The outside world is fast-paced and busy, but interior design gives us the option to put together an internal space that offers tranquillity and clarity using minimalist design. Minimalism is a powerful way to create a Zen environment; one that feels both serene and timeless. If this sounds like the right approach for your home, below are our tips to help you achieve the right look, and calm feel.
Minimalism is Key to a Zen Space
A Zen space is a living environment designed to promote tranquillity, mindfulness, and a sense of balance. Minimalism is more than just a design trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that emphasises simplicity, functionality, and intentionality. A minimalist space is characterised by its clean lines, open surfaces, and a focus on essential items, all of which contribute to a calm and orderly environment. By reducing visual clutter and embracing simplicity, you create a backdrop that supports mental clarity and relaxation.
How to Add Some Zen to Your Home
- Declutter your space
A foundation of both a Zen and minimalist design is a clutter free environment. Reducing the number of things in a room, whether furniture or accessories and ornaments, immediately simplifies a space. A clearer space will also feel more peaceful without the busyness of everything around you.
2. Choose a minimalist colour palette
As you will know from some of our previous blogs, colour plays a hugely important part in interior design as all colours have the power to evoke certain emotions. Typically, colours that work in a minimalist design are whites and neutral colours. There is a wide variety whites, each with its own distinctive undertone or nuance. Oatmeal and beige based colours are a step away from white, but create a soothing feel. If you can, embrace live plants which enhance the air quality and also punctuate a simple space.
3. Simplify your furniture and décor
Pared back design needs simplicity, furniture with clean lines and simple palettes will avoid the visual clutter that you want to minimise. To reduce the amount of furniture within a room, look for multi-functional pieces such as a coffee table or an ottoman stool with storage. It is important here to make considered choices and look for quality over quantity. This is the perfect scheme for investing in iconic pieces of design or sculptural shapes that have an artistic quality
4. Add the Zen
Creating a Zen space is more than just decluttering and simplifying, although that is a vital step in the process. It is about designing an environment that promotes peace and relaxation. Within your minimalist design:
- Ensure that each area of your room or your home has a clear purpose, which helps maintain order and efficiency
- Add elements that you connect with personally, whether that’s a favourite piece or art, or a relaxing reading nook; something to make the space uniquely yours
- Consider having designated areas for relaxation and mindfulness.
5. Maintain the minimalist lifestyle
Once you’ve created your beautiful, Zen space, you’ll want to keep it that way and this does require some ongoing effort and, in some cases, a change of habits. Regular upkeep is the key to preserving the calm in your home. Regularly clean and declutter to prevent an accumulation of ‘stuff’ and keep the space fresh. When you do bring items into the home, be intentional; consider whether a new item adds value and function, or whether it will form clutter.
A well-maintained clutter free space allows you to focus on what truly matters and enjoy a peaceful living environment.
If you want out help creating a Zen space in your home do get in touch, and remember you can find more interior design ideas on our Facebook page.