Minimalism and The Minimalist Interior Design Trends: Simplicity at its Finest
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What is minimalism?
Minimalism is an approach to design and life that is characterized by simplicity. Minimalism and the minimalist movement focuses on simplicity in all aspects of life and design, functionality and the removal of excess. It is characterized by a deliberate and intentional approach to living, where the emphasis is on decluttering in all aspects of life and focusing only on what is truly necessary and essential. Everything else is considered superfluous.
Overall, minimalism as a lifestyle or design approach, is all about simplifying and streamlining. The idea is to create a more intentional, focused, fulfilling and mindful way of living and being.
To over simplify the answer, the best way to describe minimalism is: “Less is more”
What is the minimalist interior design style?
The Minimalist interior design stylistic approach is a home decor style that emphasizes simplicity, functionality and the use of a more limited color palette. This decorating style is generally characterized by clean lines, softer use of neutral colors and a focus on more open spaces with minimal furnishings.
As the direct opposite approach to maximalist interior design where more is more, in a minimalist interiors, there is a focus on quality over quantity, with only essential furniture and accessories present. The emphasis is on creating a sense of harmony between the space and the objects within it. Minimalist interiors often use natural materials such as wood, stone, and concrete to add warmth and texture to the space.
Some of the key features of the minimalist interior design stylistic approach include:
- A limited color palette, often consisting of white, black, and neutral colors
- Simple, unadorned walls and floors
- Clean lines and geometric shapes
- A focus on natural light and open space
- Few decorative objects or accessories
- Functional furniture with a streamlined aesthetic
Overall, minimalist interior design is a style that seeks to create a peaceful and uncluttered living space that promotes simplicity, functionality, and a sense of calm.
What is the main idea behind minimalist interior design?
The philosophy behind minimalist design is to create a calming and uncluttered space that allows for clear thinking and relaxation.
What colors are typical in minimalist decors?
Minimalist design will usually feature a more limited color palette. More often, these colors will consist of neutrals such as white, beige, gray and black.
While the use of neutrals is common in minimalist design, other muted colors can also be used to add subtle interest and depth to the space. For example, pale pastels or muted earth tones can be used sparingly as accents to create a sense of warmth and texture.

Minimalist Interior – Adding A Touch Of Color With The Rug
It’s important to note that the use of color in minimalist design is always intentional and deliberate. Each color and element in the space is carefully chosen to contribute to the overall sense of harmony and simplicity.
And don’t forget, of your minimalist decor feels too cold, you could always use the rugs to add some color to your space.
Why use limited colors in minimalism?
The lighter colors that we see in minimalist interiors are generally there to provide a soft, clean and simple backdrop for the space. The softer colors will allow the focus to be aimed on form and function of furniture and other larger decorative elements in the room.
The goal in using softer and more limited colors is also to create a space that feels calm, open and uncluttered – allowing for clear state of mind and relaxing feel.
Minimalist decor – keeping it simple but still showcasing statement pieces
So you like simple. We get it. But just because you like rooms that are more about the “space” than the “substance” does not mean that you have to do without. The world of interior design is constantly finding ways to reinvent the industry by setting new trends, bringing back vintage styling, and /or marrying the two together. One of the design trends that has withstood the test of time is the minimalist interior design approach.
One might say, well, minimalism is cool and all, but I don’t get it. Well, let us tell you something about minimalism, it is the easiest way showcase statement pieces like beautiful rugs that exude clean and crisp lines, add character and texture to a room through its subtle styling.

