Although many think a minimalist look is not practical for daily life, this is not true! Having a modern and minimalist living room can really instill an atmosphere of calm and tranquillity into your home. A minimalist home design looks simple and easy, but when it’s not done right, it may turn out boring or uninviting. There are ways and tips to achieve that minimalist look without it looking dull. Here are ideas on how to attain the essence of minimalism combined with stylish day-to-day practicality.
How to Get Started
It is time to Marie Kondo your living room! Start by getting rid of all the unnecessary things that are taking up space in the living room. The goal here is to declutter your living room, as well as your life, because a minimalist lifestyle leads to a more minimal living space. Once you’ve decluttered your living room, you’re ready to move on to achieve the functional yet modern and minimalist living room look.
1. Go for a Neutral Shade
While white is the most used colour to achieve a clean and minimal look, there are other ways to keep your living room walls clean and clear. Explore other neutral shades like soft peach, muted blues such as light blue or try the modern yet sophisticated light grey for the perfect fresh canvas.
2. Clean Lines
Keep the overall living room furniture design simple and modest. Beige, eggshell, light mocha or even furniture with light wood such as beech wood adds a nice crisp contrast to a neutral coloured living room.
3. Invest in Signature Furniture
To up the style factor of a minimalist living room, get one or two pieces of living room furniture that can be the focal attention in the room. Place a classic ottoman at the corner of the room or get an accent lounger in a room full of clean lines.
4. Multifunction Furniture
Another key element that helps make the minimalist home design livable is having enough storage space that doesn’t look like storage. Confused? Think stools that can open up to keep toys inside or a coffee table with drawers that can hide all your magazines, newspapers and remote control. The idea is to get multi-purpose furniture that doubles as storage as well.
5. Punctuate with Bright Coloured Furniture
The minimalist and modern look is not about having monochromatic colours only. Inject some fun into the room by having some lively coloured living room furniture or decorations to break up the monotone in the room. Pick a favourite colour and pepper the hue liberally all over the living room.
6. Light it Up
A clever trick to create a cosy modern living room is to add some ambient lighting all over the room. Delicate wall lamps or an elegant standing light can provide some warmth and comfort to an otherwise stark and plain minimalist living room.
Or perhaps you’re blessed with having a place that comes with plenty of natural light… Play that to your advantage!
So there you have it, a modern and minimalist living room doesn’t have to mean having dull and stiff looking awkward furniture. With just a little bit of planning and following the ideas above, you will be well on your way to accomplish a minimalist lifestyle – and a clutter-free living room. As they say, less is more.
