Minimalism is a clean and simple approach to design which started to soar in the 1950s as a reaction to the traditional and overly decorative furniture that had dominated the market prior. Characterized by the use of simple forms, minimalist design is stripped down to its essential purpose and function by removing any unnecessary features.

In interior design, this pared-down aesthetic, the opposite of a maximalist interior design scheme, is clutter-free and commonly presented via muted shades of white and grey with very little pattern or colour. It exemplifies simplicity at its best but doesn’t always have to look austere. In recent years ‘warm minimalism’, the art of embracing colour and texture while remaining minimal, has grown and there’s a wider variety of takes on the style.

While AUTHOR might not immediately spring to mind when you’re thinking of how to get a minimalist interior, we can assure you that our handcrafted products showcase exceptional functional design while artistically creating a simplified way to live. Here’s our five top tips on how to get the minimalist look as well as our favourite styles that embrace the minimal approach.

One of the key starting points when it comes to creating a minimal design scheme is to plan an interior that is as open as possible. An open plan living room, dining room and kitchen will bring lots of light into one place, remove distractions and bring all of the attention to the main functional areas of your home. The clean lines and expansive space will help you to feel calmer and, of course, there are fewer walls to feel the need to fill.

With this in mind, adopting an open plan space means decluttering too. Badly-framed wall art or overdone window treatments won’t enhance the function of a space; they’ll distract from it. If you have furniture or accessories lying around that you don’t really care for, consider donating them to family members or a charity shop. This is the time to adopt the Marie Kondo method – does the item spark joy?

AUTHOR’S PICK: Fill the room with curated styles from The Alice Collection.

A minimalist colour scheme doesn’t have to mean a harsh white everywhere, it just means
eliminating extraneous colors and keeping the overall look as straightforward as possible. Paint your walls and skirting in the same shade and avoid any overcomplicated detailing.

Keep your colour scheme simple by only opting for two to three colours in the room in total, including accessories, artwork, rugs, window treatments and furniture. You can layer the same colours, provided they have different textures, to add depth and richness to the design scheme. Try AUTHOR’S OWN Luxury Mohair Throw on the Tuiga Armchair for a classic take on minimalist interior design.

AUTHOR’S PICK: Perfectly pair your muted colour scheme with The Beeton Collection.

Minimalism is easily aligned with a more contemporary take on interiors but the two don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Minimalism is more about your lifestyle choices than your style so don’t be afraid to stay true to your more traditional furniture preferences.

Think about the functionality of each room in your home. Don’t incorporate purely decorative furniture and strip back any unnecessary ornamentation. A good piece of minimal design will have maximum impact without being over the top or lavish. Many of AUTHOR’s makers adopt a simple approach design and will consider functionality over form, from Another Country’s Hardy Chair to Ben Tcharny’s Savorona Bench.

AUTHOR’S PICK: Choose simple lines with the Wu Bench by Namon Gaston.

A minimalist take is often regarded as one with little personality within it, but this doesn’t have to be the case. While you might not expect to see walls adorned with bright artwork, there is room for a considered curation of simple paintings, drawings or photos. Keep the majority of walls bare if you don’t want to over clutter but do consider your own personal preference and what you’d like to see in your home. Think about sculpture too – a well crafted piece of artwork can add interest and texture to your design scheme. Remember, if it can bring a smile to your face, that’s a function.

AUTHOR’S PICK: Make a minimal statement with the Family II Ceramic Sculpture by Rachel Holian.

When it comes to styling a minimalist interior, less really is more. Don’t overload surfaces and instead embrace the materials and textures of the furniture you already have. Choose high-quality pieces that will last a lifetime such as a good set of glasses and a simple vase for flowers. A well-placed mirror will bring the entire look together while also bouncing natural light around the room.

AUTHOR’S PICK: Keep it clean with the Helvellyn Double Old-fashioned Whisky Tumbler by Cumbria Crystal.