How to Achieve a Minimalist House Design: 2024 Guide

If you’re sick of the clutter taking over your home but don’t want to get rid of all your stuff, a minimalist house could be the perfect solution.

These intentionally designed small homes maximise every inch of space and help you live with just the essentials. In land-scarce Singapore, minimalist houses are a creative way to add usable square footage on a budget.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a minimalist house is and share some tips on designing minimalist homes tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

What Is a Minimalist House?

You’ve likely seen minimalist interior design in trendy furniture showrooms or home decor magazines. But what exactly defines a true minimalist house? It’s all about stripping back to the essentials — both in terms of architecture and lifestyle.

A minimalist home embraces an aesthetic of intentional simplicity: clean lines, functional spaces, and a carefully selected mix of only the most necessary objects and furnishings. There are no frills, no fuss, no excess — just the basics done exceptionally well.

Reductive Design Principles

The architectural principles behind minimalist home design are reductive. Ornamentation and decorative elements are eliminated in favour of streamlined forms. Minimalist architects rely on meticulous craftsmanship of materials like wood, concrete, and steel to let the structure’s elemental nature take centre stage.

Geometric shapes, flat or low-sloping roofs, large windows, and open floor plans are common minimalist features. The focus is on creating calm, orderly spaces that feel expansive and uncluttered. A minimalist house is basically an exercise in restraint -—using fewer resources and less embellishment.

Lifestyle of Conscious Curation

Beyond the physical structure, true minimal homes are built from a conscious lifestyle choice. It’s about curating your life down to only the possessions and activities that add value. Out with the excess “stuff” weighing you down, in with the freedom of owning less.

Embracing minimalism at home requires being highly selective about what objects and furniture you choose to live with. Every item should have purpose, quality, and intentional placement. Spaces are kept clean, and surfaces clear of visual noise.

Neutral colour palettes, such as whites, greys, blacks, and warm woods, are favoured to create a sense of calm. Thoughtful curation of natural light, ventilation and energy efficiency is also crucial in minimalist design.

Maximise Space, Minimize Waste

By living with less, minimalist homeowners maximise their usable space while minimising resource and waste consumption. This approach aligns with today’s emphasis on sustainable living.

If the decluttered aesthetic and back-to-basics philosophy behind minimalism appeals to you, there are plenty of resources to get started. From architects specialising in minimalist residential design to blogs coaching minimalist living, you can gradually cultivate this lifestyle at your own pace.

The core idea? Carefully edit your living spaces down to the essentials. Keep only what you truly need and find purpose in. Surround yourself with simple beauty through intentional design choices. Owning less can actually free you to focus on what really matters most. Let’s explore more details on the perks of a minimalist home below.

5 Benefits of Living in a Minimalist Home

Designing your home with minimalism in mind not only gives you a sense of calm but also saves you money and gives you a sense of freedom.

Here are the top benefits of a minimalist home:

1. Less stress and clutter
2. More money saved
3. Easier cleaning and maintenance
4. Freedom and flexibility
5. Improved focus and productivity

1. Less Stress and Clutter

According to scientific studies, living in a minimalist home can significantly reduce negative emotions like stress and depression. With fewer things, there’s less clutter to worry about organising or cleaning up.

Imagine coming home to a neat, tidy space without piles of stuff covering every surface—  doesn’t that sound relaxing? Minimalism allows you to focus on what truly matters without the distraction of physical possessions weighing you down.

2. More Money Saved

Adopting a minimalist lifestyle means spending less money on unnecessary items. You’ll be more mindful about each purchase, buying only what you truly need. Over time, this can lead to substantial savings that could go towards larger financial goals like saving for a house, investing, or travel experiences. Living with less means having more money for the things that genuinely enrich your life.

3. Easier Cleaning and Maintenance

With fewer items in your home, cleaning becomes a breeze. No more wasting hours trying to dust and organise clutter. In a minimalist space, cleaning tasks like vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and doing laundry become simple, straightforward chores. You’ll have more free time to spend on hobbies, quality time with loved ones, or simply relaxing.

4. Freedom and Flexibility

Embracing minimalism gives you a sense of freedom and flexibility that’s difficult to achieve when weighed down by possessions. With less stuff tying you down, you’ll feel light and find it easier to move, travel, or make big life changes. Your living space will feel open and liberating rather than cramped and confining. Overall, a minimalistic style allows you to adapt quickly to new opportunities.

