I’m about to admit something. The first attempt at “clean lines” was in one weekend, where I tossed out half my decor, painted everything white, and had a house look like a dentist’s waiting room. Clean, yes. Cozy? Not even close.
After a few tries it was clear that this style is all about. If you’re looking to have a home that is calm, organized, and stylish, but without the cold, empty vibe, then this post is for you. I will be brief and to the point.
So what does “Clean Lines” really mean?
Put aside any fancy words that describe design. Clean lines simply means that your home is constructed using simple shapes. Straight edges. Flat surfaces. Furniture that doesn’t have a hundred curls, carvings, or frills on it.
When one observes a room, their eye should flow through the space, rather than skip from one hectic item to another. It’s all about that.
Not the minimalism, I should note, but… When it comes to owning less, this is where minimalism comes in. Keep things simple and tidy-looking – clean lines. You can still keep the books, plants, family photos and that horribleness that you like. No one’s removing them.
The benefits outweigh the effort and they will be glad that you did.
I’ve noticed a couple of things here and there, not only in my own home, but in the homes that I’ve helped with along the way:
Rooms look bigger. Slim furniture and open floor space will give even small rooms a sense of breathing. If you’re apartment dwelling, this plays a big part in this.
Cleaning gets easier. There are less knick-knacks, which means there are less items to dust. Smooth surfaces take 30 seconds to wipe.
It doesn’t go out of fashion. Trendy patterns go out of style quickly. Simple shapes don’t. Every year replace the cushions or even a rug, as well as the space will feel fresh.
It’s calming. This one is difficult to measure, but it’s real. After a long day, it feels great to come home to a clean, uncluttered home.
The six things that make all the difference in the world.
Use furniture that has simple lines and forms.
It’s not necessary to purchase an entire new collection. If you do need to shop, be sure to pick out straight edges, thin legs, and non-decorated backs. Clean arms on a sofa and rectangular coffee table do half of the job.
Don’t get all mixed-up about your colors.
Opt for a soft base, such as a white or cream color, light grey or beige. Then add one or two colors that you really like, like deep green, navy or warm wood. That’s enough. But if you go over that, the space gets crowded up again.
Add texture – otherwise it will feel cold
This is my one mistake. Texture is the key to providing warmth in a room when everything is simple. Wood, linen, wool, cotton, basket (weaved) and a stone tray. Combine some of these and the room is instantly filled with life.
Hide your clutter
Everyone has stuff. It’s not about having less stuff, it’s about finding a place for it. Closed cabinets, under bed drawers, baskets with lids and floating shelves all help. The room appears cleaner if you can’t see it.
Take advantage of light for a purpose.Use light purposefully.
Open your curtains. Seriously. Natural light is more important to a room than any decor. Use warm lights and simple lamps rather than one harsh ceiling light for the evenings. The key to preventing a clean room from becoming sterile is warm light.
Use some blank space
This may sound strange but a blank patch on the wall or a clear shelf isn’t a mistake. It allows for your good pieces to stand out.
Room by Room: Simple Solutions.
Living room. One sofa, one low table, one large piece of art, one plant and throw blanket. Done. Out of sight, out of mind – hide the cables behind the TV unit to avoid spoiling the appearance.
Kitchen. Maintain counters as much as possible clean. Perhaps one coffee machine and one little plant. Flat cabinet doors with no handles will appear sleek, and if you don’t want to buy new cabinet doors, then painting old cabinet doors in one color is also an option.
Bedroom. Plain bedding in one or two colors, matching side tables and no clutter on the floor. This room will be a refreshing breath.
Bathroom. Use a basic mirror, the same towels and keep the daily items in one small container or tray. The clean, organized bathroom looks like a mini spa for almost little price.
Outside. The first impression is made with straight pathways, trimmed plants and a simple front door. This doesn’t require lots of bucks to be spent on a higher quality renovation.
Errors I Make Every Day
Making everything white. It’s pretty to look at on photos, but very mundane in reality! Add warm tones.
Discarding things that you really like. When anything makes you happy, hold on to it. Your house should look like YOU.
Shoes that are more comfortable are not the priority. If your sofa looks fabulous but is painful on your back, it’s a wrong sofa.
Comparing all of the details. Some change of pace is natural. A perfect match in a room is like a show room.
Ignoring storage. There’s nothing like having a place to put things, is there?
A Plan for a Weekend that You Can Complete
If you really don’t know what to do, here’s a start. Not much money!
- Saturday morning: Clear one surface (coffee table or kitchen counter). Only keep what you use, or love.
- Saturday afternoon: Decor check. Store or donate the other 4 items in your head!
- On Sunday morning: Move Your Furniture. Move items slightly off the walls and allow for open walkways.
- Sunday afternoon: A plant, a wool throw or a wooden tray, make it cozy. Then take a step back and savor it.
Quick Questions People Ask Me
Is this a little too expensive?
Yes. It is free to clear out the clutter and a coat of paint is cheap. Purchase one good piece at a time rather than redoing all.
Will it fit with existing furniture?
Mostly, yes. Clear everything away around it and even older items can look good. In some cases it’s just a new hue or new handles.
Can you do this with a busy family home?
Absolutely. Simply concentrate on storage. Kids are your enemy’s best friend, but you have baskets and closed cabinets to count on.
If my home is traditional… ???
Mix it. A couple of standard designs on simple designs is splendid and includes character.
Final Thoughts
Clean lines design isn’t about the way your home looks in magazine. It’s about making it more comfortable to live in. Less distractions, greater calm and a place that is yours.
Do not attempt to make all the changes at once. Begin at one corner, experience the first corner, and then go up from there. After you notice the difference, you’ll want more!
But if your first try seems more like a dentist’s waiting room, you need not fret. Include a plant and a cozy lamp. It gets better fast.