Decorating as a minimalist - or an aspiring minimalist - has been a really interesting challenge to take on over the last few years. For one, I love, love, love seasonal decor! I love buying it, I love making it myself...I even enjoy just looking at all of it in the store (without making a purchase). There’s just something about it that makes me so happy. Perhaps you can relate. Maybe not. For another, I like to switch things up and add new pieces so that there is something new to admire...I foresee it potentially becoming a problem in the future, but not really.
After some practice, and loving the results of having truly minimal, but meaningful decor (and after experiencing the strange satisfaction I get from only having 2 small, organized totes for all of our seasonal decor), I’ve decided to share some of my favorite tips.
Choose Pieces Carefully
I love having pieces that mean something to us personally. For you, it could be a piece of art that a friend painted or a vase you bought on your honeymoon. It could also just be something that really spoke to you when you laid your eyes upon it. Choose just a few pieces with a story behind them to display. With such depth behind them, you won’t need to have it stand next to anything else, plus they make great conversation starters.
Less is More
Give your pieces space to breathe. It’s really okay to have some empty space. I find it rather soothing, personally, to have my eyes drawn to small subtle details rather than being overwhelmed by shelves full of decor. Resist the urge to fill an entire shelf - harder to dust that way anyway!
To make it easier, opt for larger items rather than a bunch of smaller ones for the same reason that less is more. It feels less cluttered, and again, the eye is drawn to the large details.
Consider Natural Items
I really enjoy bringing the outdoors inside for a few reasons. Having real plants, vegetables, and other natural elements like pinecones or woods makes me feel calm and welcomed in a space. Natural items are unique, easy to acquire, inexpensive (or even free sometimes!), and you can put them back outside when you’re finished to let them continue their natural course.
Think About Other Senses
For me, decor is really a minor part of making my home ready for the holiday season. I love the smell of fresh sweet loaves baking in the oven, burning woodsy scented candles (or diffusing woodsy oils!), having the fireplace on, and listening to my holiday playlists (not just Christmas!) are highlights that make my home feel ready for the season.
Start “Stuff”-less Traditions
Baking and decorating cookies with my family, game and movie nights, singing together, were all highlights of the holiday months growing up (and are still my favorite!). Sure, we also loved decorating with Bing Crosby singing in the background, but it was the feeling that contributed to the holidays too.
Choose Pieces that Cross Seasons
When I look for decor and textiles, I look for pieces that can cross seasons and holidays. White linens and plates, for example, can be paired with various objects and patterns to fit most any season you may want to decorate for. Vases can be filled with different seasonal foliage. I will admit, however, that I have three different wreaths for the door.
Are you a minimal decorator? What are some of your tips?
