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Expert Tips for Minimalism in Interior Design

he space we live in should be concise, functional, and spacious. However, minimalism is not a “simple and budget-friendly” solution. It’s a quite complex and often expensive style to achieve, despite its name.

There’s no ornamentation or embellishment; simple textures and shapes; plenty of open space (ideally, 60-70% of the area should be empty) and lots of light (natural and artificial, with different lighting scenarios – morning, evening, for reading, accent lighting).

The key characteristic of all objects in a minimalist interior is their geometric shapes: the environment appears to consist of simple objects such as cubes, parallelepipeds, and spheres. For example, a sofa should look as if all its details could easily fit into a parallelepiped – no curves, puffy cushions, or round armrests.

How Minimalism Emerged

The minimalist style emerged in the second half of the 20th century from the constructivism and functionalism of the 1920s and 30s, as well as from the design solutions of the German Bauhaus Institute. It was also influenced by the traditions of Japanese design and the work of a German architect from the first half of the 20th century, who built under the motto less is more.

Whom Will Appreciate This Style?

For those who love open space and prefer to have only what is necessary and sufficient for comfort in their homes – while being indifferent to excess, abundance of things, furniture, and decor. Additionally, minimalism demands perfect order, which requires a certain character.

One must also consider where and how books, small household appliances, children’s toys, and other items will be stored – ideally, everything should be hidden. Of course, some liberties are permissible in a child’s room, but the majority of storage systems should be closed.

How to Choose Minimalism-Compatible Apartments

Large and spacious new buildings with panoramic windows and high ceilings are well-suited for minimalism. Minimalist interior elements can also fit logically into homes from the constructivist era of the 1920s and 30s.

Colors

Minimalist interiors predominantly use light colors such as shades of white, gray, and ochre palette, as well as natural brick and wood tones. Accents include graphite, chocolate, black, and dark gray, as well as the shine of metal and glass.

Materials

Natural, simple materials with various textures (often left untreated and only coated with protective coatings) include concrete, wood, plaster, brick, metal, stone of different varieties, and glass. Also, colored surfaces and surfaces made of artificial stone.

The walls are smooth and painted; paintable wallpaper and plaster with different textures also work well. Accent walls may showcase wood, stone (natural or artificial), metal, and glass, but exclude any ornaments or patterns.

Ceilings typically consist of gypsum board that’s suitable for painting, or matte stretch material with built-in lighting systems.

Common flooring materials include concrete, large ceramic tiles, wood, stone, porcelain stoneware, and self-leveling floors. Laminate and linoleum are also suitable options.

Furniture

Modern, monolithic furniture is geometric in shape and should not occupy more than 30-40% of the space. Storage systems and appliances are integrated (often designed to blend seamlessly into the walls, using identical materials for both walls and furniture facades). Soft furniture is low, with low backs (about 70 cm) and a minimalist design.

In minimalist interiors, space is more important than an extra table or nightstand. For example, it is better to order one multifunctional built-in cabinet for storing books, office equipment, and documents for a workspace, rather than buying several shelves, a bookcase, and a nightstand.

Lighting

In minimalism, natural light is prized, often leading to the use of panoramic windows. Instead of curtains, this style often favors blinds or Roman shades for bedroom darkening.

Multi-level and built-in artificial lighting are common, allowing for a range of lighting scenarios. The room might contain one geometric chandelier as a standout feature, while the rest of the lighting remains hidden. This approach creates the impression of light emerging out of nowhere.

Decor

When it comes to decor, minimalism is sparing and measured. Any decorative items, like an artist’s vase or sculpture, should be unique and used sparingly. Wall decorations such as posters, photographs, or paintings (typically no more than 1-2 pieces as an accent) should be chosen with care, ideally individually bought or commissioned from artists.

Textiles

Textiles in minimalism are plain, muted, and straightforward, avoiding patterns or ornaments. In the bedroom and children’s room, you might lay a long-pile carpet or hang curtains for darkening purposes.

Minimalism in interior design is all about voluminous emptiness, in a good sense. This style avoids excessive decoration (the rejection of embellishment is intentional), and promotes visually open space. Straight, crisp lines and proper geometry, abundant natural light, and a minimum number of doors and partitions are its hallmarks. Therefore, comfortable zoning and a functional approach to organizing space are critical to minimalist interiors.

Typical for this style are smooth textures, mostly monochromatic and restrained color palettes. However, it’s vital not to mix up minimalism with asceticism. Despite being uncluttered, the latter style maintains a sense of comfort and coziness.

One of the best things about this style is its adaptability to different budgets. You can achieve minimalism using furniture and accessories from mass-market retailers, making it cost-effective. Conversely, if you prefer, you could incorporate pricey modern art and furniture, and the style remains minimalist. In this context, the cost doesn’t dictate the style.

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