What does the phrase ‘less is more’ mean to you? Well, it is a quote from architect and furniture designer Mies Van Der Rohe and when it comes to home design, for most people, it brings to mind a minimalist home.
Some people think, a minimalist home is a white and dull space with only a few pieces of furniture. But in fact, minimalism in home design is about making room for things you value, to create an elegant, clean and appealing interior design and adding a touch of nature. Open spaces, large windows, bright rooms and clean surfaces has made minimalism one of the most popular interior design trends of today. As a professional construction group in Toronto, Odima appreciates the calmness, the warmth, and the beauty of a well designed minimalist interior.
No matter if you want to do it yourself or prefer to leave it to an expert, keep reading this article to learn how you can achieve the best minimalist home style of yours.
In this article you can find out about the Origins of Minimalism, Elements of a Minimalist Home, and tips for achieving the look by yourself.
CHAPTERS
1- Where did minimalism come from?
2- What are some minimalist home design elements?
3- Seven tips to achieve a minimalist look
1- Where did minimalism come from?
According to Merriam-Webster, minimalism was an artistic movement that became popular around the 1960s for its simplistic trends, first in music and then in art and design. Minimalist designers tried to strip away all personal elements, leaving only the pure geometric forms.
Infused with ancient Japanese culture, this Mid-Century trend eventually found its way into Architecture, Interior design, Furniture design and turned into a Lifestyle of its own.
2- What are some minimalist home design elements?
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly makes a living room “minimalist,” you’re not alone. It can be hard to take styles apart and say what’s what, and for most of the time, they are mixed together. For example, minimalism, influenced by Japanese and Scandinavian designs evolves into today’s favorite home design style.
Professional designers work based on 7 elements of Interior Design. These elements include space, line, forms, light, colour, texture and pattern. Keeping these items balanced around minimalism, is the key to creating a pleasing minimalist interior. Even if you are not a home designer, knowing these elements you pick this style apart.
Space
In the minimalist style, the open concept layout with modest storage areas, keeps the flow free through the rooms. Also having plenty of negative spaces make furniture the focal point which plays a central role in minimal interiors.
Line
Straight lines and streamlined shapes that can be seen in doors, windows and furniture, work together to create this style.
Form
Many minimalist houses have a simple and efficient floor plan. Often time the only spatial forms being used are rectangular and It’s important to include only what is necessary within form.
Light
The biggest advantage of minimalist home is light-filled spaces. Every room benefits from large windows that emphasize views and daylight. There is no blocking of light. Railings are glass to allow for light penetration. (see this odima glass enclosed stair with open rise which allows light to stream through the house)
Colour
A small selection of colours (usually not more than two basic colours) is one of the key minimalist design characteristics. The white palette keeps things simple while bringing attention to the other important elements. Here we can see the advantage of a cool white palette in this style. It bounces natural light into every corner of the space and makes it look larger than its actual square footage.
Texture
Simple and smooth textures of claddings and wall finishes reflect more light in this style. Soft textures of carpet and furniture add a sense of coziness to the cool plane spaces.
Pattern
In a minimalist design, Solid colors with small doses of simple patterns are applied using wallcoverings, tile, carpeting, and other graphic elements.
3- Seven Tips to achieve a minimalist look
There are reliable articles, that says minimalist living in a clutter-free home, really brings about mental, physical and even financial benefits. Fortunately you don’t have to live in a vintage motorhome and travel around the world with only 51 possessions just like Colin Wright to benefit from minimalism. But obviously, what surrounds you in your home plays a big role in your peace of mind. These 7 tips can help you create this look within your own home and help you focus on what is meaningful to you. Declutter
If your closet suffers from overloading, if your dining table has been a magnet of clutter, and if you are drowning in your stuff, start with decluttering. It may be confusing and frustrating to decide what to keep and what to get rid of at first. But in a minimalist style, it’s important to include only what is necessary. So don’t get caught up in stuff that hasn’t been touched for the past century and think you may use one day! Don’t feel guilty about letting go of things that you inherited or things you don’t love anymore. Your home is your sanctuary. And remember: you can appreciate things, without having to own them.
2- Free up space
Empty space is considered an important characteristic of minimalist decor. Plenty of white space will create that airy feeling that minimal design is all about. So Leave some space between furniture to maximize the negative space. Clear walls, floors and surfaces from art attack. Only a few well-chosen elements should be included. By doing this even a simple object like a chair has a chance to stand out.
3- Store stuff in a stylish way
Well if you want to achieve the minimalist home you dream, you should be fairly minimalist inside. You can’t hide stuff. In minimalism, you have no extra space to hide unnecessary objects behind. So after eliminating non-essentials, invest in some hidden or stylish storage solutions to organize your remaining necessary items.
4- Edit your colour pallet
Although traditionally, minimalism is associated with white and black, including accents of colours (like khaki or gray) do not disturb the minimalist look. You can keep your colour palette neutral while adding some wood shades like maple, honey, and walnut to warm up the space. You can also choose a warm colour as one of your two or three pallet colours.
5- Use modern furniture
Few but fine furniture can definitely work to create a minimalist look. If you want to renovate your furniture, invest in simple, functional furniture. Pick quality over quantity. Do not mix too many textures, materials, and colours. Tufted cushions, floral carpets and royal ornamental wallpapers can take the style far from the minimalist style. Always remember: Simplicity is the key.
6- let the light pour in
Invite brightness to the rooms through bare windows during daylight. leave your windows unadorned or at least use very thin window treatments. Here less certainly is more!
Applying some mirrors to your wall panels can reflect light around your space and brighten it even more.
7- Enjoy waking up to an airy and relaxing home every day
If you are inspired and want to consult with an expert, contact us as a Custom Home Builder in Toronto. Odima has years of experience in design and construction of new houses, and remodeling existing ones.