Minimalist Decorating Ideas to Elevate Your Calm and Clean Space

When you think of minimalism, simplicity, uncluttered spaces, muted tones, and sleek lines come to mind.

Based on the mantra “less is more,” minimalism is the ultimate design trend that creates a calm and calming atmosphere.

You can add minimalist design to any room in your home, and if done right, you can transform even the most mundane rooms into more inviting spaces.

We’ve put together 15 minimalist decorating ideas to help you create a harmonious living space that promotes calm and simplicity.

1. Enliven your space with greenery

@minimal_lifestyles

Houseplants are an excellent way to add life and freshness to your minimalist space.

Green accents from hanging vines and potted plants add a pop of color to this neutral-saturated palette and provide much-needed balance.

2. Mix up your palette

@Olga Adler

Muted colors and pastels are an important foundation for a clean and calm minimalist space.

A layer of olive green hue separates the organic wood blinds and white stepped ceiling, creating a warm balance in the room’s color palette. The theme is continued throughout the room with brown and white furniture as well as accent pieces like pillows.

3. Use organic materials

@thirdstone inc.

Natural elements like wood give a room an organic feel that can help you achieve the minimalist space you want.

An elegant wooden accent wall contrasts beautifully with the white color palette and black furnishings, giving this space a sense of nature’s beauty. The built-in fireplace further adds to the minimalist atmosphere.

4. Make art your focus

@Maraya Interior Design

Instead of a TV, hang a beautiful piece of art over the fireplace and add personality to your minimalist living space.

The placement of furniture in this design creates visual balance in the minimalist decor, while shelves on each side of the fireplace provide symmetry and provide a sense of order and harmony.

5. Keep it simple

@Knock Architecture and Design

Open space is a key aspect of a minimalist interior. Avoiding overcrowding and keeping sidewalks open creates a feeling of freedom and peace.

The open space in this huge living room provides a visual change from other decorations (sofa set, wooden platform, carpet, etc.) and invites relaxation. Natural light and recessed ceiling lights make this space healthier and more inviting.

6. Let your lighting do the talking

@INT2architecture

Minimalism can also have a maximalist aspect; You need to keep the majority of your decorations minimal and allow one decorative piece to stand out.

This modern pendant light impresses with its unique design and creates a cozy atmosphere with its warm shimmer. The racing green hue on the sofa and ottoman adds a pop of color and contrasts beautifully with the monochromatic color palette.

7. Create multiple corners

@James Wagman Architect, LLC

Well-placed green spaces can provide cohesion throughout the space and create a sense of order between elements competing for attention.

Plants in this arrangement act as focal points and bring other decor items together in a fun and easy way. The wooden floor and staircase add to the earthy and rustic atmosphere.

8. Touch up with background image

@Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc

The brick motif wallpaper in this living room adds a playful touch to the minimalist design.

The room’s muted tones on the walls harmonize with those of the wallpaper, creating a unified appearance. The muted purple sectional sofa adds color to the design, while wooden ceiling beams, a wooden mantel and other brown accents complement the theme.

9. Add glamor with recessed lighting

@Cuppett Kilpatrick Architects

The elegant gray curtains in this expansive room complement the room’s muted color palette, adding layers and dimension without overwhelming the space.

Recessed ceiling lights further contribute to the minimalist look, while a gallery wall and artwork add a personal touch to the space.

10. Shine with black and white

@A&L Windows | Doors

Using a black and white theme throughout your space is an excellent way to promote a peaceful and balanced atmosphere in your space.

The crisp white walls provide a clean and calm backdrop for the black accent pieces such as window frames and wall decorations. A contrasting theme is applied to the furniture and accent pillows, while the wood flooring grounds the space.

11. Create sections

@Crib Creative

A glass wall with black frames creates a subtle room divider in this crisp white living room.

A standalone shelf displays a collection of souvenirs, ceramics and plants, while a gray rug, ottoman and coffee table complement the dominant white theme. A brown sofa adds much-needed contrast and color to the design.

12. Define your area with rugs

@Brandon Architects, Inc.

An open floor plan always looks fabulous with a minimalist approach to decor.

Attention is paid to symmetry by juxtaposing sofas and wooden benches to initiate intimate conversations. Carpets that fit the theme of the room were used to delineate the different corners in the room, softening the look and creating a visual space to breathe.

13. Bring a maximalist effect

@Fiorella Design, LLC

If your living room has enough square footage, don’t be afraid to incorporate multiple pieces of furniture to fill the space.

All you need to do is keep enough distance between these pieces to add a sense of personality and give your room a warm and cozy look.

14. Stay subtle and calm

@Melissa Miranda Interior Design

A giant monstera plant graces the corner of this elegant living room, adding a touch of color and acting as a focal point.

Muted whites and grays on the walls and sofas are complemented by pastel blush pink tones on the light fixtures, throws and cushions.

15. Make the most of natural light

@Duet Design Group

Natural light is one of the hallmarks of a minimalist interior. It typically has a significant impact on the ambiance and atmosphere of a room and has a unique quality that you cannot replicate with artificial lighting.

The large windows in this design let in plenty of natural light and contribute to a warm and calm interior. The blinds on the windows diffuse and soften the light while reducing glare and providing some privacy.