For many, minimalism is when there are few objects in the interior, a kind of emptiness, asceticism, but in fact, minimalism in interior design is when there are enough elements. At the same time, minimalism is comfort, functionalism and beauty. To understand what this direction is, you need to delve into the details. The starting point for the emergence of minimalism was the second half of the twentieth century. After the then popular Art Nouveau became associated with the horrors of the Second World War and its consequences among the population, a new fresh, simple and reliable style was needed.
This is exactly what minimalism has become. He absorbed the notes of the Japanese style, which penetrated the culture of the West just during the war period. And also borrowed details from constructivism. The main differences between these two currents are the geometry and the relationship between the appearance of the building and its functions. The Dutch artists from the society with the consonant name "Style" made their contribution to the formation of minimalism as a style.
One of the main figures in the history of design and architecture is the German Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who worked with the motto "less is better".
Natural materials are the basis of minimalism. It could be a stone
leather, wood, linen and more. Very often the materials do not even pass
processing, remaining with its primitive rough texture. Metal is
adds modernity to the style.
As you know, in minimalism it is not forbidden to combine natural
materials and artificial. It is only important to find a balance between them and
support it. For the decoration of basic coatings: ceilings, walls and
floors are subject to the same rules as with natural materials,
harmony and monotony. Don't overload the ceiling with complicated ones
designs. The walls must be left with a natural covering and
relief. The floor is usually covered with laminate, parquet or tiles.
If you follow all the rules of minimalism, then the furniture should
occupy about 20% of the total space. The rules are still the same
geometry, functionality and naturalness of materials. For
save space use furniture transformer. For the same reason
use embedded appliances. Storage systems are hidden, but in plain sight
leave only those things that reflect the individuality of a person,
who lives in this environment.
It has already been noted that minimalism borrowed a lot from Japanese
style. This is what explains their similar color scheme. Primary colors
are white, light gray, beige and brown, that is, basic,
natural colors that don't take too much attention.
Designers most often choose white and dilute it with one or
two contrasting ones.
Large windows are an important part of minimalism. With their help
you can create the illusion of free space, add natural
light. Windows are usually not shaded, but blinds are allowed
horizontal or vertical.
Artificial light sources must be hidden.
Minimalism shouldn't have unnecessary decor. Can't be forced
space with figurines, pillows or other knickknacks. If
I want to dilute the calm interior, I am allowed to add a couple of paintings.
Textiles are inappropriate in minimalism. An exception would be the bedroom where
for comfort, you can lay out several bedspreads on the bed and a carpet of light
shades to the floor. A possible option remains plain blinds on
windows. Since minimalism came to Europe from Japan, it retained
eastern philosophy. Free space, simple materials,
calm colors are also practical. Japan is a country with
frequent earthquakes and floods, which often destroyed houses.
That is why the population tried to create their own dwellings using
materials and interiors that are easy to replace and recreate.
But large windows and the absence of curtains on them is an influence
scandinavian style. Harsh climate and lack of sunlight
forced the inhabitants of the north to make huge windows, use light
shades. In this version of minimalism, it will not be superfluous to use blankets and
pillows.
One of the brightest manifestations of the new minimalism in 1970 was
high tech. Great Britain became the ancestor of this offshoot. On
functionality, advanced technology and
necessarily modern materials.
Minimalism in our time is an island of tranquility and freedom,
which at the fast pace of life, oversaturated with events, becomes
salvation.
