5 Minimalism Myths Designers Want You to Stop Believing

There’s much to misunderstand about minimalism. Cold, sterile, and boring are often terms the design style might invoke, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The aesthetic is one with a focus on intentionality and thoughtful curation. “Minimalism isn’t about having less, it’s about having more of what matters,” says Mikel Welch, interior Designer and Command™ Brand ambassador. “The freedom in that mindset is what makes it so powerful.”

Welch, along with Miami-based interior designer Ania Agárdy, and Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors, have a slew of minimalism misconceptions they hear all too often that they’re ready to debunk. Follow their tips to pull off this aesthetic, so you can showcase the pieces you truly love while creating a cozy, welcoming, and well-balanced home.

5 Myths About Minimalism

Minimalism isn’t about living with less; it’s about living with intention. We asked top designers to tackle five common myths and share practical tips for making it warm, livable, and personal.

1. It Has to Feel Cold or Sterile

“One of the biggest myths is that minimalist design feels cold or lifeless,” says Welch. “I don’t believe that for a second.” When minimalism hits the right note, the New York-based designer says it should feel calm and inviting, but never sterile. This can be achieved through working with natural materials, warm tones, and interesting textures, he says.

For Soto, keeping the interest and personality with a more pared-down look is all about. “Editing with intention,” she says. ”Think limewashed walls, oak wood, bouclé textiles, and soft linen curtains,” she explains. “It’s not about emptiness, it’s about breathing room.”

2. Minimalism Means No Color

Black, white, and gray aren’t the only avenues to a minimalist take on decor. Soto says vibrant palettes have an excellent way of displaying both restraint and cohesion when appropriately executed, lending a feel that’s not at all rigid or monochromatic. “A soft sage green, muted ochre, or dusty rose can all live beautifully in a minimalist space when used in clean silhouettes and balanced proportions,” she says. “Color becomes more powerful when it’s intentional.”

These colors can also help steer away from another common misconception—that minimalism means modern. “You can create a minimalist space with traditional pieces,” says Welch. “It’s not about the era or the style, it’s about editing and restraint.”

3. That It’s Always Boring

“The goal is minimal simplicity, not vacancy,” says Agárdy. “Think calm palettes, rich textures, natural elements, and thoughtful design that encourages slowing down from our stressful lifestyles,” Soto suggests. A focus on materiality, form, and proportion is key to pulling it off with poise. Consider a sculptural light fixture, a single piece of large-scale art, or a hand-thrown ceramic vase, she says. “Minimalism invites us to slow down and appreciate the nuances, rather than overwhelming the senses.”

4. It’s All or Nothing

Attachment shouldn’t stand in the way of your minimalist goals. There’s no hard line about this lifestyle, says Welch. “People think you have to throw away everything you love; this is not true.” Instead, he urges a focus on curation. Say goodbye to the items that are taking up space and instead focus on the pieces that add meaning, function, and beauty to your home. “Let go of what’s just taking up space.”

5. Minimalism Prioritizes Aesthetics Over Livability

“When done well, minimalist interiors are very cozy and comfortable,” says Agárdy. “Since fewer pieces are incorporated into the overall design, the budget actually allows for higher quality furniture with emphasis on comfort.”

Fabrics that take advantage of cozy textures, layouts with room to breathe, pleasant illumination that uses a blend of task, accent, and ambient lighting, and plush furnishings are all elements that can play beautifully in a minimalist space—just maybe with fewer distractions, Agárdy says. “In the absence of bold color or pattern, texture becomes the main character. It draws the eye and softens the space.”  

Tips for Incorporating Minimalism Into Your Decor

If you’re rethinking what minimalism really means, these designer-backed tips can help you bring the look into your space without making it feel cold or empty.

1. Start with One Surface

You don’t need to commit your whole home to the minimalist aesthetic. Start by removing everything from a small surface, such as a nightstand or console, and only put back what’s necessary, Welch suggests. For projects such as these, where he might want to hang art without committing to a long-term solution, the designer often opts for Command Picture Hanging Strips. “They’re perfect when I want to try out new art or rearrange a gallery wall without feeling locked into a decision,” Welch explains. “Minimalism should give you flexibility, not pressure.”

2. Work with What You Have

No need to start fresh with this style. Soto says you can start your minimalist journey by simply editing what you already have. Remove clutter, pare down your furnishings and decor to only the items you truly love, and you’ll immediately allow those special pieces to shine. “You don’t have to go full gallery-white to embrace minimalism; it’s a mindset more than a mandate,” she says. This allows you to create a minimalist take that still showcases your personality.

3. Remove Anything That Doesn’t Serve a Purpose

“If you can’t commit to a purely minimalist design scheme, the easiest way to incorporate its ‘spirit’ is to reduce the visual noise, which is mostly a consequence of clutter,” says Agárdy. Ditch the over-decorated surfaces, busy patterns, and showy decor in favor of intentionality and perhaps even a few bare walls to lend some negative space.