Looking to emulate the effortlessly chic spaces that populate your Pinterest account? Modern homes and furniture trends demonstrate a clear preference for clean, minimal homes and interiors that invite calm into our increasingly cluttered lives.
“Minimalism is important if you’re in a small apartment or don’t have much space. Clutter and ‘stuff’ can feel suffocating,” says stylist Rachel James.
Known for her Instagram snaps of her enviably-styled apartment, James shares her top tips for transforming any home into a beautiful, pin-worthy space.
1. Start with a blank canvas
What do 90 per cent of minimalist spaces have in common? They feature floorboards and white walls that instantly evoke a sense of space. Photo: via Oracle Fox
2. Employ a neutral colour scheme
“Neutral colours like black, white and grey, balanced with out pops of colour like blush pink, are a classic and stylish colour scheme.” Photo: Rachel James
3. Create a photo collage
“Personalise your space with a photo collage, with things like photos of loved ones, travel memories, or even prints of your favourite quotes and photos from editorials you’ve loved.” Photo: Rachel James
4. Invest in luxe bedding
Consider the bed to be a feature of your home, accessorised with linen sheets or a soft knit blanket. Photo: Scottie Store
5. Think outside the box
“Go for unexpected or quirky touches, such as a stack of magazines instead of a traditional bedside table, or stylish paper bags as storage options.” Photo: Rachel James
6. Leave picture frames unhung
Particularly handy for renters, leave framed artworks unhung and leaning against a bedroom or corridor wall. Photo: via Pinterest
7. Decorate with fresh flowers
“Fresh flowers on a weekly basis is a must for me. They look beautiful, make my home smell lovely and make any space feel homey. Candles are another favourite of mine for making any space feel cosy.” Photo: Rachel James
8. Ditch the bed head
A pallet bed frame that sits close to the floor will provide that effortlessly inviting and cosy look. Photo: via Pinterest
9. Openly display staple clothing
“I’m passionate about fashion and beautiful clothes and love to use them as decorations in their own right, whether it’s a collection displayed on a rack, an intricate dress hanging from a wall hook, or a beautiful jacket draped over a chair.” Photo: Rachel James
10. Think practically
“Ask yourself, ‘Is this beautiful, useful or sentimental?’ If it’s none of those, chuck it out!” Photo: Rachel James