Minimalism never really goes out of style. New takes on the idea that less is more may seem to catch on every few years, but in the design world minimalism is a lasting aesthetic, not a trend. Minimalist living rooms in particular are appealing because the spaces have so much potential for messiness. A minimalist living room setup is calming, relaxing, and clutter-free. Interestingly, though, designers tend to talk about what minimalist living rooms do have, not what they don't have.
"Minimalist decor focuses on simplicity, often based around a neutral or monochromatic color palette with thoughtful accents of color, texture, and pattern," explains Angela Hamwey of the interior design studio Mackenzie & Co, in Sandwich, Massachusetts. "The design should be intentional and visually appealing, centered on functional furniture and essential elements." Decorative Plant Baskets
Minimalism doesn't have to be limited to beige tones and white walls. It's possible to incorporate personality without creating visual chaos, says Hoboken, New Jersey–based interior designer Samantha Stathis Lynch. "Adding color through your accent pieces such as pillows, rugs, and art can make all the difference," she explains. "When done correctly, the use of color and texture can further highlight those guiding principles. You can certainly create a space that feels warm and inviting without all the clutter."
To help you curate your space, we've gathered images of 34 beautiful minimalist living rooms by designers that nail the pared-down but still have personality. Read on to learn expert tips and tricks for minimalist living rooms big and small.
Choosing artwork can be daunting, so let your living room's essential pieces serve as decor instead. Zigzagging this pendant's cord up the wall and playing with the negative space creates visual interest just as effectively.
There's no better way to make your ceilings appear double the height than by offering seating that's as low to the ground as possible (but still comfortable). Limited the options and go for a single double-sided modular sofa that can seat a crowd.
While most minimalists stay away from pattern, that doesn't mean an absence of print is a hard-and-fast rule. Just incorporate prints in items that are easy to change, like your artwork and rugs, instead of foundational pieces like upholstered furniture.
Minimalism is all about feeling light and bright and having plenty of space to breathe. If you're not willing to pare down your furniture or abstract artwork, incorporate more light into the space. That will make the room feel bigger and less cluttered.
This crisp white living room feels warm thanks to the mix of wood finishes in the furniture, doors, and even picture frames."We used tonality and warm woods to make the space feel cozy despite its sparse decoration," says Avery Cox of Avery Cox Design.
Alison Victoria salvaged the antique mantel from Architectural Accents and made it the star of this minimalist living room by topping it with an oversize mirror. You see this vignette when you enter the home, so it sets the tone for the room rather than overwhelming it.
Carolyn Miller gave a minimalist farmhouse a makeover that shows the power of styling with restraint. The pared-down background serves as the perfect canvas for the clients' art collection.
Work with your home's existing layout by brightening up the space with a white sectional and marble coffee table as BHDM did in this winter getaway. The fireplace won't steal the show if you stick to a black-and-white palette for the room.
Mackenzie & Co. added a textured rug, striped throw pillows, and low wooden tables to give this minimalist living room a casual and lived-in feel. It's a coastal concept that doesn't need a ton of accessories to prove the aesthetic is at work. "When selecting your furnishings, we prefer a crisp white or cream sofa that provides a neutral base and allows you to accent with color and pattern," designer Angela Hamwey says.
Who says minimalism can't be achieved with color? The focus in this grounded living room is on key pieces that the room needs. Greens, ivories, and taupes keep the palette earthy.
Color-block walls in the same neutral family help warm up a white room while still keeping it minimalist, as in this cozy space designed by Leanne Ford Interiors.
Minimalism and small-space living get along beautifully. There are a few swaps you can make to get the most out of every usable inch. For example, opt for a settee instead of a sofa or sectional, and stack nesting tables instead of getting a bulky coffee table.
If you love modern minimalist design but don't want to give up on color, allow this living room designed by Arent & Pyke to guide you. The materials and finishes are pared back to a monochrome palette, allowing the heritage detailing and foundations to stand beautifully as they are. A muted rose carpet and inky midnight-hued armchair add soft, dynamic touches of color.
On second thought, why use color when you can create design perfection using all white? That will actually make the whole process a lot easier since you won't be worrying about whether everything goes together or not. And just because it's all one color doesn't mean you can't still incorporate fun, interesting details. It's all about shape and texture. In this living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors, for example, the designer swapped a traditional layout for semicircular white sofa that's perfect for entertaining, a brush-painted IKEA rug, and a custom rope light.
Here's a lesson in monochromatic decorating with soul (except for that green pillow, which is the perfect pop of personality). Designed by Studio Razavi, this Parisian apartment blends modern decor with neoclassical roots. While the bones of the space evoke a grand sort of opulence, the plush Moroccan rug and spacious white sofa feel more approachable. It's proof that minimalist spaces can be dynamic and warm.
What's more down-to-earth than a coffee table that's literally on the floor? Design firm Hecker Guthrie mixed in warm leathers, natural wooden stools, and a barely there bookcase for an unconventional yet understated approach in this minimalist living room. Moral of the story? Ditch your coffee table's base and put that slab straight on the ground.
As the queen of all-white interiors (she even painted the wood in this fireplace white), Leanne Ford is always coming up with fresh new ways to make a space stand out with rich textures, surprising accents, and refurbished materials. In this minimalist living room, she chose one item to really pop in a bright color: that vibrant red Pierre Paulin Ribbon Chair.
In a minimalist living room, each item needs to make a strong contribution—no weak links allowed. This space is the perfect example. While the only three furniture items are two seats and a small coffee table, it still makes a strong impression and communicates a sense of personal style. That's mostly thanks to the retro fireplace and ultra-modern light fixture.
The clean lines of this living room designed by Robson Rak make you feel relaxed just looking at it. Even the detail and symmetry of the vertical window pane tracing down to the cushions of the sofa is soothing. Green nesting tables bring in some contrast with their rounded shape and varying heights, and white painted shiplap walls make the space feel more livable and approachable.
High-impact wall art is a beautiful, chic way to add personality to a minimalist living room. Though it doesn't take up any surface space, the right piece can be truly transformative. In this living room, the abstract photograph of light orbs is extended into the material space through the burnt orange and marigold throw pillows. For a similar effect, use an abstract photograph like this one to dictate the colors of your throw pillows for cohesion.
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