What is Minimalist Design?

Have you asked yourself recently if your possessions “spark joy?” Marie Kondo, tidying expert, would like to know.

Kondo, who has published several books and recently released a Netflix special on her approach, has everyone crazed with decluttering. Her KonMari method of tidying up encourages people to toss things that do not, in fact, “spark joy” and reevaluate each piece of clothing, each book, each piece of paper and even each household item that they own to determine its worthiness.

Minimalism — an interior design style that’s as popular as ever today — would make Kondo proud. Minimalist interior design is founded on a “less is more” philosophy, focused on function and a simplified way of living. By only installing and showcasing items that serve a purpose, an uncluttered, deliberate room emerges.

Minimalist designs often use utilitarian materials like steel, metal, glass, and concrete and are pared down in shape and silhouette. Imagine that grand, tufted cherry wood sofa with rolled arms and five throw pillows…it’s the exact opposite of that.

Minimalism can come across as stark to some, but its essence of focusing on essentials and chucking the “extras” — extraneous tabletop accessories, soft goods, lots of décor or extra furniture — can make a powerful statement.

History of Minimalist Design

There are several schools of thought, but it’s widely accepted that minimalist interior design spawned from the 1960s minimalist art movement. Minimalist art is characterized by simple geometric forms, among other hallmarks. German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe popularized the phrase “less is more” around that same time, referring to the idea that simplistic design can be more impactful than lots of stuff.

There are also influences from Japanese and Scandinavian cultures in modern minimalist design. Japan’s Zen Buddhism, which encourages a minimalist way of life, dates back to the 12^th century and still influences much of the lifestyle in the country today. Japanese minimalist interiors are very open and clean with pared-down décor and a focus on keeping only what you need. Scandinavian minimalism, which is said to have originated in the 1930s, also emphasizes pared-down designs but is more inspired by nature, incorporating warm woods, natural textures and more of an overall cozy feel.

How to Create a Minimalist Room

If this sounds like your kind of style, give your home a minimalist makeover starting here:

1. Declutter: Get rid of all of the piles, extra stuff that doesn’t have a place (or a real use!) and meaningless decor.
2. Implement a (mostly) neutral color palette from floor to ceiling.
3. Choose simple, streamlined furniture that serves a purpose. Think sleek lines, minimal cushion and multifunction.
4. Pick pared-down accents: A statement light fixture, a plain area rug and one key piece of art can provide all the personality you need for a room.

Also remember: There are a few things minimalist interior design does not have to be:

1. Monochromatic, or black and white only. While it certainly can be, adding a shot of color in chairs or sofas or lighting while grounding the room in a neutral palette can still work in a minimalist room.
2. Boring: With a lack of “stuff” and streamlined silhouettes throughout, this design philosophy may seem austere. But when done intentionally, a minimalist look is very powerful. Elevating and deepening the design with a mix of textures, materials and yes, colors, makes minimalism anything but basic.

For not only aesthetic reasons, but for ease of living and quietness of the mind, minimalist interior design can be the right answer for your home — less can truly be more!