Bold and intricate nail designs will always make an interesting statement. But whether you don’t have a lot of time or are looking for a simpler look, there’s beauty in simplicity. “Simple nail designs exude elegance and minimalism and can suit any style,” says nail artist San Sung Kim. “Whether created with dots or lines, simple nail designs often incorporate geometric shapes. You can use any tools around the house to create simple looks. Try using bobby pins or toothpicks if you don’t have a dotting tool or nail brush at home. You can also use stickers or stencil stickers to create a simple design.”

pistachio swirl

Combining green zigzags with a flesh-toned base, this manicure is fun without overwhelming the eye. It was created using Gel Care’s Matcha and Chartreuse colors and Le Mini Macaron’s Mint Chocolate Chip.

Rainbow jelly

This nude base is decorated with Cirque Colors Rainbow Fish Jelly. Crystal detailing adds a nice little accent against the neutral background, giving the look a fun yet sophisticated look.

Lunisolar

Nail Bunny’s terracotta color was used by Kim to create this lovely yin-yang head design. The shade is similar to an opaque base so it fades while still adding a bit of color.

French Tips

The French tip is the OG simple nail design and Kim pulled off this manicure beautifully using the shades Rose BB Cream by Gel Care and Smelly Cat by Madam Glam.

Pink aura

“I created Aura Nails using the colors OPI Baby, Take a Vow and Aphrodite’s Pink Nightie,” says nail artist Lia Smith. “This simple design uses a makeup sponge to create a halo effect on the nails. It’s quick and very on-trend.”

Shuffle the cards

Whether you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas or just want to take a gamble, this card-inspired mani is perfect. It was created using Cirque Colors Toadstool, Memento Mori, and Chemistry shades, along with Kelli Marissa stickers.

Sparkly jacket

Adding a bit of glitter on top of any shade will instantly add a pop without going overboard. This look uses Fuyu Jely, Final Girl and Hex Girl from Cirque Colors.

Purple zigzag lines

Abstract lines are the easiest way to add a little something special to a simple manicure. I created this look using the shades Divine Self and Milky Dream by Madam Glam.

Almost natural

There’s nothing simpler than wearing nude nail polish, but Rivas took the look to the next level by applying an opaque white color, allowing you to still see the nail underneath.

Blue French tip

Kim created these angular blue tips using the shades Gel Care Dusty Mint (a shade she describes as “the perfect French blue”) and flesh-toned BB Cream. Instead of going with the traditional French hairstyle with curves, she went with an angular design for a bit more edge. And if you look closely, you’ll see the thumb has an adorable little lace-inspired design.

Black cat

With Halloween just around the corner, this design from Kim offers the perfect simple yet spooky look. Using a metallic silver eye shadow is the most important thing.

Pink inversion tip

This pink-on-pink look takes the traditional tip and flips it, outlining the base of the nail instead of the tip. It is done using two pink glitters.

Pop Flowers

A milky, cream-colored base creates the perfect simple manicure. But this look gets a special touch thanks to a simple flower with white petals and an amber center.

Advice about the heart

“The holidays are a great time to introduce nail art,” says Smith. “This Valentine’s look uses the shades OPI Princesses Rule, Big Apple Red and Alpine Snow. Use a makeup sponge to create the ombré and a dotting tool for the heart shape, this can be a simple accent nail or all 10 for a fun, flirty, bold design festive quality.

Strawberry milk

Strawberry milk nails have been dominating our social feeds this year. They used the barely there clear polish we all love, then added a soft pink color that’s incredibly flattering.

Skittle nails

“Skittle nails are a simple, quick and fun way to give an artistic look with each nail a different color,” says Smith. She created this look using a combination of different OPI polishes.

Negative current

This manicure gives off a fall feel without a single leaf or pumpkin in sight. It features diagonal brown, beige and white stripes on an opaque white background.

bright red

This bold, striking color like bright red is the perfect choice for a simple yet impressive manicure. “A pop of color depending on the season — for example, a fun coral for summer or a bold red for fall — is always fun to keep it simple, too,” says Rivas.

Dotted border

This hot pink look gets a fun upgrade with this pink, orange and yellow dot design. Small dots outline both nails with a nude base for a fun yet subtle accent.

Red voice

While the shades used to create this look – Summer Loving and Red Lobster from Magpie Beauty – are both bright and impactful, the design is quite minimalist. Red swirls add a sculptural touch.

Pink polka dots

Take your traditional polka dots to the next level with this ombré interpretation. Each finger has polka dots in different shades of pink, creating a beautiful color transition effect.

Chrome orange

Chrome can take any color to the next level, and that’s exactly what Rivas did to create this sparkling orange look.

Subtle shimmer

The design is so simple that you might miss it if you look too quickly – it has a milky white background with a small splash of gold on two fingers. Looks both beautiful and luxurious!

Monochrome half moon

Touching on a design that simulates the semicircle shape of the nail is a great way to add simple emphasis. This look features a different color on each nail, along with a shimmery half-moon tone. It was created using shades from the Holo Taco 4th Anniversary Retro collection and the Pastel & Don’t Tell pack.

Ombre pink

Simply painting a different shade of pink on each nail will create this beautiful gradient look. It uses five shades from Magpie Beauty – Tropical Hibiscus, Ice Lolly, Summer Loving, Strawberry Lace and Lil Cutie – all topped with Bride Chrome Dust.