Design should be value-centric, it should optimize for a given set of values. Design for design's sake is counterproductive as it detracts from how concise the information could be conveyed.
- If you are debating whether or not to have an element on the screen, remove it.
- If you don't need to use an extra color, don't.
It is always easier to add things than it is to remove them, once an entire application and design language has been built on top.