Taking A Minimalist Approach - clean and serene spaces

Sometimes I think we forget that simple can be just as beautiful as well decorated! With things so hectic in my life with the wedding right now, it's nice to see such simple, clean spaces.  Spring is also a great time to clear out clutter - so be a little more ruthless when you empty out those closets this season.

via BHG

This office space really inspires me to clear mine out a bit.  Less "stuff" means less distractions and therefore better focus.

via babble

I don't think minimal has to mean bare, just well edited and thought out.  It also calls more attention to the objects you do display, so they can take center stage.


via House of Fifty

Minimal also doesn't need to be white, light, or neutral. It's all about lines and your ratio of positive and negative space.

via House of Fifty

via pinterest

It makes me want to pick a room and see what I can do with it to make it as clean and uncluttered as the ones featured here.  Once we get back from our honeymoon - I think I will start with my office!

Decorating for the later years

As we grow older, there are many things we need to consider. From what we’ll do with our time, to how we’ll stay fit and healthy, the options at our disposal are endless and that can leave us a little unsure about what to do.

In particular, how we approach decorating our homes can be a tricky thing to manage. It may seem relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things but the appearance of our home can have a profound impact on our attitudes, emotional health and general well being.

No one wants to spend their retirement staring at four unsightly walls and here we look at a few tips for decorating your home in your later years.

via houseandhome

Shelf for success

From books and ornaments to films and music, you’ll undoubtedly have a lot of need for storage in your home. Wall-mounted shelves should be at an accessible height and not contain anything too heavy. Anything you require regular access too should be stored at a comfortable height on freestanding bookshelves or display units. You can always arrange items by color for something artistic and playful.

via toddanderin

Spare a thought for cleaning and maintenance of these though. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get some help with this. For example, retirement property for sale from leading firms like McCarthy and Stone offer domestic cleaning services with some of their developments.

via shanty2chic

Get it framed

Whether you’re a proud grandparent who wants to show off pictures of their beautiful grand kids or someone looking to take a trip down memory lane through old photos, it’s important you get them framed.

There are many styles to choose from but popular favorites include collage frames which display multiple photos in a large frame or single frames arranged in a symmetrical or eclectic pattern. This set-up can also be applied to artwork as well as to personal photographs.

via lolalina

Go minimalist

Accessibility is an important buzzword as you age so make sure your decorating takes this into account. Keep walkways clear to prevent the risk of falls and embrace minimalist styles that promote clean layouts and minimal furniture. Combine natural woods with light, neutral colors for a stylish contrast.

via bhg

Clean and serene - a look at minimalist design

Minimalism is a popular concept that has been employed for many interior designers over the decades, including very famous ones like Jean-Michel Frank. Minimalism is a design concept inspired by famous artists such as Donald Judd, Carl Andre, Agnes Martin and Frank Stella and it has drawn its inspiration from cultural sources such as the simplicity of Japanese traditional home designs and Zen Philosophy.

I don't tend to feature minimalist spaces too often, because it's not a life style that I think I could live.  However, whenever I do a clean sweep of my apartment, which I just did this weekend, all of the bare surfaces and perfectly straightened books inspires me to try and keep it up.

The basics of minimalism is unadorned and essentials only. Of course, there is a fine line where minimalism crosses over into cold and institutional. If minimalism is something you'd like to dabble in, here are a few principles to help you attain the minimalist loft of your dreams: 

Minimalism is neutral

Think neutral and block colours. Pristine white, light grey, clean taupe, make sure to draw inspiration from fresh, clean colour palettes.

Minimalism is bare

Minimalism means adorning your loft, but still giving it room to breathe. A good place to start is with the walls. Keep them simple and clean. Windows should be free of complicated draperies. There are so many options to keep your space private yet exposed. Look at using blinds by Velux,  and maybe try playing with clean shutters and very light curtains.

Minimalism is personal

A touch of personality brings your minimalist loft to life. You have wooden crates in the cellar? Clean them up and stack them together to create side tables. Whether you get creative or opt for the creativity of others via home furnishing brands and stores, choose pieces that are streamlined and geometric, clean and straight, smooth and curved.

Minimalism is light

And not just in terms of colour. Minimalist living spaces play of the lightness of its pieces and surroundings. Furniture should be light and low, no bulk or bulge. Rooms should make the best of natural light, again with the use of things like Velux window blinds, and knowing how to play with reflective surfaces can add space to any room.

Minimalism is inspirational

Finally, in order to achieve your dream of minimalist loft, you will need to know where to look for inspiration:

• Start by doing your research. What pieces do you have in mind to help create the ideal minimalist look for your loft? What feel do you want? Get some ideas on Pinterest and get some light inspiration.

