Search for pictures of minimalist homes and what do you see? A whole lot of neutrals, simple shapes, and unique textures. That works for a lot of folks, but there’s more than one way to go minimalist.

If the whole point of simplifying is being able to surround yourself with things you love passionately and enjoy them fully, then the core of your decorating efforts need to be based around items you’re crazy about. I might be way off track here, but I have a feeling not all of us don’t sincerely adore neutral couches and stick furniture.

Decorating Irony #1: Minimalism Is Your Excuse to Go Crazy

Dahlia with a red sofa
Here’s the fun of going a bit minimalist: it’s actually an excuse to indulge your wildest tastes. Who knew, right? The trick is that you just have to do it in moderation. What does that mean? It means that you just need to find one big, bold item to build an entire room or look around.

You might create a room around an original work of art in wild colors or a crazy-ass sculpture. It might be an unexpected wall color. (My living room is lime green and I love it more than words can say. Zen Mist by Glidden.) Maybe you secretly want a bright red couch instead of, sigh, “mushroom” or “taupe.” Don’t think that you have to build around neutrals and “safe” pieces; this is your chance to go for it!

By building areas around dramatic statement pieces, you get the best of all worlds:

  • Rooms with style and personality
  • Spaces that make you smile every time you walk in
  • Cheap decorating, since everything else can be minimized
  • Visual bandwidth to admire your favorite items
  • A home that is easier to clean, maintain, and live in on a daily basis

The next time a decorating magazine or catalog (I’m watching you, Pottery Barn) tries to convince you that the only way to go minimalist is by surrounding yourself with taupe, feel free to go in the opposite direction. (And if you’re looking for a few good reasons to go minimalist in your home, I highly recommend the Zen Habits Guide to Creating a Minimalist Home.)

Using Dramatic Pieces to Simplify Your Wardrobe

The same principle applies to your wardrobe. You can get away with wearing tons of interchangeable basics, provided you have a few statement pieces to spice them up. Think big, honkin’ necklaces, fantastic coats, and shoes in candy colors. Gentlemen, all you really need is a great color to stand out. (Lucky…)

How do you express minimalist style without losing out on personality? Drop into the comments and share your experiences and success stories!

Creative Commons License photo credit: tanakawho

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