Driven by the credo “less is more”, minimalist living is fast becoming a rage with today’s generation. Defined by clean lines, uncluttered, monochromatic simplicity, more and more homes are opting for a resolved minimalist décor, which is painstakingly achieved. In reality, a lot more effort goes into creating a minimalist design than meets the eye.

• Eliminates clutter
• Less stressful
• More appealing
• Easier to clean
• Encourages investing in quality over quantity

• Minimal furniture: A minimalist home would only have a few essential pieces of furniture. For instance, the living room might have just a couch, a couple of chairs and a coffee table. It could also contain a TV screen and maybe a corner standing lamp. Likewise, the bedroom could have a basic bed or just a mattress and maybe a bookshelf.
• Clear surfaces: There aren’t too many things cluttering surfaces, nor untidy stacks of books or other items. Instead, flat surfaces are generally kept clear, except maybe a few decoration pieces here and there.
• Accent decoration: Just to break the monotony of clear surfaces and sparse walls, there could perhaps be a single vase with some flowers on the coffee table, a family photo on a clear desk or a tasteful wall-hanging.
• Better, not more: A minimalist home would rather have a few really nice things that are used often, instead of a jungle of mundane furniture pieces, half of which are never used.

• One room at a time: If you are not relocating, don’t try to do your entire house at once. Try to focus on one room at a time and concentrate your entire bandwidth on doing that room only. Feed on that inspiration to simplify the other rooms, one by one.
• Begin with decluttering: The living room in a minimalist home doesn’t necessarily mean absolutely sparse, but devoid of unnecessary items. So, throw away, donate or recycle anything you don’t really need.
• Stick to a neutral colour palette: Neutral shades like beiges, whites, greys and soft pastels are the cornerstone of minimalism. Use of these colours creates a sense of spaciousness and makes the room look brighter. Neutral shades help natural light bounce around the room, exuding an open, outdoor-like feel.
• Make the most of natural light: Make sure your windows are letting in enough natural light. Letting daylight fill up your living room accentuates the minimalist trend. Avoid heavy curtains or blinds and use light, airy fabrics and window treatments that offer privacy without blocking out natural light.
• Not too much furniture: The core of a minimalist living room is simplicity. When it comes to choosing furniture pieces, less is always more. A classy coffee table or a creatively designed couch can be the anchor without overwhelming the living room.
• Clear floors: Barring the bare essential pieces of furniture, the floor should be kept completely clear. Nothing should be stacked on the floor. It spoils the minimalist look.
• Invest in multi-functional furniture: In small living rooms in particular, multifunctional furniture is the best option. So, find a coffee table that doubles as a storage unit or a sofa bed. In this way, you cut the clutter and maximize functionality.
• Store out of sight: Whatever you need to store should be stashed away out of sight in drawers and cabinets. You can keep some of your books, music and movie collection on the bookshelves, but don’t overwhelm the racks.
• Choose compact lighting: Go for sleek and compact light designs, high on functionality. For instance, floor lamps with slender stands or wall sconces which free up floor space. Use simple fixtures that blend seamlessly with your overall décor.