How to Achieve a Modern Minimalist Living Room Design

Before we discuss anything else, we first have to define to common terms we will be using in this lens. In this lens we will tackle modern minimalist design. Therefore, the basic terms we have to learn about include the terms: "Modern", "Minimalist" and "Modern Minimalist Design".

What is Modern in design?

Modern interior design is hallmarked by clean, straight lines and an uncluttered look. It's the opposite of traditional interior design with its ornate, antique furniture and detailed embellishments. Although the terms modern interior design and contemporary interior design are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two.

The Industrial Revolution and early 20th century art movements, including cubism and futurism, helped set the stage for decorative arts that rejected the ornamentation of the past in favor of products influenced by rapidly changing technology and aesthetics. Modern design as we know it today dates to the early 1900s, and it continues to be redefined by today's practitioners. Along the way, it has established benchmarks that are widely imitated in contemporary furniture collections.

Next, what is Minimalist design?

Minimalism is a design trend that started in the 20th century and continues today, most prominently through companies like Apple and various graphic and visual designers. A minimalist design is a design stripped down to only its essential elements. "Less is more."

This is simply a concept of using streamlined forms, clean geometry, unadorned finishes and a simple or neutral color palette. The main goal of this scheme is to break down the frilly forms of period style designs, like those of the Art Nouveau movement, and turning them into basic, functional style for the home. This style is influenced by the timeless elegance of Japanese interiors, which has evolved into a contemporary Zen that exudes grace.

Minimalism is a way of thinking of and viewing the world and the space you live in. Minimalist design can be modern or even retro in appearance. "Minimalism is a state of mind," according to an article by Home-Decorating-Reviews.com titled "The Minimalist Choice." This state of mind creates order where chaos and clutter exist. This movement began after World War II and continues today. However, today's minimalism is more relaxed.

Combined together, what then is modern minimalist design?

Modern Minimalism uses striking forms with polished surfaces and asymmetrical design. Texture is used very minimally and furniture pieces are often streamlined. Steel and chrome can be seen juxtaposed against neutral-colored or white walls. There is also an emphasis on bold accent colors and leather finishes.

Clean lines and an uncluttered look are the mainstays of modern minimalist interior designs. Warmth is created through the use of texture, and stainless steel or chrome is often used on furniture. Artwork is kept to a minimum; designers use a few large pieces to add interest as well as focal points to the openness of the space.

The wall is an important aspect is designing a room. It can provide the whole ambiance of the room. Black walls provide a gloomy atmosphere, while white walls provide a clean, and pacifying ambiance. Walls are primarily neutral and are painted in taupe, brown, cream or beige. Bold primary-color accents may be found in artwork that adorns the walls.

In a modern minimalist design, it is better to choose one color for the walls and just add some other furnitures to contrast the color or accentuate the room.

Try some of these wall decors and furnitures to achieve this look:



OmniMount MWFS Adjustable 2-Shelf Component Wall System with Cable Management


Alta ZL920-22WMXIIIU Wall Mount



Poundex 5-Tier Leaning Wall Shelf, Black


South Shore Furniture, Step One Collection, Mirror


Omnimount Echo A3 Echo Component Tower

Of course, a living room will be incomplete without a sofa or tables. These furnitures need to have geometric shapes to look more minimalist. In choosing furnitures, they need not to complement each other all of the time, adding a little contrasting color to make the room more alive.

The following are some furnitures you can employ an creating a modern minimalist living room design.

Modern Living Room Design Ideas #1


This is a beautiful Black, red and white Combination for a modern living room.

The following furnitures can help you achieve a somewhat similar look for your living room.


Leather Luxe Bean Bag Bigfoot Footstool, Black


Baxton Studio Le Corbusier-Style Petite Leather Chair, Black


Baxton Studio Le Corbusier-Style Petite Chair, White


Kyoto 4 Tops Coffee Table Finish: Wenge


Tandem Set of 2 White - Tray Ottoman Round Storage


Lifestyle Bean Bag Bigfoot Footstool, Ivory