5. Improved Focus and Productivity

In a cluttered environment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unfocused. Minimalism removes many of those distractions, allowing you to concentrate better on important tasks. Clear physical and mental spaces can boost productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. You may find yourself accomplishing more with a refreshed sense of motivation.

Living a minimalist lifestyle takes some initial effort, but the long-term benefits are immense. From reduced stress and saved money to easier living and improved focus, minimalism offers a path to a simpler, more fulfilling way of life. Now, let’s get practical by outlining various suggestions for setting up a minimalist home.

5 Steps to Designing a Minimalist House

The process of switching to a minimalist design is straightforward. All you need is some determination and the willingness to let go of what does not add value.

Here is a step-by-step procedure:

1. Declutter room by room.
2. Streamline furniture.
3. Open up the floor plan.
4. Embrace neutral, natural tones.
5. Maximise storage creatively.

1. Declutter Room by Room.

The first step to creating a minimalist home is decluttering to the bare essentials. Go through each room methodically, sorting items into “keep,” “donate/sell,” and “discard” piles. Be ruthless in eliminating anything you don’t use or love. Discard broken items, outdated paperwork, art, and duplicates (including sentimental items).

Once decluttered, organise the remaining possessions neatly. Install shelving and storage solutions to maximise space. Everything should have a dedicated place to avoid future clutter buildup. For extra items that you can’t discard but can’t keep indoors either, consider renting a self storage unit.

2. Streamline Furniture.

A minimalist home needs only essential simple furniture pieces. Evaluate each item carefully — does it serve a clear purpose? If not, sell or donate it. Stick to high-quality, multipurpose pieces that embody clean lines and neutral hues.

For example, choose a sleek sofa that pulls out into a spare bed over bulky recliners. Replace oversized entertainment units with slim media consoles. The goal is open, airy spaces without excessive “stuff.” We’ll talk more about utilising multipurpose furniture later on in this guide.

3. Open up the Floor Plan.

Minimalism embraces negative space, so open up the floor plan where possible. Remove any unnecessary interior walls or doors to create an open-concept feel. This enhances flow and makes rooms appear bigger.

If knocking down walls isn’t feasible, use strategic furniture placement and lighting to give the illusion of spaciousness. Arrange pieces away from walls, and use lamps instead of overhead lighting to avoid harsh shadows.

4. Embrace Neutral, Natural Tones.

Minimalist colour palettes lean heavily on neutrals like white, grey, tan, and black. A neutral colour palette creates a soothing, calming vibe without visual clutter. Incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and plants to add subtle warmth and texture.

Skip bold colour accents and busy patterns that make spaces feel chaotic. However, use one or two pops of muted colour if desired to prevent the decor from feeling too sterile. Sage green and dusty rose are great examples of minimalist accent shades.

5. Maximise Storage Creatively

Minimalism means living with less stuff, but you’ll still need storage for essentials. Get creative with built-ins, ottomans with hidden compartments, under-bed containers, and wall-mounted shelving units against exposed brick. Everything should have a dedicated place to keep surfaces clear. For inspiration, check out these 10+ clever storage ideas for small spaces.

If closet space is limited, invest in a quality wardrobe with ample hanging space, shelves, and drawers. Store off-season items neatly in self storage units to keep your home clutter-free.

The key to minimalist design is omitting excess while retaining functionality and comfort. With patience and the right mindset, you can transform your home into a serene, low-maintenance oasis. Let’s now talk more about one of the foundations of minimalist living: multifunctional furniture.

Going Minimal With Multifunctional Furniture

Maximising space is a top priority when designing a minimalist home. That’s where multifunctional furniture comes into play. These innovative pieces pull double (or triple) duty to make the most of every square foot.

Here are some top options and how to utilise them:

1. The pull-out couch bed
2. Transforming tables
3. Stackable stools and nesting tables
4. Storage ottomans and benches

1. The Pull-Out Couch Bed

One of the coolest space-saving minimalist bedroom designs is the pull-out couch bed. By day, it’s a stylish sofa perfect for lounging. But come nighttime, it conveniently unfolds into a full-sized bed. No need for a dedicated bedroom for guests! This multitasking marvel means you can host visitors without sacrificing precious floor space.

