When we think of minimalism, we imagine pared-down spaces where things are as much absent as they are. This movement began in his '50s and his '60s and was closely linked to the architecture of the time, extending the functionalism and modernism movements of the Bauhaus.
Icons like Mies van de Rohe and Le Corbusier designed based on function, focusing on the use of buildings, objects, and space. Minimalism tapped into this idea of what is really necessary, focusing on stripping away the excess to reveal a defined, finite form. The term was used to describe a collection of artists that are now synonymous with it, including Agnes Martin and Donald Judd. Their work was an effort to avoid the contextualism and clutter of the past in favor of vastly simplified solutions.
Since then, there have been many waves of minimalism in interior design, and the modern form is as much a lifestyle as it is a school of design. Figures like Marie Kondo focus on the bare necessities and help people reject the temptations of consumerism. In practice, it can be difficult to adopt this philosophy, and the question arises: what kind of furniture does a minimalist really need? To answer this question, we spoke to interior designers from around the world to get their insight into the essential objects for every minimalist.
1. Cool sofa
(Image credit: Studio DB)
Minimalists can keep their space simple yet impressive with the right sofa, as demonstrated in this lush living room designed by New York-based Studio DB.
“This vintage Bellini sofa is a must-have for every minimalist. Its distinctive shape gives it a sculptural yet soothing feel, allowing it to act as the focal point of a room without filling the space with unnecessary additions. Because we do,” say Damien and Britt. Zunino, founder of the design practice. What we can learn from this project is the importance of introducing fewer, but more impactful statements into a space.
2. Functional accent chair
(Image credit: Nicole Franzen, design: Ronen Lev)
Despite this assumption, minimalists aren't afraid of color. This tranquil Clinton Hill townhouse plan designed by Ronen Lev shows off a great splash of color through an ocher armchair. These items complement, rather than compete with, the room's other minimal elements.
“Minimalist furniture should embody simplicity and functionality,” says Jessica Kamel of New York studio Ronen Lev. “Our design philosophy focuses on creating warm and peaceful spaces by incorporating new and vintage pieces that add personality and a timeless touch to every space we create. ” Choose a sculptural living room accent chair that easily incorporates bolder hues for your own minimalist scheme.
3. Cool rug
(Image credit: Greg Natale)
A living room rug is often the finishing touch to an interior, but a geometric rug can help pull together a minimalist space and tie these seemingly unrelated items together.
“Minimalist spaces require rugs to anchor free-floating furniture without too much overlap,” says Australian interior designer Greg Natale. “It's a great way to introduce color and pattern into a mostly sparse interior.”
A circular rug forms a path for the eye to follow, bringing vibrancy and energy to this minimalist space. This idea is especially effective for those looking to create a minimalist scheme using neutral elements.
4. Lighting statement
(Image courtesy: Diachok Architects)
Lighting in the living room is necessary for a minimalist plan. It can act as a sculptural feature or lighting source in your living room.
A floor lamp in the corner of this minimalist and sophisticated living room design by Diachok Architects makes a statement while adding romanticism to the space. “There is an emphasis on clean lines, a limited color palette and the reduction of unnecessary details,” say Vlad and Karina Dyachok of the International Design Studio. “This design philosophy is often associated with the famous phrase 'less is more,' and emphasizes the idea that simplicity is incredibly powerful in communicating ideas and aesthetics. ”
A concern many people have when designing a minimalist plan is that the space will feel too cold, but with the right lighting you can add warmth to your interior without visually cluttering it. I can.
5. Expressive artwork
(Image credit: Samuel Hartnett, design: Abbey Lang Home)
Although artwork may seem at odds with the functional aspects of minimalism, art is an ever-present source of inspiration and the driving force behind interior spaces. With the right items, you can ignite a room, create a calming oasis, or a window into another world. Although it may not fit into the traditional concept of minimalism, living room wall art is essential in the pursuit of happiness and interior balance.
This project by Abbey Lang Home shows that art can also serve as a guide for creating a cohesive, minimalist interior. “New Zealand artist Evan Woodruff's artwork was the starting point and inspiration for this interior palette,” says Auckland-based interior designer Abbey Lang of Abbey Lang Home. “The scale of the artwork, along with the breadth and depth of color, provides a focal point for the room. Furniture selection was made to complement the artwork, and a hand-dyed artisan rug by Armadillo provides a luxurious foundation. , provided movement and texture while echoing the tones found within the piece.”
6. Contemporary coffee table
(Image credit: Dawid Konieczny)
The coffee table is closely related to other components of the minimalist interior, as it can be seen in the rituals that we use on a daily basis. Reclining on the sofa to admire a piece of art or enjoy a cup of tea may seem like a chore without it.
In many ways, the best coffee table is the axis of the room in which it is placed, firmly fixed to the rug, around which we rotate. In this simple Żoliborz apartment, interior designer Dawid Konieczny has created a sophisticated plan centered around his coffee table. “The coffee table is a very important element in interior design,” says Dawid. “In a minimalist space, it plays an even greater role because there aren’t as many additional features to focus on.”
“In such an arrangement, it is very important that the table complements the overall composition or constitutes a contrasting, slightly scaled element of the entire interior, and of course maintains the aesthetics of the space,” he says. adds.
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