Ask the expert: How to rock a minimalist interior

To get the insider on creating a serene, minimalist interior (that still feels cosy and welcoming) we spoke to photographer turned ceramist Tracy Dixon. The 47-year-old, Wiltshire-based artist is known for a paired-down, minimalist aesthetic, which runs through both her work and personal space. “I’ve always been drawn to neutral colors: whites, greys, beige tones and black,” says Dixon who specialises in porcelain. Here she lets us in on the perfect hue of white paint, why spending on lighting and flooring (but scrimping on kitchens) is the way to go and the stylish holiday home we should bookmark for this summer. So, when it comes to achieving a minimalist interior what items would you splurge on and what would you save on?

When we renovated our home we spent a large chunk of the budget on quality paint, flooring and lighting. Where we saved was on our kitchen. The cupboards are from Ikea and we sourced the solid wood worktop.

Which interior brands do you have on speed dial?

Hay for simple Scandinavian design. Ikea (of course) and Grey September.

For a minimalist look what’s your top lighting pick from Urban Cottage Industries

I love the simplicity of the balloon cage pendants. In white of course.

Describe your approach to design in three words.

Minimal, honest, functional.

Tell us about a minimalist home that has blown you away.

The Chickenshed in the Wye Valley. It’s a beautiful holiday cabin with concrete floors, white walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. We stayed there a couple of years ago and I’ve dreamt about building my own house ever since.

If money were no object what one thing would you buy for your home?

It would have to be a Muuto Outline sofa in Cognac Leather.

Your go-to wall paint is?

Farrow & Ball, Wevet. It’s the perfect shade of white. Because of the grey tone it sits really well against black.

Your garden studio is ultra tidy. How key is it for you to have an uncluttered workspace and how does it influence your work?

It’s really important. I suppose as far pottery studios go, mine is very minimal and organised. But more importantly it is light and airy which I love. I do everything in my studio from the initial design work, the making, and the photography.

Any simple tricks to making your space feel less cluttered.

I don’t really hold onto things that don’t add value to my living space. I’m quite ruthless. But in areas where clutter can gather easily like the bathroom and kitchen then good storage is essential.

Check out Tracy's site and, to see more dreamy minimalist interiors, follow her on Instagram