If you have ever dreamed of the perfectly arranged house, with furniture that simply radiates class and calm, with cleanliness at the heart of smooth design, minimalism might just be the design trend for you.
Minimalism sprang up in 60s New York , first as an artform, then gradually infiltrating interior design and architecture, music and even literature.
It is usually described as a rejection of abstract expressionism and in complete contrast to the chaos artists like Jackson Pollock achieved, minimalism is all about stripping things back to their essentials.
As an interior design trend, minimalism is usually about reducing the palette of materials and colors right down to just a few neutral tones.
In modern interpretations, poured concrete floors and white walls give a starkness to a minimal building that is mitigated by the addition of faux fur white rugs, soft wooden furniture, and clever lighting.
Temporary really is the key part of the word contemporary , especially in design terms, and yet, minimalism has remained a tenacious idea in the interior design world.
Perhaps all the more appealing as the sense of outer chaos intensifies in our tech-filled, politically crazy world.
It may be difficult to achieve but here’s why you should give it a try:
Minimalism Is Calming
With its restricted palette of neutrals, minimalism is naturally calming.
Because your eyes aren’t being over stimulated by your environment, you can really relax and slow your thoughts down.
If you can, before you impose your minimalist style on your room, take everything out and look at the empty space with fresh eyes.
Where do want to sit? How are you going to achieve calm?
Which things simply aren’t going to come back in?
When Stuff Gets in the Way
You don’t have to get rid of all your stuff (although, a good clear out Marie Kondo style will certainly make you feel better) but you should think of clever and intuitive ways of hiding it.
White wall units are ideal for creating a flat surface to hide your things behind and organize them logically.
The full length of a wall to create the illusion that there are no units there at all.
If you have a few favorite objects or books, do leave them out to be enjoyed, but think about their placement in the room and how they fit with everything else.
Your decorations should create balance and focal points rather than a chaotic mess.
For the Love of Craftsmen
The real trick for achieving beautiful minimalist design is craftsmanship.
There’s no point in getting a poured concrete floor if it is uneven or isn’t shined properly.
Equally, if you are going to have a room that only has a sofa and a TV, they have both better be beautiful enough to justify their prominence.
It’s surprising but, minimalism can quickly rack up costs. Once you get the look it is worth every expense you have had.
Are you ready to make the leap into minimalism, you really need to be sure that it is for you and figure out where you are prepared to compromise.
But, do it right, and your house will be simply amazing.
