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Let the Space Be Empty: The Case for Minimalism


The word minimalism is now everywhere. It applies to absolutely different spheres, from interior design to a lifestyle. This term includes many things, such as art, architecture, and anti-consumerism philosophy. 


Everyone is talking about it, and lots of people try to apply it to their living. This is mostly relevant to youngsters. The specialists at https://essaypro.com/ platform state that the number of projects on minimalism coming from students all over the world has increased. It only shows the popularity of the trend.


But what is it all about? Let's have a closer look at this phenomenon and what it means.


source: https://unsplash.com/photos/QZGQO3NvsLo


Where It Comes From


The trend comes from an art movement that started in the 1960s in New York. It related most to paintings and sculptures where simplicity was the main virtue. This movement was a response to abstract expressionism. The main idea of minimalism in art was to decrease everything unnecessary and to achieve the simplest geometric forms.


In architecture, minimalism is directly linked to Japanese culture as well as De Stijl and Bauhaus movements from the 1920s. These styles used industrial materials and strived for simplicity. It is characterized by geometric form, strict lines, and the use of natural materials.


This influences the minimalistic design in the interior, which is characterized by clean lines, light colors, and lots of empty space. The main rule in this aesthetic is laconism and the use of a few pastel colors in a design.



Minimalism in Interior Design


The main features of minimalism in interior design are:


  • Clean space. It is about not overcrowding the space with too many objects. All of them are to be functional and simple yet stylish in their shapes. It requires a smart division of space with the use of lighting, furniture, and little accessories. Basically, the interior focuses on the essentials;


  • Lighting. Minimalism is often associated with lots of white and its halftones. Indeed, the lighting of the room and its brightness is extremely important. The minimalistic design doesn't use heavy curtains; this move allows natural light to enter the room. Mostly, vertical blinds are used;


  • Toned colors. Minimalistic living often presupposes 2 to 3 colors for a room. They are often white and shades of grey. However, there can be an accent color, but it should be toned down. Minimalism is about calmness and simplicity;


  • Use of natural materials, such as wood and natural stone. It has a lot of common features with Scandinavian living in terms of materials used;


  • Less is more. It is the main slogan of the movement; that's why it is important to get rid of everything unnecessary. But it doesn't mean that the room or apartment won't look cozy;


  • Simple forms for furniture are used like slick cabinets that open with a touch and have no handles, simple tables, and comfortable sofas;


  • Living plants are great to warm up such design. They provide a pop of color and bring a little bit of nature inside;


  • Metallic finishes for lamps handles or kitchenware are a great touch. It looks amazing with toned colors and adds a luxurious feel.


source: https://unsplash.com/photos/X5BWooeO4Cw


Benefits of Minimalism


Not only does minimalism look great and is trending now. It also has some other major benefits:


  • Minimalistic life is more eco-friendly. The fewer things you consume and the longer you use the belongings, the better it is for the environment. 


  • Having fewer items in living space reduces stress and anxiety;


  • Decluttering helps to calm down and have more space for creativity. The act of giving away items that you do not need is therapeutic;


  • It helps to focus on what's important – relationships, career, and personal development. You'll get more time on other things when you don't have to worry about the things tossed around;


  • A smartly divided space with lots of light and calming colors creates a perfect atmosphere for comfortable living.


In Summary


Minimalism is all about functionality and simplicity. It is a stylish way to decorate one's living and to bring more light and space into the interior. 


Being neutral in shapes and tones, it is attractive for a wide audience. At the same time, you can still add a touch of creativity with decoration

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