Minimalist design has grown mainstream, as homeowners are increasingly focusing on simplicity in their home decor.

1. A Primer on Minimalism in
Home Design
Eugene Chrinian

2. A Primer on Minimalism in Home Design
 Minimalism has made its way into today’s design culture. A yearning for simplicity
has infiltrated everything from clothing design to the size of homes. Interior design
also has embraced the concept, as modern design can include everything from
neutral colors to the simple lines that characterize minimalism.
 Following is an overview of everything you need to know about minimalism and
how to incorporate it into your home’s design.

3. What is minimalism?
 Minimalism took root in the mid-20th century, as the idea of stripping away excess
to find complexity in simplicity infiltrated music, art, and design. The movement in
home design can often be traced back to the Bauhaus art movement, a German
philosophy that sought to create a simple, functional design that began in the
1920s.
 The Bauhaus movement reacted against artists such as Jackson Pollock, who
created chaotic, colorful drip paintings. Bauhaus artists focused on straightforward
geometric designs and used a simpler color palette. Likewise, Bauhaus home
design focused on simple forms.
 Today’s minimalist design movement reflects the spirit of Bauhaus artists and
embraces simple designs and color schemes and functional, well-crafted
furnishings and accessories that are thoughtfully selected for the space.

4. What’s the purpose of minimalism?
 Modern minimalist design mirrors the philosophies of lifestyle minimalists, who
seek a slower lifestyle and freedom from consumer culture by living with only a
small number of possessions.
 Minimalists believe that living with less leaves them more time to foster
relationships and keeps their lives focused on essentials such as caring for your
soul and having enriching experiences.

5. Does this mean I have to live in a tiny
house?
 No. While some minimalists do embrace life with fewer than a hundred possessions
and a home that’s less than 300 hundred square feet, minimalist design can be
applied to a home of any size.
 Minimalist design incorporates a modern style with clean lines, neutral colors, and
open floorplans. It often uses simple materials in their purest form, such as wood,
glass, and metal, and it focuses on thoughtful splashes of color on a palette
otherwise drawn from black, white, or other neutrals.

6. Is minimalist design affordable?
 Yes. Minimalism grew from a movement that valued craftsmanship and
affordability. A number of retail stores cater to minimalist tastes, offering basic
furniture along with statement pieces such as chandeliers, rugs, and art.
 Asian minimalism, which already has made a splash in the Western world with
Japanese author Marie Kondo’s decluttering movement also has found its way into
the American market. Muji, a popular Japanese home goods store, opened its first
retail outlet in the United States in 2013 and now has 13 American stores.
Minimalist designers have embraced the store’s affordable, well-priced goods,
which include bedding and kitchen items along with collections of sophisticated
pieces inspired by traditional Chinese goods.

7. How do modern amenities fit a minimalist
design aesthetic?
 Minimalist design embraces modern amenities, even those that seem luxurious
such as home gyms and big-screen televisions. The key, designers say, is to
incorporate them wisely into design to maximize the use of space.
 That can mean using space in a creative way, such as installing storage areas under
the floors, creating movable walls to repurpose spaces, and incorporating dual-
purpose furniture such as Murphy beds.

8. What are the main tenets of minimalist
design?
 Since most minimalist home design is neutral and simple, the details are important.
You may want to choose a statement piece of art to hang on an otherwise bare
wall or add a picture frame with a gilded edge to a collection of simpler items.
 Along with neutral tones, minimalism embraces light. That means big windows
whenever possible, minimal window coverings, and great light fixtures. When you
buy items for your home, focus on quality and not quantity.

9. The style seems cold and white
 It’s true that many minimalist homes defy the conventions of traditional
architecture, embracing box-like styles with sharp lines and gray interiors. A few
easy changes can bring warmth to a minimalist design without compromising the
principles of the design philosophy.
 Shifting a neutral color palette from white and gray to off-white and earthy shades
of brown can significantly soften tones. Incorporating warm and cozy textures, such
as shag rugs, fur throws, or rustic wood also can also bring a natural warmth to a
stark design.

10. Will living in a minimalist home improve
my life?
 While there may not be statistics to reference, many of those who choose
minimalist living report significant life changes that came along with the design
changes.
 An open, airy home invites a sense of freedom and potential, and with fewer
possessions you’ll spend much less time cleaning, organizing, and picking up. Less
home maintenance means more free time for those things you truly enjoy, whether
it’s reading, spending time with friends, or playing sports.
 Some minimalists say that you will even save money, as a simple and clutter-free
space will inspire you to shop less. Less clutter also means fewer distractions and
an environment more suited for focusing on work, conversation, and the task at
hand.