, white, brown, and black. It’s fine to incorporate a few colors in smaller areas throughout your apartment, but avoid neon shades and instead choose muted tones like dusty blues or sage greens.
Ditch the hardware
If possible, take out any hardware from cabinets and cupboards to achieve a sleek, clean appearance. Keep in mind that the goal is to minimize items, so even though the hardware may not be considered clutter, it still attracts attention. If removing the hardware entirely is not feasible, consider replacing it with something simple. Look for hardware in a matching color to the cabinet to minimize variation.
Utilize the void space
Unused space, also known as negative space or white space, is a crucial element of minimalism. It’s not necessary to fill every available surface with decorations or belongings. Leaving open, unused space creates a sense of spaciousness and tranquility in your living space, so just because you can place something in an open area doesn’t mean you should.
Harness the light
Maximize the amount of light in your apartment by utilizing natural light from windows and adding additional lighting fixtures. Increasing brightness will create a fresh, open atmosphere and prevent your apartment from feeling cramped.
Play down the flooring
Maintain a subdued appearance for your floors by opting for light, natural wood or a solid-colored or minimally designed rug to avoid drawing excessive attention to the floor.
Select multipurpose furniture
When aiming to save space and eliminate unnecessary items, you can still maintain functionality by opting for furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a coffee table with built-in storage or a set of nesting side tables.
Add pendant light
A simple pendant light can enhance the style of your apartment without being too overwhelming. A modern pendant light will maintain clean lines in the room as opposed to a complex chandelier.
Go monochromatic
For a simple color palette, consider using a monochromatic scheme. You can have different shades that are lighter or darker, but you won’t have to deal with the complexity of using many different colors.
Apply geometric patterns
When aiming for simplicity, it’s acceptable to incorporate subtle patterns. Symmetrical geometric patterns are ideal for adding character to a room while maintaining balance and clean lines.
Keep woods natural
A natural finish on wooden pieces provides more warmth compared to painted ones. It showcases the wood in its purest form, contributing to the simplicity associated with minimalism. Natural wood can be incorporated into various furniture pieces, such as dressers, tables, chair legs, or picture frames.
Use thin picture frames
When you have minimalist decor, it’s important to avoid using elaborate, chunky frames for your pictures. Instead, opt for thin, simple frames to keep the overall look modest. This choice will impact the appearance of both the images and the entire room.
Limit the metal Furniture
A minimalist apartment should not have an excess of shiny metal. It’s acceptable to include small amounts of gold or silver, but larger metal pieces such as a silver lamp or gold side table should be avoided. Rather, use these metals in moderation and choose furniture and decor with matte or satin finishes.
Add opaque drapes
Opaque fabrics appear heavier compared to sheer ones, which can work in your favor when aiming for a minimalist style.
While light and airy textiles are commonly linked with bohemian or beachy design, opting for a heavier, opaque fabric for your curtains can add a touch of seriousness to your apartment.
Select furniture with nothing underneath
When choosing your couches, chairs, bed frame, and coffee table, opt for pieces that have visible legs and open space underneath. These items have a more streamlined appearance and create the impression of a cleaner, more spacious apartment.
Keep lighting straightforward
You have many options for light fixtures and sources. Keep it simple and avoid anything complex. Use modest lighting such as basic lamps or track lights for overhead fixtures.