In order to create a welcoming and stylish minimalist space, it is important to make a clear design plan so to not to fall victim to some of the most common mistakes that many people make when attempting to embrace a simple look.
Minimalist designers have many “icks” that they would prefer never to see again, and they’re sharing six of them below. Be sure to avoid these design pitfalls when you begin the process of decorating your own minimalist home.
Gray Wood Floors
Just because someone is a minimalist does not mean that they need to solely opt for this type of flooring, which Gala Magriñá, the founder of Gala Magriñá Design, is particularly against these days. The designer says that the main reason why she is opposed to this type of flooring is because she finds the color to appear sterile and cold.
“I think that grey wood floors suck the energy out of the room and bring the energy down,” Magriñá says.
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Large Format White Ceramic or Marble-Effect Flooring
Another type of flooring that minimalists designers are not wild about is large format white ceramic or marble effect floor tiles, according to Camilla Masi, an interior designer at Otto Tiles & Design US.
“They’re boring, lack characterful, lack depth, and I think they’re a lazy design choice proposed by designers to create a ‘luxe’ and clean, minimal aesthetic,'” she says.
In fact, she adds, this type of flooring can make everything else in a room appear less luxurious looking. Additionally, like Magriñá feels with regard to gray flooring, the designer also finds that this type of flooring style is too cold-looking and should, therefore, be avoided for that reason as well.
Spaces That Are All-White and Too Stark
Jodi Peterman, the founder of Erin Elizabeth Designs, feels strongly that just because a home leans minimalist does not mean that it needs to be too white or bare. After all, this type of aesthetic is rarely welcoming.
“Minimalism isn’t about sucking the life out of a space—it’s about thoughtful curation,” she says. “Spaces that feel like sterile showrooms rather than livable homes entirely miss the mark.”
Peterman likes to use the Danish concept of hygge—which places an emphasis on bringing in all things cozy—is an example of minimalism done right. Peterman explains how a space should always embrace you and not make you feel like you shouldn’t touch anything in it.
A Lack of Contrast and Texture
Going off of her comments above regarding rooms that appear too stark and devoid of color, Peterman adds that minimalist homes should not be without doses of contrast and texture.
“A monochromatic room that’s bereft of natural materials, layers, or variation ends up feeling flat and uninteresting,” she says. “Minimalism isn’t so much about removing all detail—it’s about editing it down.”
Peterman cites a few examples of items that one can easily weave into their minimalist space without disrupting the overall flow and appearance; these include a linen throw, warm wood accessories, and ceramic pieces.
Faux Minimalism
Another habit that Peterman is averse to is what she calls “faux minimalism,” which is when people try to create a bare aesthetic by shoving everything into storage. Rather, she explains, minimalism is the result of what happens once you have become more mindful about what you do and do not need to hold onto.
“If a space looks minimal but behind the closed doors there’s a clutter landslide, that’s not minimalism—that’s staging,” she says.
Spaces That Are Too Styled
And speaking of staging, that can be an issue of its own, Peterman shares. She explains that a minimalist space should not be overly styled to the point that it appears that no one actually calls it home. Peterman explains how good minimalist design is about the sense of ease. It shouldn’t feel overly styled, unlivable, or too precious.