The word “minimalism” can be scary for some people. It conjures images of stark white walls and stainless steel appliances devoid of personality. Minimalism can be equally frightening if you have a tendency to hang onto items either for sentimental reasons or because you may be able to use them at some undetermined time in the future. Fortunately for you, adopting a more minimalist mindset and streamlining your possessions can significantly increase the aesthetic appeal of your apartment and also reduce your stress levels. Read on for three tips to help simplify your style and begin living a life that is less burdened by possessions.
1. Clear the Clutter
Even if you aren’t sold on minimalism, clearing the clutter out of your home is just good feng shui. How are you supposed to feel at ease in your home when there are always projects waiting to be completed, collections of figurines or books that need to be dusted, or piles of magazines waiting to be read, recycled or, in my case, tripped over? Your home is supposed to provide living space for you, not serve as a storage locker for an outdated collection of VHS tapes. Do you even own a VCR player anymore?
To clear the clutter, start small and go room by room. If you haven’t used an item (or seen it) in a year, chances are high that you don’t need it and it’s not that important to you. Sure, there are exceptions for sentimental items, but even those can be better organized and stored out of sight. Make three piles of stuff: one to keep, one to throw away and one to donate. There are plenty of great charitable organizations out there that could benefit from your unused belongings. Find a Goodwill near your home and let others benefit from the stuff you no longer use. If you donate to a 501(c)3 charity like Goodwill, you’ll also get a tax deduction for the value of the items you donated. Another solution is to host a garage sale. Sometimes it’s easier to let go of your first gaming system — the one you haven’t used in 10 years — if you find someone who is super excited to take it home and start playing. Plus, you’ll make a little extra cash!
2. Choose Simple Patterns
One of the best things about adopting a more minimalist style is that you can make your apartment look great without spending a lot of money on home décor or artwork. Decide if you want to introduce color into your space on the walls or through your furniture and linens, and then stick to that decision. For instance, if you choose a bold sky blue (as pictured) for your bedroom, linens (this includes your bedding, curtains and rugs) should be kept neutral. When you have a neutral base, even the smallest splashes of color — from a chair, lamp or even a plant — will have a much bolder impact. Try to avoid complicated patterns that make the room feel busy.
[tweetthis]For a #minimalistic look, combine a neutral base with small splashes of color for a bolder impact.[/tweetthis]
If you’re not permitted to paint in your space, you can add color and express your personal style through artwork, but remember to choose quality over quantity. Instead of papering your walls with inexpensive prints (in a gallery wall style, for instance), invest in one large print that you love and have it professionally framed. This one piece will become the focal point of your room.
3. Designate a Space for Everything
This should be a breeze after you’ve cleared the clutter, but it’s important to thoughtfully organize your home so you can easily access anything you need. Having a designated space for everything will save you the headache of the dreaded “junk drawer” down the line, and it will make cleaning up after dinner or getting ready in the morning more simple. Ideally, you want to store the bulk of your belongings out of sight. If you’re challenged when it comes to storage space, think about choosing furniture that pulls double duty — like an ottoman that provides additional seating and also stores your heavy winter bed linens. For bathroom and closet items, look for clear bins that fit in your cabinets or closet and allow you to easily spot the items you need for quick retrieval.
Once you’ve taken steps to streamline the style of your apartment, you may find you are more thoughtful about any new items you bring into the space, carefully considering whether or not you really need it. Most of the time, you’ll come to the conclusion that you don’t, so your new décor philosophy will also help you save money while you create a harmonious environment.