adjective

austere

aw-STEER/ɔːˈstɪr/

Severely restrained and without indulgence.

The room's bare walls and narrow bed create an austere setting.

A stark but carefully maintained bedroom with a narrow straight-edged bed, thin gray blanket, hard wooden chair, and bare walls: deliberately plain, severe, and devoid of luxury.

Etymology

The physical harshness of sour fruit or wine became an image for stern character and rigid conduct. That severity extended to styles and surroundings stripped of adornment and luxury.

In context

Unreal Planet Earth163:56

The natural world here is austere but awe inspiring. Endless horizons of white meet skies of piercing blue or shimmer beneath the glow of the aurora. It is a landscape of silence

Antarctic Wildlife | The Hidden Life Thriving in Earth’s Harshest Frozen Realm

More examples

Her austere manner discouraged casual conversation.
The monastery followed an austere daily routine.
He preferred austere designs without ornament or bright colors.

Forms

austerity noun — Strict restraint in spending, comfort, or enjoyment.

Similar words

spartan: Emphasizes lack of comfort or luxury more than personal severity.
stern: Describes strictness in manner rather than plain surroundings.