Have you ever thought about applying a bold, minimalist design aesthetic to your living room? If your current living room feels cluttered and dated, a minimalist approach that emphasizes visual space, natural lighting and essential comfort could bring a new energy to your living space. There’s more to going minimalist than simply gutting your living room of your possessions, however. True minimalism is about restraint, removing layers and living comfortably with just bare essentials. Here are some minimalist living room ideas to help you get started.

Utilize Restrained and Neutral Tones

Color choice is a minimalist essential. Subdued colors like very light shades of grey, white and subtle pastels create a calming sense and mesh well with natural lighting to create a warm, calm atmosphere. When it comes to adding in brighter colors, we recommend using the objects in your living room – throw pillows, rugs, greenery, coffee table, etc. – to create contrast while keeping the base of the room restrained and minimal.

Let the Natural Lighting In

Incorporating natural lighting is another excellent way to create warmth and energy while maintaining a minimalist approach. Bare windows are recommended, but if you’re concerned about privacy or temperature control, hang a thin curtain. Depending on your set up, a window upgrade could be in order as well. A professional window installer can help you get set up with stylish new replacement windows to match your new living room. New energy-efficient windows may also reduce your need for heavier curtains to prevent heat transfer.

Choose Your Displays Carefully

It’s a common misconception that minimalism eliminates decoration and discourages “stuff” adorning your tables, desks and countertops. Rather, minimalism calls for strategic, subdued décor, such as a single, small plant on a kitchen table or a well-placed book on the coffee table to create a focal point while minimizing distraction and clutter. For example, in the kitchen, placing a single fruit bowl on the countertop with everything else put away creates a clutter-free, yet stylish kitchen.

Use Similar Textures but Different Color Tones

Another key to decorating your living room is the strategic use of a variety of similar colors but different textures. Think about it this way; an entire room draped in white would be considered bland, but a room that features a sleek, white leather sofa, with light grey, plush throw pillows and a wool charcoal rug creates a lot of visual variety without stark, clashing colors. The idea is, since the items feature similar tones, they don’t overpower the senses. We recommend sticking to neutral and Earth tones.

Wood Paneling

The addition of wood paneling to the ceiling or walls is a unique, elegant way of incorporating some subdued contrast. You can try more traditional, vertical or horizontal paneling or a classic log cabin look, or you could opt for something a bit more unique such as a crisscross or decorative pattern. Avoid using bright or overpowering colors and instead opt for natural, subdued Earth tones or paint the wood paneling a subtle shade so it matches your furniture or walls.

Add Some Stylish Storage

You don’t need to eliminate your storage – after all, your things will need somewhere to go if you’re going to effectively unclutter your living space. A minimalist storage approach utilizes stylish and unassuming storage, such as floating shelves or small hooks on the wall. Large book shelves can also be hung from the wall to create more floor space. Larger storage solutions, such as dressers and cabinets, won’t affect your minimalist goals, as long as they’re within your restrained color scheme and aren’t draped in excessive decorations or patterns.

Begin Your Minimalist Transformation with Stylish New Windows

Taking a minimalist approach can appear more complicated than it is at first. The key is to keep things simple by stripping yourself of excess items and décor and opting for sleek and stylish where possible. It helps to take things one step at a time while reminding yourself that less is more in most cases.

If you’re ready to make an impactful change to your living space, like adding stylish new Simonton or Don Young windows, consider Allied Siding and Windows as partners in re-thinking your home design. With showrooms in Houston, Austin and Dallas, we provide ultimate convenience and only the best windows on the market. Get your no-cost InstaQuote by contacting us online today!