How to Create a Minimalist Home on a Budget, According to Professionals

While anyone can embrace minimalist design, the most inspiring minimalist often homes feel unattainable. Even without knowing the price, the design looks expensive.

While you can certainly spend your entire budget on actioning all your favorite minimalist decorating ideas—it’s unnecessary. The last thing the principles of minimalism would encourage is for you to stress and sweat over the price of a serene space.

To achieve this look and keep your budget on track, it’s best to look to the experts. Two professionals advised us on the steps to affordably creating a minimalist home.

Start with Decluttering

The first step is a “ruthless declutter,” according to Angelica Ferguson VonDrak, broker-designer and founder of Homes In The Wild.

She points out that minimalism is rooted in simplicity and functionality, which jives well with affordable decorating as you want to cut out excess costs and decor.

During your clean-out, Ferguson VonDrak says to keep items that offer utility or sentimental value. Everything else? Donate it, or find a way to upcycle it minimally.

Give Old Items a Minimalist Upgrade

Rather than buying new decor that fits into the minimalistic category, look around at what you already have and see if anything can be repurposed. DIYing your decor is much more affordable than filling a shopping cart with new home goods.

“Sometimes, all that’s needed is a fresh coat of paint or new hardware to make a difference in the rooms around your home,” Ferguson VonDrak says.

Some ideas could be changing out handles on cabinets for modern pulls, painting an old bookcase in a warm shade of white, or adding minimalist peel-and-stick tiles to a bathroom.

“Repurposing not only saves money but also adds a unique character to your space,” Ferguson VonDrak says.

Commit to a Subtle Color Palette

Minimalist spaces stay balanced with the help of a “restrained color palette,” according to Ferguson VonDrak. They promote that sense of serenity and spaciousness that rooms in this style are known for.

Changing up your color palette also doesn’t have to be expensive. You could buckle down on repainting walls yourself if they’re not a calming neutral, or replace textiles like bedding and curtains if they’re too maximalist.

This aesthetic doesn’t have to come across as cold either—just look at warm minimalism. These streamlined and tranquil spaces can feel just as cozy as other design styles and Ferguson VonDrak notes you can bring in color in smaller ways, like with artwork or throw pillows.

Opt for Multifunctional Furniture

Another way of going down the minimalism route without spending more is through multifunctional furniture, according to James Lott Jr., a certified professional organizer and founder of The Super Organizer.

He says this could be a sofa that turns into a guest bed or a coffee table with extra hidden storage. This cuts down on how much furniture you need and keeps the space less cluttered.

Bring in Plant Life

If your minimalist space is feeling a little bland, you don’t have to spend a fortune on new furniture or decor. Sometimes all that’s needed are a few leafy friends.

“Don’t underestimate the power of natural light and greenery—they’re essential for bringing life and freshness to any space without breaking the bank,” Ferguson VonDrak says.

She also offers a meaningful reminder worth holding close while you’re decorating: minimalism isn’t about deprivation, it’s about intention.

You don’t need to buy enough to fill a greenhouse, but you don’t have to keep all plants out in the name of minimalism. Pick and choose a few plants that mean something to you or bring you joy.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

The last thing to remember when it comes to creating a minimalist home on a budget is the value that comes with buying quality items.

“In the world of minimalism, quality trumps quantity,” Lott says. “Opt for fewer, high-quality items that will stand the test of time.”

On this note, Lott also says that you should learn to love negative space. This will help maintain a calm and clean aesthetic—and help you resist the urge to fill every corner.