How to Create a Minimalist Home That’s Both Stylish and Functional

Sometimes less really is more.

Minimalism is more than just color palettes, furniture pieces, and perfectly organized spaces. It’s also a philosophy and, for some, a way of life. “It’s the intentional promotion of the things we most value by removing anything that distracts us from it,” says Joshua Becker, founder of Becoming Minimalist.

Creating your own minimalist home starts with looking inward and thinking about what’s most important so those things can be reflected in your surroundings. Here, we spoke to experts about how to be intentional with your design and décor for the ultimate minimalist lifestyle.

Meet the Experts

Related: Both Minimalism and Maximalism Are Trending—Interior Designers Explain the Surprising Coexistence

Be Intentional

Minimalism isn’t about owning the fewest things. It’s about knowing what you need to live and letting go of the things you don’t. For example, a more open space may make focusing on work or a project easier—so you may want to let go of some furniture to create a sense of airiness.

“I encourage people to just grab a box and some bags, walk through your home, grab everything you know you don’t need anymore and get rid of it,” says Becker. “Work through room by room, starting with the most lived in areas. The living room or bedroom is the easiest place to start.”

After, Becker recommends experimenting with what you can live with or without, to see what you really need. One example might be moving half of your kitchen containers to the attic or basement in order to see if you actually use them on a day-to-day basis or if it’s just extra stuff. After a month has passed, toss what you don’t miss.

“Life becomes better when you own less stuff. Minimalism frees up money, time, and energy, and it reduces stress.”

Joshua Becker, founder of Becoming Minimalist

Consider Colors and Textures

After you pare down a space, you’ll want to start thinking about what colors and textures to use. However, you don’t have to choose traditional minimalist colors like gray, black, or white.

“It doesn’t have to be a certain color scheme,” says Becker. “It should be whatever brings you life and purpose and inspiration. If certain colors do that, I think that’s great.” However, there is some merit to sticking to a color palette. Becker points out that if you use similar hues, say in your wardrobe or in your décor, then it’s easier to pair things together, which keeps your home looking streamlined and simple.

JT Morin, a design consultant at California Closets, suggests picking storage containers with warm, interesting textures and tones that complement the color palette of your home. Blending these in with their surroundings will help keep a room looking clean and clear—all while hiding visual clutter.

Tip

Morin recommends using lighting strips or chargeable lighting, and putting them in darker corners so that you can see what might otherwise be hidden. “Choose options that diffuse light gently,” he says. “You’ll illuminate the space without being blinded by the source.”

Organize and Reorganize

As you start to get a sense of what’s necessary (and what isn’t), you’ll have more room to organize what you choose to keep. At this point, negative space becomes your best friend, and allows rooms big and small to feel open and bright.

In order to maintain that airiness, consider the space around objects when organizing a drawer or closet. “Leave 1 to 2 inches of breathing room around pairs of shoes or folded sweaters,” says Morin. “This creates a clean, modern aesthetic and gives each item its own moment to shine.”

Related: How to Have a Collecting Hobby If You’re a Minimalist

Embrace the Minimalist Mindset

Minimalism can help elevate the things that you love, even if it’s not a practical household object. Instead of tucking a sculptural piece away in a dark corner or a hiding a framed piece of artwork amidst cluttered bookshelf, you’ll have a clearer, less crowded space—one that makes these beloved objects look even more beautiful.

“Art can inspire you to live a bigger life, and to stay focused,” says Becker. “Minimalism isn’t about removing beauty—it’s about removing distraction. You should have decoration that inspire you.”

This might mean getting rid of smaller knickknacks that don’t carry meaning. Smaller, cheaper items that you used once for a holiday and forgot about can’t compare to the things you actually love, so consider cleaning them out in favor of possessions that better serve you.

“Life becomes better when you own less stuff,” Becker concludes. “Minimalism frees up money, time, and energy, and it reduces stress.”