Minimalism Defined
The minimalism style is not as bland as I once thought. While researching this style I was surprised by the unexpected colors and details. Its very nature, which is easy to detect from the word itself, is the bare minimum. The minimalist style is when the subject, your home, wardrobe, artwork, etc., is stripped to only its necessary elements. The minimalist seeks to do more with less and designs their space with the “less, but better” motto.
This style, has one thing in common with the Boho style I wrote about last week. Minimalism, while its roots started much earlier, gained popularity in the 60s and 70s. I think that is where the similarity to Boho ends. In fact, in my opinion Minimalism is the the exact opposite of Boho. You can read about Boho here: Define Your Style: Boho
Influences
Minimalism is influenced by Japanese traditional design; inspired by the concepts found in Zen philosophy. A great example of this is found in the Japanese floral art, Ikebana, which intends to let the flower express itself. To achieve this simplistic quality, you remove the branches, leaves and blossoms so that only the essential parts remain.
Like Ikebana, minimalism strips everything down to the bare essentials to achieve simplicity. A minimalist designs with few accessories and a few distinct colors. It can be monochrome or a very simplistic color palate, for example, lots of white, a bit a grey and an occasional spot of yellow. I found a few examples on Pinterest that had solid, deep colors instead of just neutrals.
Qualities of Minimalism
The minimalist space is usually large and open with few accessories or furniture. Minimalism uses the empty space and light to accent the design. There is a balance to this design style that is found by removing all things not necessary. The style is not without accessories; however, you remove things until you cannot remove anything else to improve upon the design.
- extreme simplicity
- white elements
- simplified living space
- cold lighting
- natural light
- elements of sky, earth and air
- geometric shapes and patterns
- clean spaces
- simple plain objects
- uncluttered
While I personally prefer a slightly cluttered, feminine, detailed style, I imagine that a home decor based on the minimalism style would be super fast to clean and to keep clean. Less clutter equals less to dust, right? On the flip side of my personal slightly cluttered personality, I love organizing and I recognize that if you have less to organize it is easier. The older I get, the more I desire to purge and have less stuff to manage, so maybe I have a little minimalist in me after all. In case that simplicity bug has bitten you as well, I included some pins on the Pinterest board featured below to share some tips for simplifying your life and space. Amazon has a wide selection of books available on simplifying your life and home. (I use audible and kindle books to prevent some of the clutter that comes from loving reading).
Do you decorate in the minimalist style in your whole home, your wardrobe, your office? I’d love to hear thoughts so be sure to share them in the comments.
Blessings,
Lauree
…keep dancing the dream
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