Image copyright Clair Strong Interior Design

Just when I think it’s starting to thaw out a bit here, another cold snap arrives. Still, it looks as though spring is (slowly) on her way so I’m itching to get cleaning, decluttering and updating.

During the colder months my home seems to fill up – we’re indoors more and Christmas always means a new glut of things. But as the warmer weather rolls in all that stuff gathering dust and cluttering the space can feel a bit suffocating.

Healing Homes

Less is more. Especially in design. Not only does minimalism look great, it can actually be good for your health too. Recent studies suggest that things like lighting, space and room design can affect how you feel. More specifically, homes that are too cluttered can cause anxiety and small, cramped spaces a feeling of claustrophobia.

That’s no good at all! Your home should be a safe haven; a mood-enhancing space that offers an escape and a place to relax. Minimalism, with its streamlined aesthetic and emphasis on simplicity may just be the perfect tonic.

Making Minimalism Your Own

Minimalism is not the cold, severe and uninviting look many people believe it to be. It’s certainly stripped-back but it can be as warm and welcoming as any other design concept.

Another common misconception is that minimalism isn’t one for colour-lovers. It’s true that minimalist homes often feature a neutral palette but there are no hard and fast rules – colour and texture can really work here.

Minimalism isn’t about denying anything; it’s about exercising restraint and flexing those editing muscles. There are some basic principles of minimalism but you can use these as a foundation for making this aesthetic your own. Here’s how:

• Focus on form and function. Choose furniture with simple silhouettes and display only what you need. There can be a real beauty in austerity.
• Give statement objects some breathing space. A striking lamp or a vibrantly painted wall can lose effectiveness if surrounded by lots of other things. If you chose a stand-out piece let it stand out!
• Don’t give in to clutter. It can be tempting to store all those old knick knacks away “just in case” but they’ll slowly creep back out and start to clutter the space. If you don’t need or want it, donate or sell it.
• Carefully consider every detail. Remember, minimalism is about using less to achieve more!