Minimalist bedroom ideas are dotted all over Pinterest and Instagram, promoted by furniture giants like IKEA, curated by the most innovative designers, and lauded by celebs like Busy Phillips. But what exactly makes a minimalist bedroom so appealing?
The philosophy of simple interior decorating and architecture can be found around the world and through history. Way before hygge—the Danish concept of cozy interior design—there was feng shui, a Chinese philosophy fashioned anew to create zen homes with simple elements and good energy. And although hygge may be a worldwide phenomenon, lagom (from Sweden) and hodo-hodo (from Japan) share a similar conceit: Simplicity is the way to a content home. Lagom translates to “just the right amount,” a reminder to focus on quality over quantity. And it makes sense: Once the weather cools and the holidays come and go, it’s only natural to desire simplicity and comfort.
Hodo-hodo is nearly the same principle, and it translates to “just enough.” Taku Satoh’s recent book, Just Enough Design: Reflections of the Japanese Philosophy of Hodo-hodo, describes how to apply this approach in designing a room: “Hodo-hodo is deliberately holding back, fully aware of the ideal of completion. Holding back before completion gives us precisely the room that we need to respond to any object according to our unique sensibilities. You could say that this space allows us to customize our relationship with the objects.”
But how can you achieve the coveted yet elusive minimalist bedroom in your own abode? Anything goes in experimenting with minimalism: blend hygge, lagom, and hodo-hodo for the optimal calm factor. At the end of the day, as Calgary designer Krista Hermanson says, the most important part of minimalist bedroom design is creating “snuggle spots,” places that are “perfect for a cup of tea.” Here, 11 down-to-earth ideas ranging from implementing limewash paint and creating an art-inspired room refresh to adding zen-inducing furniture.
1. Try limewash paint
