Minimalist Design Tips

Minimalist Design Tips

Clean lines, reductive, uncluttered, monochromatic, simplicity, "less is more"—these are some of the terms and concepts that immediately come to mind when thinking about minimalism. It's impossible to deny the serenity and simple beauty when confronted with a resolved minimalist interior, but achieving this look is more deliberate and frankly, difficult, than just choosing a few pieces of furniture for a white backdrop, which can leave a space feeling cold, sparse and unlived-in. 

what is minimalism ?

“Minimalism is about keeping a space simple, uncluttered and accentuating the attractive architectural features of a space. The palette is mostly monochromatic and color is used as an accent,”

"minimalism and functionality go hand in hand. A minimalist-designed space incorporates an open floor plan, lots of light, and simple line furnishings that are well-built and comfortable. All these create a soothing and inviting space that has a timeless aesthetic."

Form, focus & functionality 

• Minimalism allows something other than the space to be the focus. For example, the people in the space or the view from the window might be more important than the room’s decoration,
• Everything should be functional and add value to the space. You still need all of the items in a space for it to function, but in minimalist decor, 'form' is very important. For example, in a dining room, you need a table and chairs. These pieces need to speak to one another and relate in regards to things like line, color, mass, etc. They must work well together in their basic shape.
• All of the furniture was purposeful—chairs to comfortably sit in, tables for drinks, hidden window treatments to allow views from this high-story residence, a fireplace to warm. 
• Even the art is simple in composition.  home to be restful, not stimulating to the eye 
• Proponents of minimalism believe that condensing the content and form of a design to its bare essentials reveals the true 'essence of architecture.
• New full-height upper cabinets, floor-to-ceiling pantry closets, and the utilization of all under-the-counter island spaces increased the storage capacity of this kitchen by twenty percent. Simplicity in design and uniqueness in resolution are key to this alteration.

Minimalism is an approach to design where the elements of the structure are simplified to their essential components. Nothing is added for effect. 

• The design thrives on the beauty of the forms and the materials used to create the forms
• The design needs to be clear and simple, but not boring. This is where the use of light, form and beautiful materials is so essential. The craft of the construction is incredibly important since you cannot add trim to cover mis-alignments.
• prioritized storage, a key tool for maintaining a minimalist living space while meeting realistic functionality concerns for the typical homeowner or family. 
• added an open box shelf to visually unite the column and wall and provide storage for her clients. careful to align all of the openings, the glass to ledge, and edge of cabinets to calls,
• In a minimalist space, walls and floors must be level to create connections between elements with minimal joint lines, and installation of cabinetry must be nearly perfect.

Benefits of a minimalist space for homeowners 

• The idea of uncluttered and clean space is truly a driver behind the minimalist movement, and the desire to seek and adapt its principal ideas in interior design. "If we really stop to think about it we do not need so many things; we can live in any space with a lot less," How many sofas do we really need? How many chairs? Do we need to hang pictures at all on walls? Maybe only on one wall? Or on none? How many knick-knacks do we really need on our coffee table or shelves? In reality, we need functionality and practicality that blends with no superfluous embellishments. Shapes should be quite uncomplicated, and colors and textures should harmoniously blend."
• the firsthand benefits she has seen from employing a minimalist design aesthetic in her projects. "I think clients are inspired by their space to focus on the essentials and items of personal value," 
• "It has a calming effect to live in a well-designed and uncluttered space. make sure to provide ample closed storage so that the architecture and interiors can be uncluttered. It creates a calm haven for living."

challenge of minimalist design

• "The biggest challenge is to make a space look warm and welcoming," 
• "When using a monochromatic color palette, atmosphere is created by combining different shades, tints and textures to create a dynamic atmosphere." 
• "The different textures compliment each other and create a soothing atmosphere. The sheer drapery filters the light through the large windows and a pop of color comes from the tufted light blue armchair."
• biggest challenge is knowing when to stop designing or adding to the space. "If the space functions well, is simple in its composition without being overly stimulating, you know that you are finished,"  "Just like artists must stop at some point and not add colors or brush strokes, a designer too must know when to stop," "With me, it's intuition. I feel it when the space is 'just so,' when it is right, balanced, and congruent."