Minimalism is an interior design trend that never seems to go out of style, and indeed this is one of its advantages, meaning that while some spaces will seem long in the tooth in a matter of months, a minimalist home can remain relevant indefinitely.

Of course minimalism doesn’t completely exclude the opportunity to make bold statements; quite the opposite. With that in mind, here are a few eye-catching furnishing trends that could cause a stir without disrupting the ageless appeal of the rooms you are responsible for.

Form and functionality can go hand in hand

You might think of a minimalist space as being devoid of unnecessary accessories, but that does not mean you have to be completely Spartan in terms of the smaller elements you add. So long as there is a purpose to the pieces you choose, you will be on the right track.

Take the minimalist functional decor by Tom Dixon, for example. This includes a host of options which are superficially understated, yet can still make a striking impact when offset or juxtaposed in the right way. From scent diffusers and candle holders to champagne glasses and table lights, functional furnishings like these will be the icing on top of your minimalist decor cake, while also not tying it to a particular design epoch or historic era.

Bold colors can pop without overwhelming

We arguably live in a maximalist era, but by choosing minimalism instead that does not mean that you have to reject color completely; you simply have to think carefully about where to use it and be sparing.

When conjuring up a space, choose just one piece to be the colorful focal point, and let the neutrality of its surroundings bolster its impact. This might be a couch, an armchair, a side table or some other statement item. Whatever the case, do not fear bright, bold colors, but instead adopt them with restraint.

This is where the idea of timelessness can come into play even more, albeit by subverting the concept of an era-specific theme for a space. Adding a colorful, vintage piece to a minimalist room will feel like a deliberate choice to subvert expectations, without anchoring the space in a particular trend overall. And vintage will remain vintage forever, even as fashions come and go, so again do not be put off by pieces that evoke a unique period.

Natural materials can make a difference

At a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly important when considering interior design, more attention is being paid to the types of materials being used, and minimalism is definitely compatible with the natural look, whether using restored retro furniture or new pieces that have been put together with reclaimed wood.

This also explains why lots of people are choosing to add wood paneling to walls in indoor spaces, bringing the outside in and creating new textures and tactile surfaces without necessarily needing to go all-out with paints and wallpapers.

Some are even eager to embrace a more utilitarian approach to sustainable décor, snapping up old industrial furniture and commercial-grade pieces to add personality to domestic spaces.

Ultimately your approach to minimalism can be handled in whatever way you choose, and the rules governing the kinds of inclusions that are possible while still falling within this definition are loosening all the time, so being bold with your inclusions and straying outside of established lines is fine. So long as it clicks with your tastes and excites you, then there is really no reason to be afraid of experimenting.