AN INSIGHT INTO MINIMALISIM IN INTERIOR DESIGN

Sebastian A, Year 12 writes...

Minimalism has recently been heavily popularised in housing design, especially interiors. This comes from the wave of “modern houses” and their simple forms and colours.

Minimalism is a design style that emerged in the 1960s as an art movement, although variations of minimalism can be traced back to the 1930s with artists like Piet Mondrian creating his famous piece, Composition with Red Blue and Yellow. Nowadays, when applied to architecture, minimalism is characterised by the use of simple basic forms, neutral colours, and a focus on functionality over aesthetic. In interior design, minimalism means creating a space that is clean, uncluttered, and organised. It is a style that emphasises simplicity, with the idea that less is more.

Minimalism is achieved through the use of clean lines, symmetry, simple shapes, a neutral colour pallet and a focus on functionality. This means that furniture and decor is chosen based on usefulness and purpose, rather than aesthetic appeal. Minimalist spaces are typically free of clutter and excess, with only the essentials on display. Usually, minimalistic interiors can cause a feeling of coldness but, done correctly with light beiges and greys, can create a sense of calm and order in the room. A minimalist space can help reduce distractions and promote productivity.

There are several different types and variations of minimalist interior design, each with its own unique characteristics. These are the most popular styles:

Japanese minimalism: This form of minimalism is inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. It focuses on creating peaceful environments. This is carried out by incorporating natural materials such as wood and bamboo. There is also an emphasis on open spaces and natural light, accompanied by simplicity and a sense of harmony.

Industrial minimalism: Quite opposite to the calming nature of the Japanese minimalism, industrial minimalism combines raw and utilitarian elements to form its own unique style. It often features materials like exposed brick, unpainted concrete walls, metal accents and a monochromatic colour scheme. Industrial minimalist interiors have a sleek and cold feel, with a sense of efficiency in their functionality, which is often exaggerated by minimalistic furniture.

Modern Minimalism: Perhaps the most well-known, modern minimalistic interiors embrace a streamlined look with minimal ornamentation, accompanied by sharp lines and edges. These designs often feature large open plans, big windows, and a focus on how natural light interacts with different shapes. Modern minimalist interiors usually utilise neutral colour schemes, with potential of subtle accents of more vibrant colours. These interiors prioritise organisation and simplicity, while incorporating contemporary design elements.

Although there are many variations in minimalistic interior design, they all have the same main objective, to create neutral, simple, and most importantly, functional interiors.