What is minimalism?
Interior design in the style of minimalism provides the principle of minimum:
- The minimum amount of details, decor, colors, objects.
The real style of minimalism in the interior is not associated with an ascetic lifestyle or financial need.
It represents an aesthetically appealing environment, which is characterized by space, functionality and clear organization of the space.
History of the origin of style
Minimalism appeared in the interior in the 20s and 30s of the last century.
Its origin was preceded by the tendencies of constructivism, which provided for a clear and thoughtful organization of space. Constructivism, in turn, became an alternative to modernity, for which the characteristic chic natural materials, curved and often massive lines and ornate decor.
Another factor that contributed to the emergence of minimalism in the interior of apartments - the end of World War I in 1918. Production of furniture and building materials was just beginning to restore its activity, while people were attracted to the laconic, light and not overloaded atmosphere.
In the post-war period, the architects (the most famous of whom is Frank Lloyd Wright) began to equip homes for workers, which provided functionality and simplicity. Their results were quickly appreciated by society.
All of this together influenced the appearance and long-term popularity of the new solution in the interior - minimalism.
Characteristics of the direction
Let's consider the main characteristics of interior design minimalism:
- As much free space as possible.
Such a solution is often achieved by dismantling partitions, replacing interior doors with arches, increasing window openings, creating a second light in two-story dwellings.
- Symmetrical, clear and proportional lines.
- Furniture is modern, regular, spacious, folding and multifunctional. Sometimes designers prefer furniture of asymmetric forms.
- Well lit rooms.
- No more than three colors are used.
Most often the following colors are used: white, gray, black, beige and silver. They can be supplemented by one bright color: green, yellow, red, etc.
- The furniture is placed in such a way as to leave as much free space as possible.
- There is no fine decoration.
Is minimalism popular today and who prefers it?
The style of minimalism in the interiors of apartments manages to keep popularity and exist in parallel with the changing fashion trends in the interiors of homes. This is due to the fact that there is always a category of people who do not want to chase fashion, preferring an unobtrusive and concise atmosphere.
Another factor in the popularity of the genre is the rapid rhythm of life in the city, overloaded with advertising signs, buildings of various sizes and bustle.
Being in such conditions, it would be desirable to come home to feel and see space, freedom, absence of small and loading details. Unobtrusive, but comfortable atmosphere will help to relax, sleep well and rest.
Classic minimalism in the interior will be to the liking of those who do not tolerate chaos and chaos. This is a good solution for people who are prone to perfectionism and order. In such an environment it is easy to clean, to observe strict proportions of objects and to create interesting, but concise combinations.
Similar styles and their differences from minimalism
Contemporaries
Born in the middle of the 20th century, the Contemporary, as well as the direction under consideration, provides a restrained and laconic atmosphere, unobtrusive colors and functional furniture.
Contemporary provides for inexpensive mass-produced furniture, while minimalism may include exclusive designer furniture, maintained in all traditions of minimalism. Minimalism does not provide a small decor, and in contemporary it is involved. The color scale is more various at contemporary.
Scandinavian style
Modern minimalism in the interior and Scandinavian style, which emerged in the 30s of the last century, has much in common. But there are also differences. Scandinavian atmosphere is dominated by cold colors - there can be three or more of them. Minimalism is more organic in flowers and their quantity.
The warmth of the northern style is given by the textiles, most often woolen articles, plaids, carpets with high pile. Textiles with smooth surfaces or a minimum of pile are characteristic of the direction in question.
General organizational aspects of style realization
Let's consider the general organizational aspects of interior arrangement in the style of modern minimalism.
Materials and colors
The materials can be used in a variety of ways: stone, plastic, wood, glass, ceramics. The main thing is that the lines are perfect, and the surfaces - without fancy textures.
To make the interior of the house more minimalistic, there are several design methods:
Highlight one or more objects with a bright color. For example, the interior of the living room in the style of minimalism will emphasize a bright chair or floor lamp with a bright lampshade. Most often designers choose green, red or yellow as bright inclusions.
Decor
The absence of a small decor can be beaten by placing one or more medium or large-sized decorative elements in the room. But such items should not be pretentious or with elements of luxury. For example, the bedroom interior in the style of minimalism will emphasize the abstract sculpture or black and white painting (photo).
In the living room, you can put one large indoor plant. Japanese minimalism in the interior can be emphasized with a paper fan, a scroll with hieroglyphs, a cherry tree or a bonsai plant.
Lighting
As already mentioned in the style sheet, the room should have good lighting. This can be achieved by making large windows and choosing the right artificial light.
Use modern LED lamps, the brightness of which can be adjusted. Use the lighting to highlight not only the desired details, but also to zone-out the room.
Do not use crystal chandeliers with hangers for central light. Instead, install lamps with single-color, smooth and concise lamps.
Furniture
Give preference to furniture without open shelves. Thus, all items can be hidden behind furniture doors. The perfect solution for a wardrobe.
For a bedroom rectangular beds without massive backs and a footboard will approach.
For the kitchen, choose spacious and cabinet furniture to fit behind the doors appliances and other kitchen attributes. Furniture fittings should not be bright, solid and eye-catching.
Minimalism in the interior of the kitchen will emphasize the bar counter instead of a large dining table. If the table is used, it is a small size, as in a small summer cafe.
Activate the furniture-transformer: sofas transforming into a bed, sofas with a sliding table, a bed under which drawers. A practical and interesting solution is a double bed, which hides in the wall if you lift it up.
Hang monochrome light curtains made of smooth fabric or blinds on the windows. You can also do without them by tinting your windows.
Conclusion
The interior of the house in the style of minimalism is considered the easiest to understand. In such a home will be nice and comfortable to be all who are tired of chaos and bustle. The main thing is to be able to implement it correctly so that it does not turn into asceticism.