10 Minimalist Design Trends
1. Tapered Legs
The pinnacle of mid-century modern style, the tapered leg packs a lot of flair into a minimal silhouette.
Tip: Keep materials organic and colors light for a breezy, minimalistic feel.
2. Exposed Structural Elements
Minimalism meets industrial chic when you pair rustic materials like metal and wood. To up the industrial-minimal vibes, look for pieces that expose structural elements like screws and frames.
Tip: To keep a minimalistic industrial-chic style from feeling too rugged, add some texture with a soft rug or throw.
3. Symmetrical Art
Wall art doesn’t have to be the focal point of a room in order for it to deliver stunning style; for quiet minimalism at its chicest, style two soft paintings – or ‘barely-there’ pencil sketches – in a side-by-side gallery. Tip: Subjects in minimalist wall art should bring peaceful vibes for a relaxed air.
4. Tight-Back Seating
Say ‘goodbye’ to fluffy, fussy cushions and ‘hello’ to sleek minimalism with the clean lines and bold silhouette of a tight-back accent chair. Tip: Tight-back seating can still be cozy – and, in some models, even more so than in cushioned chairs! Look for quality fabrics and ergonomic designs to ensure you get the most out of minimalistic comfort.
5. Geometric Pillows
In minimalist décor, bold doesn’t have to mean busy, as proved by simple geometric patterns on decorative throw pillows. Tip: Currently trending in the world of minimalism are tiny patterns; incorporate them wherever you feel inspired!
6. Bare-Bones Lighting
In a minimalist home that embraces the edgier side of ‘less is more,’ lamps and pendants without any shades offer sleek, industrial-chic contrast.
Tip: If the look of a bare chandelier or pendant is too minimalistic for your style, consider a see-through shade for a softer – yet still minimalistic – touch.
7. Mirror Art
Minimalism may embrace sleek lines and understated style, but it also loves the occasional element of surprise. Look for unexpected designs in bold textures – like distressed mirrors! – for a bold spin on minimalistic flair.
Tip: If you’re styling a mirror with a distressed finish, keep the frames a sleek metallic color to keep a minimalistic focus.
8. The All-Purpose Ottoman
Whether you push it in front of the sofa as an elegant coffee table or leave it to the side as a functional end seat, the clean lines and soft shade of a neutral ottoman embrace the ‘less is more’ mentality of modern minimalism.
Tip: Place a black coffee table book on a white ottoman for bold contrast and a subtle pop of color.
9. Abstract Figurines
Minimalism may be no-frills, but that does not mean it has to be no fun. Play with the intriguing designs of abstract figurines to create a chic centerpiece for a coffee table or mantelpiece.
Tip: Make your figurines stand out by placing metallic hues on rustic surfaces.
10. Double-Duty Storage Beds
Nothing says ‘minimalism’ like streamlined designs, and nowhere are designs more streamlined than in a space-saving, double-duty storage bed.
Tip: As long as they're kept in a neutral, solid hue, bedspreads on storage beds can be totally fluffy and completely cozy, and still keep a minimalistic aesthetic.