• After gathering ideas of what you want for your home, visit stores like Ikea and Dwell for a selection of minimalist furniture pieces.

 • For windows, look to brands such Velux for great ideas on what kind of windows, solar thermal installations and blinds you might want for your loft.

 • If you want exquisite lights and light fixtures, look to brands such as Artemide and Boffi, and websites such as keslighting.com.

credits: 1., 2. interior design decorating, 3., 4. Apartment Therapy, 5. Loftlife Mag, 6. Por Homme

*disclosure: This post in partnership with itzala.co.uk

Back to basics: Tips for room layout and choosing furniture and acessories

Furnishing and organizing your home in the most appropriate way is challenging, but the reward is that it can be a great expression of yourself.  Some people don't think interior design and architecture are such a big deal, until they see for themselves the impact that successful room decor, furnishings, and layouts can have on a house.

Serene and clean but not too sparse.

When it comes to furniture, it's easy to fall back on what you see in the popular magazines, but take time to research and stake out pieces that really speak to you and are of good quality.  Don't just buy furniture because you want to fill a room.  Taking your time to choose furniture will also ensure that you pick the best sizes and styles for the space you're furnishing.

 

This kitchen is modern and minimal in style, but not sterile.

For many people, decor and accessories are an afterthought, or they fill it with gifts from others that aren't really their style, or generic bits and bobs just to fill space.  However, if you completely forget about adding decor and accessories, your home runs the risk of looking to institutional.  Just like your furnishings, take time to collect a collection of accessories that have meaning to you, whether they be travel souvenirs, a vase that reminds you of one that your grandmother had, etc.

Functional and attractive

Two important aspects of design that are not addressed as often as the ones above are  the use of positive and negative space. Some people do not leave enough open/empty space in a room. Too much furniture, or furnishing too large for the room make a space feel tight and cluttered.  Leave enough open space - imaging the room being able to "breath" a bit.  If a space looks crammed, remove items one by one, step back and look at the space, and when it looks less cluttered, you know you're on the right path. Also consider the flow of the room.  There should be clear paths around or to furnishings, and the purpose of the room should be apparent, whether the purpose be conversing, working, or watching TV.

Luxe in style with a successful bedroom layout.

Another set of people have the opposite problem.  They leave too much empty or "dead" space in their home.  If you're nervous about making a mistake, start by collecting inspiration.  Rip out pages from magazines or bookmark images of rooms that you like.  Once you've collected a decent amount of images, review them and pick out any recurring furniture styles, accessories, colors, etc. that you see.  This will help you dictate your style.  Once you've narrowed down your aesthetic, try buying just one piece at a time, that way you won't feel like you're committing so quickly and definitely.

Stylized but realistic

Do you have any tips for a well-balanced room?

*disclosure: This post is sponsored by Minimalisti.com

Pale and Interesting - a home with calm and simplicity

There's nothing like moving to a smaller dwelling (which I recently did), to encourage one to purge excess stuff from the home. These photos give a taste of how serene it is to ditch the stuff and go minimalist, but with a rustic twist.

I love worn leather club chairs

that dresser is gorgeous - it definitely doesn't need accessorizing. Same with the chair.

*love that chair - a piece of art in itself

What do you think?  Do you purge your home on a regular basis? Every now and then? Never?

via Pale and Interesting

A little zen...

if you are in a frenzy today like me, take a moment to breathe...

zen doesn't have to mean a Buddhist temple or complete minimalism. To me, zen is all about the relationship between beauty, order, and nature.

so peaceful
via Alice in Designland

I imagine working at a spinning wheel is very meditative
via Rue Magazine

AMAZING
via Gemma Comas Photography

via Jayson Home and Garden

A simply made bed is always zen to me
Design Inspiration [SK]

wooden tub...need I say more?
© Richard Powers

perfect depth and proportion
© Eric Roth Photography

What is "zen" to you?

A fabulous house tour with modern and vintage twists...

This is the home of Jess Loraas, a photographer and competitive show jumper, based in Calgary.

I love the clean, simple lines to everything - but it doesn't lack "prettiness" which I also like.

One day I must have a home office as efficient and beautiful as this one. Believe it or not, it's in her guest room...

SO pretty! Crisp, stark bedding keeps focus on the Paris wallpaper, which she had custom printed.


I love seeing oriental rugs with the mid-century modern furniture

*adore* I'm all about large mirrors just leaning against the wall- it creates a posh feeling while still being laid back...

via Design*Sponge

A REALLY gorgeous house tour - a mix of haute and rustic

This is American designer James Huniford's Hamptons retreat. I love it-'nough said.




This is a rare example of a stark room that still manages to be warm


Love the clipboards as a way to display art

This dining room is simply dreamy - the bench...the table...the art



What do you think?


via Elle Decor