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How the “clean chic” trend ensures greater well-being at home

Clean chic in the living room
Bright, tidy, color-reduced and lots of open space between the furniture: this is how "clean chic" works; this is how healthy living works. Photo: Getty Images

October 10, 2024, 11:24 am | Read time: 6 minutes

These days, it’s all about escaping the stress of everyday life. The right furnishings can help here. The “clean chic” trend is currently making a name for itself in interior design. An unagitated and unobtrusive look that doesn’t sacrifice color or form is once again providing more relaxation.

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It’s time again for a new interior design trend. Ever heard of “clean chic”? No problem! myHOMEBOOK author and interior designer Odett Schumann reveals what this trend is all about and how we can bring it into our homes in just a few steps.

What is behind the “clean chic” trend?

Clean Chic in Weiß
“Clean chic” primarily uses light but achromatic colors, especially white, but also sand colors or light gray

Straight cuts, plain looks, and deliberately placed details—as is often the case in interior design, the fashion scene inspires this trend. “Clean chic,” sometimes also referred to as “clean style,” is all about clear furnishings: clear design language meets clear lines.

The implementation of this makes the overall appearance of a room appear much tidier and more elegant. This is why the current furniture and accessory designs are also reminiscent of the popular Bauhaus style. Reducing things to the essentials, i.e., concentrating on a concise form rather than too many details, is clearly the focus of “clean chic.”

Somewhere between Scandinavia and the Far East

There are more than 8,000 kilometers between Denmark and Japan, yet both countries agree that a home furnished in a decidedly minimalist style makes for greater relaxation and well-being. As a result, the Scandinavians’ Hygge style has sparked a great deal of enthusiasm among interior fans, while the Far East’s Wabi Sabi style has inspired people all over the world. There is even a combination of the two trends: Japandi style.

Similar aspirations for more peace and relaxation in the home are also the motivation behind the current “clean chic” trend. The reasons for this could be the increasingly hectic pace and constant sensory overload of our modern but, above all, performance-oriented world. The longing for the opposite, i.e., a place of retreat that is good for us and where we like to go again and again, is correspondingly great.

The furnishing industry is also aware of this and strives to incorporate the beneficial furnishing principles of both nations. This is why “clean chic” also aims to avoid distractions and superfluous items and instead focus on a minimalist yet comfortable environment.

What characterizes the “clean chic” trend?

The “clean chic” style is clearly about a healthy form of living. To achieve this, the trend calls for a rather purist, light, and balanced interior. Too much color in the room and heavy furniture, on the other hand, are not part of the furnishing concept. However, this does not mean that furnishings should only be in neutral shades. They should simply not be too colorful and, therefore, too irritating.

In addition, only furniture that is actually needed in the room is allowed. Reminiscent of minimalism? That’s right, here, too, reduction and order are central aspects of furnishing. After all, a tidy ambiance can also appear extremely elegant. Combined with selected pieces of furniture and just a few accessories, this creates the “clean chic” look.

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And this is how to implement the trend at home

Color

Although white is used generously as the color of purity in the “clean chic” trend, justified objections would be “too cool” and “too sterile.” A soft cream or off-white, both of which are rather warm-toned, is also welcome here. Sand colors and light grey are also considered suitable.

Clean Chic mit Farbakzenten
The word “clean” in the trend name does not necessarily mean a renunciation of color, but simply requires a reduced environment with it

However, clean chic does not require completely monochrome furnishings in achromatic tones. Real coziness and harmony are only created thanks to color in the room. However, this shouldn’t be too much or too bright. Concentrate on individual, select pieces of furniture and accessories that act as accents in a colorful setting. The duo of black and white is also popular as a central base. This can be broken up with occasional splashes of color, for example, in the form of cushions, green plants, or pictures and paintings on the wall.

Tidiness

A key component of the “clean chic” trend is, of course, the theme of order. To achieve this, it is sometimes important to sort out a few things from your own inventory. Under no circumstances should this be done just for the sake of the trend, but only for the sake of sense and reason and, above all, necessity.

Similar to the “KonMari” method of the popular Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo, it is advisable to focus on what you really need and what has been languishing in a useless cupboard for years. With fewer possessions comes more space and order. Fans of the “clean chic” trend are all too happy to embrace this liberating effect.

Open spaces

If you want to implement “clean chic” in your own home, you need to create open spaces. It is advisable to leave clearly visible spaces between individual pieces of furniture and larger accessories. Not every corner or niche needs to be filled with content – have the courage to leave gaps! This kind of airiness allows the room to breathe and makes it appear lighter.

Straight lines and geometry

A certain focus on more straight lines and geometry also brings lightness. The eye is better able to orientate itself to a simple design language and thus finds its way around the room much more quickly. On the other hand, playful ornaments and romantic, flowery patterns can become tiring and overwhelming over time. Simplicity is desirable instead of ornamentation.

Accessories

With “clean chic,” don’t get lost in too many, often rather useless accessories. Understatement is called for: a handful of beloved pieces such as an heirloom, a travel souvenir, a tennis racket from your childhood, or an old black and white photograph that Grandpa once took are enough. Favorite pieces like these add personality and emotion to a style that may seem bare or cool. Regarding the number of accessories, it is advisable to choose an odd number, such as three, five, or seven.

myHOMEBOOK is looking for your funniest handyman stories! Have you ever experienced something funny or bizarre and want to tell us about it? Then send us an e-mail with the subject “Craftsman” to redaktion@myhomebook.de. The best stories will be published.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.

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