Minimalism is less about owning nothing and more about every piece earning its place. The shapes are the simplest version of an idea: a straight line, a cone, a sphere, a cylinder. Finishes stay quiet, mostly matte black, white, gray and plain aluminum, and hardware is tucked away wherever possible. Light is even and soft, often from a slim LED strip or a diffused glass ball instead of an exposed bulb. Here that means long line ceiling and wall lights, glass ball ceiling fixtures, cone bedside wall lamps, a paper pendant chandelier, swing arm sconces and a mushroom table lamp. Outside, it becomes slim aluminum bollards, flat panel path lights and small stake spotlights that almost disappear into the planting by day.

Living with a minimalist room

• Fewer sources, better placed: One ceiling light, one reading light by the bed or chair and one accent light is often enough for a bedroom.
• Clear the surfaces: Wall mounted and swing arm lamps free up nightstands and side tables, which does more for a calm look than any single object.
• Choose warm light: Pale walls under cool light can feel clinical. Warm white keeps a sparse room feeling lived in.
• Let one object stand alone: A white vase or a plain wall clock reads as deliberate when it has empty space around it.

Mixing minimalism with other styles

Add natural wood, linen and handmade ceramics and a minimalist room becomes Scandinavian or Japandi. Add more black metal and glass and it reads modern. Whichever way you lean, keep the palette tight. For the outside of the house, our bollard lights and path lights bring the same simple lines to a walkway or driveway.