We live in stressful times, and one of the ways people are managing stress these days is by modifying their living spaces. Minimalism is a movement that encourages people to do more with less. Having fewer items in your living space, paring down your wardrobe, and keeping only what you need in your life are some of the ways minimalists are reducing their footprint and creating space for themselves.

Advantages of Living in a Minimalist Space

One minimalist did a survey to learn more about why other people choose that lifestyle. The main advantages people cited were:

• Having less stress and anxiety
• Spending less money
• Saving time
• Creating a legacy
• Reducing impact on the environment
• Focusing more on experiences

The bottom line is that the less stuff you have in your life, the more time, money, and energy you have to enjoy the world around you. Whether it’s spending more time with family, getting out into nature, or just soaking up some peace and quiet, when your home is less cluttered, so is your life.

Ideas for Minimalist Renovations

No matter what motivates you to become a minimalist, the transition will surely prompt you to evaluate the spaces around you. Minimalist renovations are a trend that we are noticing, so we have compiled some ideas to spark inspiration.

1. Make the most of small spaces

For many people, adopting a minimalist lifestyle means downsizing. However, if you already live in a small apartment, minimizing even more could be challenging. In this Central Park West apartment, we used clever design to maximize functionality within a small footprint while keeping the space feeling open and airy. A custom retractable wall allows the owners to enjoy an open floor plan most of the time and still provide privacy for visiting guests. This allows them to stay in a small home that is easy to maintain, while still having the option to entertain now and then. 

2. Hide busy surfaces

In the same apartment, we added a flush door to cover up some cabinetry and appliances in the kitchen to create a seamless look. When not in use, everything is tucked away and invisible so the mind is free to wander away from functional tasks. 

3. Integrate built-ins

When undertaking a minimalist renovation, think about ways to streamline your spaces with custom-made built-ins. This allows you to take advantage of otherwise dead spaces and also gives you exactly what you need and nothing more. In this Columbus Circle apartment, we added a built-in desk to the window nook along with floor-to-ceiling shelves that exactly match the width of the wall. 

4. Use color to create calm

Although a minimalist space doesn’t have to be monochromatic, there is no denying the soothing effect of a room with few hues. This West 53rd Street kitchen is a great example of a minimalist approach. Crisp white, cool gray, and a light wood floor all combine to create a relaxing environment in a typically busy room. The floating shelves also blend into the wall to perfectly highlight the carefully chosen items on them.  

5. Optimize your lighting

Minimalism doesn’t necessarily mean that you have nothing. It means that the things you do have are both useful and aesthetically pleasing. Highlight your curated collection of belongings with lighting that wows without overwhelming. The West 53rd Street kitchen is a great example of how custom lighting that is integrated into shelves and cabinets can transform a space. 

Renovations Done Right

It may not be obvious, but details are more important than ever in a minimalist home. When you have few items on shelves or countertops, the craftsmanship can shine. On the other hand, minor flaws stand out when everything else is stripped away, so quality matters in a minimalist renovation. If you would like to learn more about how Detail Renovations can help you create your dream home, get in touch today.