2. Transforming Tables

Another must-have for small-space living? Transforming tables that expand and contract as needed. With just a few simple movements, a compact side table can stretch into a dining table for eight, or a sleek coffee table can rise to counter height for prepping meals in the dining room and kitchen. It’s furniture flexibility at its finest.

3. Stackable Stools and Nesting Tables

Stackable stools and nesting tables are a minimalist’s dream come true. These modular pieces can be stacked neatly when not in use and then pulled apart to provide extra seating or surface area on demand. It’s like having an extra table or chairs… without taking up any extra room!

4. Storage Ottomans and Benches

Don’t overlook storage ottomans and benches as multifunctional heroes, too. These upholstered pieces provide a place to rest your feet or tuck away shoes and linens. But they also offer secret storage compartments for stashing seldom-used items out of sight, allowing you to maximise storage in your home. Two functions in one super sleek package.

The best multifunctional furniture designs make it feel like you have way more space than you actually do. To make your space look smarter, we recommend pairing these furniture options with the right colour shades. More details below.

Neutral Colors for a Minimalist Home

Your minimalist design isn’t complete without the right colour scheme.

Here are some colour combinations for a “truly” smart minimalist house:

Laying the Foundation

Neutral hues provide the perfect canvas for creating a minimalist, calming oasis in your home. Think tones like beige, ivory, tan, or greige — these soft, earthy shades exude warmth and tranquillity. As you decorate, let these neutrals lay the foundation across walls, floors, and major furnishings.

Think of neutrals as the blank page before you start your masterpiece. They provide a soothing backdrop that allows pops of colour and textural elements to truly shine.

Embracing Textures

While sticking to a neutral palette, play with different textures to add depth and visual interest. A plush wool area rug can ground the space, while sleek leather accents provide a sophisticated contrast.

Incorporate natural elements like woven baskets, raw wood surfaces, or linen upholstery. This variety of textures prevents your minimalist decor from feeling flat or one-note.

Adding Subtle Accents

Once your neutral base is in place, you can start layering in accent hues through smaller decor pieces. A single emerald green velvet pillow or amber-tinted glass vase can breathe life into the room.

Use one or two accent colours sparingly for maximum impact. Too many competing shades will overwhelm the minimalist, restful vibe.

Playing with Shades

Who says neutrals have to be boring? Create multi-dimensional spaces by decorating with multiple neutral tones in the same colour family.

Pair a deep charcoal grey sofa with dove grey walls and pale silver accents. Or combine warm beiges with rich terracotta and sandy tans. This tonal approach adds subtle contrast while maintaining an overall calming, cohesive look.

When decorating with neutrals, the key is layering different shades, textures, and accent hues. This thoughtful approach transforms basic beiges and greys into a modern, refined, and utterly livable minimalist haven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Minimalist House?

A minimalist house prioritises essential elements, featuring simple forms, neutral colours, and limited materials that can blur indoor and outdoor living. A minimalist interior designer avoids excess ornamentation and focuses on core functionality to create a clean, elegant, and clutter-free living space.

What Is the Concept of Minimalism?

The concept of minimalism is about intentionality and mindfulness. It focuses on eliminating distractions and valuing experiences over material possessions. It emphasises meaningful items and simplicity, encouraging a clutter-free, purposeful lifestyle that prioritises what truly matters. With a minimalist design, a couple can comfortably live in a one-room apartment with their two young children.

Can a Minimalist Home Be Cosy?

Yes, a minimalist home can be cosy. To achieve cosy minimalism, carefully select comfortable furniture with clean lines, incorporate warm textures, and use a balanced colour palette. The result is a space that feels both simple and inviting.

Conclusion

With some smart design choices and strategic use of space, you can create a minimalist home that gives you everything you need without all the clutter and excess. Use fewer pieces of furniture by embracing multipurpose options, open floor plans, lots of storage solutions, and eco-friendly building materials.

Your minimalist house will free up both physical and mental space in your life. And yes, a decluttered, minimalist lifestyle is totally possible if you commit to the process. Just remember to store any extra belongings you are not willing to part with immediately in a self storage facility.