Minimalism in the interior design world, contrary to popular belief isn’t just about de-cluttering and stripping your home of everything but the essentials.  It’s more so about using a variety of tools to create an essence of tranquillity, whilst still injecting a sense of personality into your home, after all it is your personal environment and should reflect a lot about who you are!  

When the term “minimalism” arises in conversation, many conjure images of stark spaces stripped down to their most basic elements. However, this common perception misses the heart and soul of minimalist philosophy, especially when it comes to interior design. Contrary to popular belief, minimalism does not necessarily have to mean bare empty spaces. It’s more so about making room for more: more happiness, more relaxing moments, and more meaningful connections with family and friends.

 Today, we are sharing our design principles when it comes to nailing the art of minimalism… 

Focus on Function + Form

The main rule of thumb is ensuring that every piece within the space serves a purpose.  When it comes to form, firstly focus on the existing elements of the space / home, it might be a beautiful window or pitched ceiling that you want to be the feature of the space, then it’s about ensuring that the design and furnishings compliment these details in the sense of form, guiding your eyes to certain features rather than different details competing against each other.

Neutral Colour Palette

Colour is still very much encouraged in minimal spaces, psychologically colour can play a very large role in designing a calming and tranquil environment.  Opting for more muted tones to connect back to any neutral colours will always create a much more softer palette, letting the furniture pieces or surrounding environment really speak for itself. Warmth in texture such a natural timbers and textured upholstery and soft furnishings will also enhance how these colours interact in the space!

Cohesivity 

Having a sense of overall cohesiveness is an element that’s quite integral to the art of minimalism.  Ensuring you aren’t venturing into too many different design styles / eras.  This can automatically create too many focal points of the space, which often can emulate a sense of busyness or the dreaded word… clutter.  Cohesivity can come in various forms such as the combination of materials, form of furniture vs the surrounding space as well as how the interior finishes interact with external factors such as natural lighting etc. 

Style with Purpose

Often when people think minimalism, it’s about stripping back your home to it’s bare essential  – but that couldn’t be more far from the truth (how boring!) It’s more so about reconsidering the items in your home that aren’t serving any purpose, or embody how you want your personal space to feel.  Styling items are still very much encouraged in all minimal spaces, our favourite purposeful styling items are books, coasters, candles, and of course fresh flora and fauna.