Jumping into the world of minimalist interior design can be a bit daunting. How do you show your personality in a space that seems like there’s nothing in it? Where’s the line between minimalist interior design and no interior design?

The first thing you need is inspiration, to see how other people have mastered minimalist interior design. These 21 gorgeous spaces are all the inspiration you need to kickstart your journey through minimalist interior design.

Minimalist Interior Design: 21 Inspiring Spaces Where Less Is More

In These Spaces, Simple Is Everything But Boring

I’ll admit, I have a bit of a fixation with minimalist interior design. But these days, who doesn’t? With all the clutter in our lives, it’s refreshing to come home to a space streamlined and minimalist.

Minimalist interior design may mean less is more, but it still has key elements and principles to follow. And honestly, what use is a room with absolutely nothing, right?

Minimalist interior design means using the fewest essentials to create a functional design. And in many ways, minimalism lets you really appreciate what you have. A stunning centerpiece deserves to be emphasized, not hidden among a sea of home decor, right? Take a look at these 21 inspiring spaces to see how you can incorporate minimalist interior design in your own home.

1. Mixed Shapes

image via Homey Oh My

What I love about minimalist interior design is how even the most basic of shapes can make a statement. See how the door and dresser are both rectangular with sharp corners, which allow the round mirror to really stand out.

2. Traditional Minimalist

image via Architectural Digest France

No, going minimalist doesn’t mean you have to swap your old furniture! Minimalist interior design is more about over-all simplicity. So really, you can apply it to any design look.

This traditional living room is still minimalist because it uses neutral colors and clean walls.

3. All-White

image via Fantastic Frank

Minimalist interior design loves anything white, and I know why! It’s one of the simplest ways to achieve a clean look. To avoid a cold-looking room, contrast your white space with gold, black, and other bold colors.

4. Sleek Furniture

image via My Scandinavian Home

When you’re bringing any design concept to life, it all starts with the right furniture. Minimalist interior design is sleek, so add a few sleek pieces of furniture like this mirror!

I found some great modern furniture you might love, too.

5. Unique Decor

image via My Scandinavian Home

Because minimalist interior design means you’ll have less decor, this is your chance to pick items truly unique and meaningful.

Instead of cluttering your space with a dozen paintings you don’t personally like, pick one eye-catching painting that really reflects your personality. That’s what minimalist design is all about.

6. Interesting Textures

image via My Scandinavian Home

One way to choose truly unique elements is to try out different textures. Color can be overrated sometimes.

I love how the wood, stone, and concrete textures in this home make a dynamic and interesting space.

7. Matching Art

image via Coco Lapine Design

This is a design trick I learned from Scandinavian design: match your paintings to your color scheme. If you have a black and white room, black and white paintings or decor will keep your minimalist interior design consistent.

8. Neutral Shades

image via Se Homes

I’ve mentioned neutral shades before, because it’s one of the main elements of minimalist interior design. Simple design means simple colors. Makes sense, right?

9. A Consistent Theme

image via Stadshem

Just like how you can still have a traditional look with minimalist interior design as long as you stick to your theme, you’re free to experiment. There are even boho-inspired homes that consider themselves minimalist!

10. Clean Walls

image via Apartment Therapy

You’ll see a lot of minimalist interior design inspiration of spaces that don’t have any paintings or decor hanging. It just looks a lot cleaner! (This trick is also great for renters!)

Instead of hanging decor to make your walls interesting, make a wall interesting in itself. This wood accent wall (doubling as storage) is a great example.

11. Emphasized Contrast

image via The Pich

Contrast is another basic design principle minimalist interior design uses very often. The reason? Well, you’ll notice a black chair against a white wall more than you will a white chair against a white wall, right? Or, the white wall will look much brighter with a black chair to contrast it.

Contrast creates dimension, and makes an interesting space, just with two colors.

12. Functional

image via Of A Kind

Minimalist interior design keeps only what is essential, so design for function! This workspace may look bare, but the more I look at it, the more I love the rustic wood table against the plain white walls. Very minimalist indeed!

13. Empty Space

image via Nordic Design

When it comes to minimalist interior design, don’t fear empty space! You really don’t have to crowd your room with decor, paintings, and huge furniture. This clutter-free mindset is perfect for productive workspaces.

14. Grey and Wood

image via The Design Chaser

Minimalist interior design can be cozy, too! Grey and wood is a warm combo you can try for your bedroom.

15. Clean Lines

image via Huntly

Minimalist interior design needs clean walls, clean spaces, and of course, clean lines. Go for angular or geometric shapes when it comes to your furniture, patterns, and even decor.

16. Closed Storage

image via Oracle Fox

One way to sustain a minimalist home is to create closed storage. It definitely looks a lot cleaner and organized than open storage.

17. Natural Light

image via Huntly

I love natural light! And I love it even more in a minimalist space because it adds a natural warmth to the room, but still keeps a bright and cheery atmosphere. So add all the windows you want!

18. Room for Personality

image via Citizen Atelier

If you think minimalist interior design means hiding your personality, it’s actually the exact opposite. The reason why you strip things down is precisely so you can bring out your individuality! I doubt you’ll be able to notice that colorful painting or those detailed chairs if they were placed in a room full of other paintings and chairs.

19. Bold Prints

image via Royal Roulotte

There’s nothing wrong with adding a few bold statements to your minimalist home! If anything, they’ll really stand out against other minimalist interior design elements.

20. High Ceilings

image via Home Designing

One way to “fake” a minimalist home is to create more empty space. It’s really a matter of proportion. You need to leave some space to breathe in your design. So if you want to bring in a large dining set or big pendant lights, you can! As long as there’s some empty space in your room, like a high ceiling or clean walls.

21. Symmetry

image via Stylizimo Blog

Symmetry is another way you can be consistent with your design. This is also a fantastic idea for couples because it’s an excuse to get two of everything!

Watch this video from House & Home for more minimalist interior design inspiration:

And there you have it! I hope I helped you understand minimalist interior design better. Happy decorating!

Want more minimalist interior design inspiration? Check these out!

Which minimalist space was your favorite? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

Liked these minimalist interior design ideas? You’ll also like:

13 Essential Modern Furniture For Every Home | Living Room Ideas

23 Stunning Modern Bathroom Design Ideas

17 DIY Bedroom Furniture Makeover Ideas For Minimalists

Featured Image via Huntly

Originally posted on September 16, 2016 @ 10:00 AM