Minimalist Interior Living Room
Minimalist interior design takes out the crazy color palettes, omits the abundance of baroque furnishings, and pares down design straight to its bare bones. Linear shapes exhibited in classic and simple furniture pieces add a sense of elegance to a room, almost setting the home in a museum like state.
With minimalist design, each piece is of the utter importance and selecting your perfect decor becomes ever more important. Clean lines aid in creating spacious settings for smaller rooms but are even more prevalent when paired with larger, open spaces.
Using simple color palettes for walls and flooring is another important factor in showing off you minimalist design and styling. Neutrals are great color options, but blacks, whites, and grey add even more pop when going for the minimalist approach.
The sleek look of these colors not only add a clean backdrop for furniture and decor but also do not draw attention to the surroundings away from the decor. Thus, minimalism creates a sophisticated look where one can afford to splurge on unique statement pieces.
What types of area rugs work best in a minimalist interior design?
When creating your minimalist interior design, it’s important to focus on area rugs and area rug styles that will not distract. That said, the emphasis should not be on the different area rug types but rather on the look and feel of the rugs themselves.
That said, here are a few types of area rugs that interior designers tend to favor in a minimalist interior:
- Specific types of rugs that we tend do to see more often in minimalist interiors are: Vintage Moroccan rugs, Modern Moroccan Rugs, Scandinavian rugs, Swedish rugs, Antique Oushak Rugs, Modern Oushak Rugs, Modern Distressed Rugs, Boho Chic Rugs
- Abstract and solid-colored rugs: A solid-colored rug in a neutral tone such as white, beige, gray, or black can add texture and warmth to a minimalist space without overwhelming the simplicity of the design. View: Abstract and solid-colored area rugs
- More simple geometric-patterned rugs: A rug with a simple geometric pattern such as stripes, squares, or circles can add visual interest and texture to a minimalist space while still maintaining a clean and uncluttered look. View: More simple geometric-patterned rugs
- High-pile rugs: High-pile shag rugs with a plush texture can add depth and coziness to a minimalist space, but it’s important to choose rugs with a simple and understated design to avoid overwhelming the space. View: High-pile shag rugs with a plush texture
Overall, these are just general ideas that designers may use. Color and pattern aside, the key to choosing an area rug for a minimalist interior is to opt for a rug with more simple design and color that complements the clean and uncluttered aesthetic of the space. A rug should add warmth, texture and visual interest to the room without overwhelming or distracting from the simplicity of the design.
What are the different types of minimalism?
There are several types of minimalism, each with their own unique approach to simplifying and streamlining different aspects of life.
Here are five main types of minimalism:
- Minimalist lifestyle: This type of minimalism focuses on simplifying one’s life by getting rid of excess possessions, commitments, and distractions. The goal is to reduce stress, increase happiness, and live a more intentional and fulfilling life.
- Minimalist design / decor: As mentioned earlier, minimalist design is characterized by a focus on simplicity, clean lines, and a limited color palette. The goal is to create a space that feels calm, uncluttered, and promotes a sense of harmony.
- Digital minimalism: With the increasing role of technology in our lives, digital minimalism focuses on simplifying our digital lives. This can be achieved through reducing screen time, limiting notifications and decluttering digital files and apps. The goal is to reduce distractions while increasing one’s focus and productivity.
- Essentialist minimalism: This type of minimalism focuses on identifying and prioritizing the essential things in our lives. Whether it be possessions, commitments or relationships, the goal is to focus our energy and attention on what we decide for ourselves that truly matters. While we focus our energy on what is important, we also must let go of the rest.
- Eco-minimalism: With a growing concern for the environment, eco-minimalism focuses on reducing waste, reducing consumption and minimizing our overall carbon footprint. The goal is to live more sustainably and minimize our impact on the planet.

Minimalist Interior Design Style With Modern Moroccan Rug
Does Minimalism Affect Mood?
In extreme general terms, minimalists do tend to be happier. This is mostly due to the fact that they worry less about materialism, stress less about life and have far less chaos / clutter in their lives. Minimalists view material things as far more trivial compared to things like relationships, feelings, health, spirituality, emotions and enjoying the basic and simple pleasures life has to offer.
The hardest but most important aspect of a minimalist’s lifestyle would be clearing the emotional clutter and outside distractions that affect our psyche.
These are just a few examples of the different types of minimalism but ultimately, minimalism is about simplifying life
Add some warmth and texture to your minimalist interiors with these textured modern rugs:
You may also be interested in adding some history to your minimalist interior with these antique and vintage rugs:
This interior design blog about minimalist interior design was published by Nazmiyal Antique Rugs.