Can Minimalism be the Beginning of Change?
These days, many people are reflecting on the costs of overconsumption. Not just at the granular, “at-home” level but also its toll on society and the environment. Consequently, they’re embracing the minimalist lifestyle.
When it comes to home décor, there are many appealing aspects to minimalism. This article will make a case for minimalism in your home, and the Baer’s Furniture design experts will give you a few tips to help achieve it.
Benefits of Minimalism
There are some very attractive aspects to minimalism. Here are a few key benefits:
Prevents Wasting Resources
If you fill your space with accessories, you may be spending thousands of discretionary dollars on lamps, ornate tables, rugs, wall art, etc. With a minimalist approach, that discretionary cash could go toward purchasing higher-quality furniture pieces than you would otherwise budget for.
Preserves Space
If you have a smaller living space, minimalism may be your best approach to avoid feeling confined.
Focuses Attention on the Essentials
With minimalism, you choose the furniture piece or decorative item you want to be the room's star. Celebrated items are often lost in the clutter of busier decorative styles.
Environmentally Sound
Most manufactured goods end up taking some sort of toll on the environment. You can minimize your environmental impact by concentrating on purchasing truly essential pieces — sofas, dining tables, beds, etc.
Versatility
Minimalist spaces are among the easiest to restructure. If you get tired of the way a room looks, you can rearrange the pieces with relative ease.
How to Transition Toward Minimalism
Minimalism does not mean barren, austere spaces. It enhances relatively empty space by making the greatest use of whatever you put in it. If you are interested in transitioning to minimalist décor, follow these recomendations.
Declutter – Clutter is anathema to minimalism. Take a frank inventory of what you have and only keep essential and cherished items. If you’re holding something that has no sentimental value, but you think you might think of a place to put it someday, it probably needs to go. If you really can’t decide, consider storing them somewhere out of sight.
Take a Furniture Inventory – If you don’t need a furniture piece, consider moving it out — definitely don’t replace it with a similar item. Not everyone needs a large sectional. For some homes, a single sofa with maybe a chair or two is all the seating needed. Look how inviting the Bernhardt Wrigley Casual Power Reclining Sofa and matching chair look in this gorgeous living room setting.
Choose Multi-Functional Furniture – Never sacrifice design for gimmickry, but it is possible to find high-quality furniture that performs multiple functions. Consider this chic Ottoman Coffee Table by Stressless. The flat surface means that it can double as a coffee table or an ottoman, and the top slides away to reveal a hidden storage compartment, ideal for books, remotes, charging cords, etc.
Choose Neutrals – Minimalism is one of the best design styles for slow transitioning because you are working from a neutral color palette. Consequently, you can buy one piece today and purchase another that works with your design six months from now.
Use Straight Lines – Minimalist furniture has a linear design, and it should be arranged using straight-line principles. In other words, furniture should be parallel with walls, area rugs, etc. A good example of this would be this Two-Seat Sofa from Vanguard Furniture.
Keep it Warm – One of the biggest traps that people fall into when transitioning to minimalism is that they sacrifice comfort and warmth to achieve the minimalist aesthetic. This is still your home, and you need to be comfortable in your space. You can avoid that feeling by adding warmer lights, a plant, or a few books. This living room, which features the Chateau D’Ax Sleeper Sofa, adheres to minimalist principles without losing its livability
Shop Minimalist Furniture at Baer’s
With over a dozen furniture stores and millions of square feet of space throughout Florida, Baer’s Furniture is the ideal starting place on your journey toward minimalism. Our trained sales staff can guide you to the styles and brands that will help you achieve the look you desire. Measure your space, make a list of the items you’re seeking, and head to your local Baer’s Furniture today!