Style Spotlight

Minimalism

We all know the famous, “less is more” quote, popularized by the famous architect Mies Van Der Rohe, and the term minimalism is thrown around a lot in the design world and in other fields as well. Minimalism is a design style we are all probably familiar with and could recognize it when we see it, but what is the minimalism design style really?

Minimalism interior design began as a sub-style of the Modernist Architecture movement, the architects who established the modernist style were also influential in the creation of minimalism interiors. Minimalist interiors also draw inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian interiors. This style is characterized by little decorative elements, clean lines, natural materials, and usually in a mostly neutral color palette.

Mies also famously said, “God is in the details”, which is important to note in minimalist interiors. The forms, the lines, the materials, the colors that are used throughout the design - it is all intentional and there for a reason. Because the pieces used are intentional and only exist in the space if they serve a purpose, there is no excess. Everything is purposeful, everything has its function, everything that is truly needed has its place in the space, with nothing extra.

Minimalist design has more depth than just a neutral color palette. A minimalist design can still have personality while remaining mindful - with the understanding that the design contains only what is needed, with nothing superfluous, allowing the viewer to focus on the intentional decisions and details in the interior space. Although typically seen as a room being a sea of white, a minimalist design can still be warm, welcoming, can incorporate color and texture, and stay true to the personality of the client.