8 Minimalist Decor Ideas to Inspire Your Next Decluttering Session

Minimalist style is often defined by its clean lines, simplistic decor, monochromatic palette, and functional furnishings. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, taking on the mind of a minimalist is a great way to evoke a sense of peace in the home and make sure your spaces feature quality, beloved pieces over quantity and clutter. 

If you truly feel overwhelmed when getting ready for a home clean out, think about the essentials. What does each room need to function? What must stay and what can go? And how do you want to feel when you walk into the room? Designer Amanda Barnes believes minimalist decor requires “thoughtful planning and adequate storage,” great advice for any kind of clean-up or re-design. To keep your home streamlined, refreshed, and true to you, follow these designer-approved tips and get inspired by the minimalist decor ideas below.

Opt for Neutrals

A monochromatic color scheme is an easy starting point for minimalist design. In this living room, New York-based designer Emma Beryl stuck to white, black, and gray, allowing the textures and materials of each piece to shine. “This helps the space feel light, bright, and clean,” she says.

Consider Built-Ins

To keep this room feeling open and clutter-free, designer Amanda Barnes built concealed storage around the fireplace for her client’s board games and media equipment. Plus, to make sure everything felt harmonious, she “avoided hardware on the doors and instead used a magnetic touch latch system to keep the cabinetry and the wall seamless,” she says. “By keeping just a few things on display, you create a focal point that feels intentional and understated. This design allowed the dining area and the adjacent family room to feel open yet cozy and minimal at the same time."

Focus on Lighting

Lighting is a key part of any room, but incorporating a good amount of light into minimalist interiors can be especially helpful in creating a bright, open environment." Natural lighting should be your first priority, and after that, consider ways to layer in ambient lighting, like in this cozy sitting room from Angela Hamwey, founder and creative director of interior design studio Mackenzie & Co. “Whether it’s a pendant, sconces, or table lamp, the warm glow creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere and enhances the overall appearance of the space,” she says.

Mix and Match

When it comes to curating a minimalist kitchen, designer Sabra Ballon of ballonSTUDIO loves adding unique vessels and decorative pieces that can balance out the modern, clean lines in the room. “The rustic wood elements that we added in this kitchen are rough textured, natural wood and sculptural shapes, which provide contrast to the shiny stainless steel cabinets and hard natural stone counters,” she says.

Pick Statement Art

Lindsay Sherbondy, owner and artist behind Lindsay Letters, encourages choosing art that makes a creative statement without taking up too much useful surface space. “Try clearing everything out of the areas that feel overwhelming to you," she says. "Then, lean or hang a piece of artwork that makes you feel good when you look at it. Next, give it some time to breathe. I'll bet you'll feel both calm and invigorated in your simplified surroundings."

Create a Function-Forward Entry

Hamwey is also a big fan of an attractive yet functional entryway with plenty of storage. “For example, an entryway table or console could be accessorized with a decorative bowl to hold keys, a basket for mail, and a lovely vase of fresh florals,” she adds.

Embrace Texture

Texas-based designer Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs went all out on texture when it came to this quiet Dallas home. A soft boucle chair, Turkish-style rug, faux-fur pillow, and large-scale art make this room feel cozy and put together without going overboard.

Aim for Calm

Beryl thinks that a minimalist home should feel peaceful. This feeling can result from not only keeping a consistent color palette, but also from paying attention to materiality. “Creating a calm and serene space requires your eye to rest," Beryl says. "By using natural linen curtains to soften the natural light and the same wood for the shelves and the wall in this room, you feel grounded and calm."