14 things you’ll never find in a minimalist home

Mess be gone.

Minimalism might be one of the most popular interior design trends at the moment, but it's also one of the most difficult to achieve.
Relying on simplicity and essentially outlawing the presence of lived-in details like clutter and mess (something that pretty tricky to stick to if you aren't a naturally tidy person), minimalism requires a certain level of commitment.
Which is why it can often be difficult to transition your home from one style of décor to minimalism. Before making the big jump, furniture needs to be re-purchased, unnecessary knick-knacks have to be thrown out, and you have to invest in clever storage opportunities so your laundry, kids' toys and exercise equipment are hidden from sight.
These stringent rules mean that there is now a list of things that you would never find in a minimalist home. From certain types of plants, to patterns on cushions, there are some standards no-nos in the Spartan décor world.
To assist you in your journey to complete minimalism, we've listed all the things you should think about getting rid of… or, at least, hiding in your closet.

1. Fussy rugs

Moroccan or Persian style rugs; dated floral, check or striped patterns; or shaggy loomed styles tend to overpower spaces and draw the eye. Rugs in minimalist homes should aim to be unassuming, complementary and neutral in colour.

2. Flowering plants

Although flowering plants are a sweet choice for garden beds and home entrances, they can look a little fussy when used as décor. Move shrubs and planters outside and replace with a more minimalist plant – like rubber plants or fiddle leaf figs. Even succulents are great for this.

3. Clashing cushions

In minimalism, the aim of the game is cohesion. Your cushions don't have to match exactly, but having an overarching colour scheme or pattern helps keep them unified.

4. Exposed knick-knacks

While some artfully placed bits and bobs — like vases, books, and trinkets — can help your space feel more 'lived in,' it's best to keep most life accessories out of sight. Things like remotes, shopping bags and your exercise equipment should be tidied away after use.

5. Complex patterns

Patterns in small doses, or blown out to be oversized, can definitely work in minimalist spaces. However, overly busy, tight or complex patterns should be avoided as they overcomplicate the space.
This one might not be as obvious, but you also won't see a lot of floral patterns in a minimalist home. Floral patterned chairs, sofas, wall-paper or other room features dates the space easily, and draws the eye unnecessarily.

6. All-over carpet

Although it's not always under your control, the minimalist style lends itself better to clean wood or tiled flooring. Dated carpet choices in white, beige or greys can be harder to style.

7. Clutter

It goes without saying but general clutter doesn't really have a place in minimalism. Stacks of magazines, chewing gum packs, old coffee mugs, and wrappers muddle the area.
Disposable items like coffee cups, takeaway containers, water bottles and other plastic things, should live in the cupboard or the bin.

8. Too many colours

When decorating, the easiest and most straight-forward way to do is to build a neutral base and then introduce some soft, complementary colours like deep blues, forest greens or blush pinks. However, when you have too many competing colours in one place it can convolute the design.

9. Defunct décor

Items in your house that no longer serve a purpose and don't fit in with your style – for example, your spouse's sports memorabilia, that hat stand you don't use, and that vase of fake flowers – should be removed and replaced with useful and chic alternatives.

10. Household products

Although we need them, household products like cleaning sprays, dishrags, laundry detergent, and dishwasher liquid, should be kept out of sight to keep things orderly.

11. Exposed wires, cables or phone lines

When styling your home, employ some clever tricks to make sure your TV's cords, your phone wires and your charges aren't cluttering your space.

12. Unnecessary kitchen accessories

Barbecue tongs, egg timers, avocado slicers, measuring cups and apple corers are all very useful items, but for the sake of minimalism, should be kept in drawers and cupboards, and not on benches.

13. Busy or chintzy furniture

As a general rule, the furniture found in minimalist homes is sleek, functional, streamlined and un-fussy. Over-stuffed couches, dated carved tables and oversized chairs tend to over-complicate things.

14. Distracting bright colours

There's no reason to shy away from a pop of colour in your minimalist home, if that's what you want. However, if the presence of the colour is too jarring or distracting, it's a good idea to relax it to a softer shade. We would suggest staying away from overpowering colours of the neon variety.