It is impossible to deny the timelessness of Minimalist Design, but what happens to this concept in a year when Maximalism is a trend?
Minimalism is a concept often associated with a comfortable, peaceful, and light lifestyle, which has endured over time and, incidentally, become popular.
Despite the volatility of trends, minimalist design is now seen as a timeless design, especially in an era marked by the discussion around sustainability, healthy living habits, and the need to change consumption patterns.
On the other hand, maximalism is considered an Interior Design trend in 2023, making it necessary to rethink minimalism to adapt it to the current market, ensuring the continuity of efforts around the theme of sustainability. This way, it becomes liable to be adapted since it is a state of consciousness, rather than a set of mandatory characteristics.
In this article, we highlight the main characteristics of minimalism and minimalist design and present suggestions for adapting or merging them with the opposite concept – maximalism.
What is Minimalist Interior Design Style?
As this style took shape in the visual arts, many of its principles were applied to design and architecture, where structures and elements were reduced to what was necessary. As a response to the chaos of urban life at that time, minimalist design concept still prevails today, trying to overcome the stress caused by daily agitation and, at the same time, walk the path of sustainability.
Minimalist decor is typically defined by sober lines, a neutral or monochromatic color palette, reduced ornamentation, and essentially natural materials. However, this style is not just about looks but a concept based on a way of life. The minimalist ideology discourages unnecessary consumption; on the contrary, it promotes a day-to-day life with what is really essential. In addition to pleasing aesthetics, minimalism believes that functionality is fundamental, preferring elements that allow storage or a variety of functions.
As this style took shape in the visual arts, many of its principles were applied to design and architecture, where structures and elements were reduced to what was necessary. As a response to the chaos of urban life at that time, minimalist design still prevails today, trying to overcome the stress caused by daily agitation and, at the same time, walk the path of sustainability.
Minimalist Decor
Minimalist decor is typically defined by sober lines, a neutral or monochromatic color palette, reduced ornamentation, and essentially natural materials. However, this style is not just about looks but a concept based on a way of life. The minimalist ideology discourages unnecessary consumption; on the contrary, it promotes a day-to-day life with what is really essential. In addition to pleasing aesthetics, minimalism believes that functionality is fundamental, preferring elements that allow storage or a variety of functions.
What are the Principles of Minimalist Design?
If we want to describe an environment with this style, we tend to start by judging that something is missing; however, we end up realizing that it has everything necessary to fulfill its purpose. Later, we will conclude that the lack of additional and unreasonable elements actually adds value, since the space becomes lighter and calmer, promoting a better quality of rest. In summary, some core principles can be highlighted:
- Philosophy “Less is more”.
- Focus on functionality.
- Preference for natural light.
- Organization: everything has a place and a purpose.
- Sculptural shapes, sober lines, and a neutral color palette.
- Use of natural materials such as wood, concrete, and glass.
- Reduced ornamentation, giving preference to high-value artwork.
Why is Minimalist Interior Design Style so popular?
Currently, and over the last few years, it is difficult to talk about minimalism without referring to Sustainability. Although it is a concept associated, above all, with a conscious culture of simplicity, the truth is that its conception is very similar to the principles of sustainability whose values are based on better choices of resources, a change in consumer behaviour, and concern for nature.
As the world grapples with a climate crisis, reducing individual consumption has become increasingly common, with a return to the mindset that privileges the basics. More and more people understand that, in addition to the practicality of living with less and contributing to the sustainable development of society, there can also be an aesthetic sense.
On the one hand, independent and governmental entities develop continuous efforts to fulfil the objectives of the circular economy. On the other hand, professionals from areas such as interior design are dedicated to making this theme a constant in the lives of all of us.
Minimalism versus Maximalism
In minimalist design, ‘shape’ is the most important aspect. The elements are essential for the space to fulfil its function, but the relevance is given to the way in which all these elements talk and relate to each other. They all must work together in their most basic forms, adding value to the space.
Maximalism, on the contrary, believes in the ability to surprise through cheerful elements and the combination of colors and patterns, captured by the diversity of resources present in the environment.
We believe that there is a way for these aesthetic movements to coexist, and the proof of this is in contemporary interior design. In this type of interior design, the lightness and sustainable awareness that are characteristic of minimalism coexist, but also the joyful spirit of maximalism, where there is the possibility of incorporating the person’s identity.
Let’s think of an interior with a minimalist design. So that we can merge the two styles, we can incorporate, for example, wallpaper, or resort to textiles creating some texture – which is actually one of the characteristics of Scandinavian Interior Design (itself with Minimalist influences).
Even if it may not seem like a minimalist environment in the traditional sense, the space will continue to be faithful to the fundamental principles of this concept – calm, organized, and conscious – and, even so, adopt the cheerful identity that, eventually, is intended.
With a Minimalist DNA…
Our Atelier seeks to find the essence, as well as the core of what moves each of its clients, to focus the concept of the design project on what really matters. Whatever your project, if you feel the need to change the design, be sure to get to know how we can help you. Check out this minimalist apartment design we’ve made in Sintra, Portugal. The project won a silver price in The Lusophone Architecture and Interior Design Awards 2023.
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