10 Martha Stewart Decor Tips That Will Completely Change How You See Minimalism

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Minimalism doesn’t have to mean bare walls, white furniture alone, and one lonely plant on a windowsill. The queen of chic and practical design, Martha Stewart, provides a different take on minimalism that is anything but cold or sparse. What she does is combine warmth, texture, and subtle details to give minimalist spaces that lived in look, rather than empty or sterile.

Her tips add an elegance to minimalism that’s surprisingly cozy; if you feel like “less is more” could use a little extra love, these tips will be perfect for you.

Layer Textures, Not Patterns

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Martha points out that while traditional minimalism goes hars core with smooth surfaces and clean lines, there is a place for texture that can really liven up a room. Add depth without being overwhelming on the minimalist scale. Martha teaches us that you don’t have to have busy designs to have an interesting room, a mix of textures will bring personality and warmth without clutter.

Opt for Functional Decor

In Martha’s world, every piece has a place, and that’s especially true of decor in a minimalist abode. She often says to use decorative items such as beautiful storage baskets, elegant lamps or a lovely fruit bowl. It is a wonderful approach that makes each item feels intentional and avoids having too many unnecessary knick knacks. If it doesn’t serve a purpose, it probably doesn’t belong. With this mindset, you’ll start to let go of things that don’t bring value to your space.

Bring in Natural Elements

Famous for her love of nature, Martha Stewart brings the outdoors in to her minimalist spaces. Whether it’s a few well chosen houseplants or a bowl of fresh lemons on the kitchen counter, or even a small collection of seashells, adding organic elements softens a room and makes it feel more grounded. According to NIH research, having greenery at home can make you feel better and reduce stress. Introducing nature will add a dose of balance and calm that’s perfectly in place in minimalist decor.

Choose Statement Lighting

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Lighting is one area where in minimalist design, every detail counts. For Martha, lighting is a statement making fixture: a large pendant light, or some uniquely shaped floor lamp. By doing this, the light fixture itself becomes a focal point (without making the room feel cave like). And good lighting doesn’t just light a space, it creates the mood.

Quality Over Quantity

Martha recommends filling a space with a few high quality items that you really love, rather than lots of decorative items. A good coffee table, a comfortable armchair or even just a single art piece is enough to give a space a sense of completeness. This tip is not only aesthetically but mentally rewarding, according to a University of California article, people like it in environments that aren’t too cluttered. By choosing less, better things, you will create a feeling of calm and make your home feel more personal.

Embrace Negative Space

One of Martha’s most surprising tips was to have empty spaces in your home. In fact, leaving areas of a room deliberately bare can create the illusion that your space is open and serene. Your eyes get a chance to rest, particularly the elements surrounding you. If you can learn to create intentional emptiness, you’ll start to place objects with more meaning.

Art Sparingly, But Meaningfully

Martha advises to fill walls with only one or two memorable art pieces in every room. These pieces provide focal points and can stand out in minimalist home. A well placed artwork can add character and depth without being a visual chaos, regardless of if it is a family photo, a simple landscape or a piece of modern art.

Choose Neutral Colors With Depth

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Martha approaches minimalism with a carefully chosen color palette as one of the simplest ways. Sometimes, she goes a bit warm neutrals with warm undertones, like taupe, and cream even soft blush, rather than sticking to stark whites and grays. The palette of these hues is quite soothing without being boring at all. A report by real estate trade group The National Association of Realtors found that light, neutral colours are more attractive to buyers because they’re easier to envision yourself living in. However, if you’re after a small but fresh update, this is a smart, Martha-approved way to get there.

Incorporate Soft Furnishings

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Throws and rugs are a great way to add warmth to a minimalist space. Martha doesn’t take a cold or harsh approach to minimalism, instead she advises using things like cashmere, wool, and cotton to make a room feel cozy. Such a simple thing as a throw over a sofa, or even a plush rug underfoot can give a room a new sweetness and make it feel more welcoming. This tip is a gentle reminder that minimalism doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort.

Mix Vintage and Modern

Martha is known for blending old and new to create spaces that feel old world yet fresh. She might put a modern sleek sofa against an antique side table, or a rustic wooden chair. The characters come in this blend to suit that home decor and make it seem less rigid, more dynamic. A vintage element can bring in something of that simpler time and remind you of what it was like to be warm in places that are otherwise modern.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.