Stripping your interiors back to bare essentials is the key to effortless style

We’re not talking about going full minimalist here. Rather, ensure that you genuinely adore the furniture, homewares and decorative objects or trinkets you have on display in your home, and that they’re locations or arrangements are functional.

We’ve collected 11 images that prove a pared-back interior is the key to effortless style, and dropped some helpful tips to get you on your way.

Less is more.

To make your home feel simple yet chic, opt for a clutter-free home with a cosy feel.

A calm colour palette and natural materials will make your home feel safe and serene.

System.Net.WebException: The request was aborted: The connection was closed unexpectedly.
   at System.Net.HttpWebRequest.GetResponse()
   at PacDig.Atlantic.Cms.Services.Url.PinterestUrlUnshortener.GetUnshortenedPinterestUrl(String shortenedUrl)
   at ASP._Page_app_plugins_grid_editors_render_pinterestwidget_cshtml.Execute() in c:\inetpub\wwwroot\site\App_plugins\Grid\Editors\Render\PinterestWidget.cshtml:line 6
   at System.Web.WebPages.WebPageBase.ExecutePageHierarchy()
   at System.Web.Mvc.WebViewPage.ExecutePageHierarchy()
   at System.Web.WebPages.WebPageBase.ExecutePageHierarchy(WebPageContext pageContext, TextWriter writer, WebPageRenderingBase startPage)
   at Umbraco.Core.Profiling.ProfilingView.Render(ViewContext viewContext, TextWriter writer)
   at System.Web.Mvc.Html.PartialExtensions.Partial(HtmlHelper htmlHelper, String partialViewName, Object model, ViewDataDictionary viewData)
   at ASP._Page_Views_Partials_grid_editors_base_cshtml.Execute() in c:\inetpub\wwwroot\site\Views\Partials\Grid\Editors\Base.cshtml:line 20

Add texture and interest to a room by carefully choosing your soft furnishing. Use rugs, cushions and art with careful consideration.   

Most people have a third too many items in their home, and many of them are either unused or add no value to your interior. Identify those items and purge accordingly.

It doesn’t matter whether the style of your home is boho, minimalist, Scandi, French, country or coastal – removing visual and physical clutter will make your home feel more stylish.

System.Net.WebException: The request was aborted: The connection was closed unexpectedly.
   at System.Net.HttpWebRequest.GetResponse()
   at PacDig.Atlantic.Cms.Services.Url.PinterestUrlUnshortener.GetUnshortenedPinterestUrl(String shortenedUrl)
   at ASP._Page_app_plugins_grid_editors_render_pinterestwidget_cshtml.Execute() in c:\inetpub\wwwroot\site\App_plugins\Grid\Editors\Render\PinterestWidget.cshtml:line 6
   at System.Web.WebPages.WebPageBase.ExecutePageHierarchy()
   at System.Web.Mvc.WebViewPage.ExecutePageHierarchy()
   at System.Web.WebPages.WebPageBase.ExecutePageHierarchy(WebPageContext pageContext, TextWriter writer, WebPageRenderingBase startPage)
   at Umbraco.Core.Profiling.ProfilingView.Render(ViewContext viewContext, TextWriter writer)
   at System.Web.Mvc.Html.PartialExtensions.Partial(HtmlHelper htmlHelper, String partialViewName, Object model, ViewDataDictionary viewData)
   at ASP._Page_Views_Partials_grid_editors_base_cshtml.Execute() in c:\inetpub\wwwroot\site\Views\Partials\Grid\Editors\Base.cshtml:line 20

Think about styling your home with what it needs, rather than what looks nice. Is it the middle of winter? Then it makes sense to have a throw blanket on the sofa. Is it summer? Time to pack it away.  

Try to style your home with ‘form follows function’ in mind. ‘Form follows function’ is a design principle usually associated with architecture that assumes the shape of a building relates to its intended function or purpose. With that in mind, shape your interiors to reflect the purpose of your home.

The key to maintaining the look is to declutter regularly. 

You might also like:

The messy person's guide to getting organised 

The only 3 things you need to update your home this season

Looking for more decorating advice? Watch the video below.