From Kitchens to Living Rooms: Minimalist Design Style Ideas, Room By Room

Modern minimalism – defined by clean lines, neutral or monochromatic colour palettes and uncluttered spaces – is one of the most popular interior design styles of the moment, with good reason. When the world around us feels extra hectic, turning to more in less – at least when it comes to home decor – can be a soothing solution. If you’re looking to bring a more serene and simplistic aesthetic to your home, we’ve rounded up minimalist design ideas for every room in your home.

Published October 10, 2020, Updated December 25, 2021

white bathroom with wooden floating vanity and vessel sink

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Bathroom: Float On

Since most bathrooms are smaller spaces, clean and minimal design elements tend to work exceptionally well in the space. When it comes to vanities, floating designs keep the floor looking uncluttered. We love the architectural feel of this combination of a clean-lined floating vanity with a wall-mount faucet and rounded vessel sink.

grey and white kids room with orange accents and tall storage

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Kids’ Room: Symmetrical Synergy

Kids’ rooms should be playful, but they don’t have to be messy – and they can definitely incorporate minimalist design elements. As this grey-and-white kids’ room from Samantha Pynn and Sebastian Clovis for Save My Reno shows, you can keep a child’s space clean-lined by incorporating lots of storage and symmetrical details. Pops of basketball-inspired orange brighten the space and add fun character, too.

monochromatic white bedroom with white canopy bed

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Bedroom: Creamy Colours

Incorporating a minimalist edge into your bedroom design can be a bit tricky – you want your bedroom to be uncluttered so it’s restful and peaceful, but you still want it to be cozy and comfy – not clinical. One solution? Opt for comfortable furniture with lots of detail, but keep the colour palette super neutral in shades of one or two light hues. In this cream-coloured room, for example, even a statement-making canopy bed feels minimal when it matches the layered bedding and softly hued walls. For more inspiration, here are 10 minimalist (but never boring) decor ideas for the bedroom.

living room with white, black and charcoal furniture

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Living Room: Black and White

If monochromatic details aren’t to your taste, use colour palettes for minimalist impact. A black-and-white palette, for example, allows you to play with incorporating different patterns and textures – while still conveying an uncluttered feel.

black and white living room with yellow chair

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Living Room: Colour Pop

A pop of bright colour, when used strategically, can also enhance a neutral, minimal colour scheme in larger spaces like the living room.

television on wood built-in wall with fireplace and minimal furniture

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TV Room: Wood Walls

Combining the concepts of a feature wall and built-ins, this all-in-one wall marries practical function and minimalist fashion with a clean-lined wood look along with space for a television, shelving and a fireplace.

orange upholstered banquette with oval dining table

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Dining Room: Bring on the Banquette

In the dining room, seating is king – but that doesn’t have to mean a ton of chairs, especially if you’re going for a minimal aesthetic. Keep your eating area sleek and functional with an upholstered bench or even an L-shaped banquette, as Jonathan and Drew Scott did for this Property Brothers design with a spicy-shaded piece paired with a minimal oval-shaped table.

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Kitchen: Hide it Away

If you’re cooking up minimalist design in the kitchen, consider this clever idea: hidden appliances that blend in with your cabinetry. From the fridge to the dishwasher, appliances can be made to match your cabinets for a sleeker look.

minimal kitchen with hardware-free cabinets

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Kitchen: Smooth Finish

Another way to keep your kitchen clean lined and clutter-free is to create a smooth effect through your cabinetry. Handle-free or minimal hardware streamlines the look of a modern kitchen. Here are a few more modern ideas for your kitchen backsplash, tile and cabinetry in 2021.

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Home Office: Sleek Lines

If you’re working from home, having a dedicated home office space is a necessity – but it doesn’t have to feel clunky or take up too much space (especially if you’re creating a work space in a multi-functional room). Choosing furniture that’s perched on slim legs – as this desk, chair and lamp showcase – creates architectural lines and a minimalist feel for your productive area.