Minimalism is one of my favorite design styles.
It’s all about clean lines, spacious feel, and soothing palettes. It’s impossible not to feel a sense of calm the moment I step foot inside a minimalist space.
And with its less is more tenants (s/o to Ludwig!), an investment in just a few, show-stopping elements still creates a beautiful luxury feel without breaking the budget. What’s not to love about that?
Minimalism: the design
True to its moniker, minimalism is all about less. Fewer. Subtracting. It’s functional or it’s out. At its heart, it’s about replacing more things with more space. And more space is a great thing for the people living in it.
A minimalist room trades more pieces of furniture and decorative objects for the soft visuals of simple, clean lines with lots of natural light, and utilizes clever storage solutions that marry form and function to keep the space organized and the stuff out of the way.
Warm, neutral hues are where all minimalist palettes start, with creamy whites, gray, beige, taupe, and even soft wood tones forming the foundation of minimalist color.
But that doesn’t mean no color at all! Applied deftly, muted blues, greens, and even blush pinks can work as delightful accents, adding variety and interest an otherwise monochromatic palette. Playing with shade and tone offer yet more opportunities to build a stylish and refined color design.
Functional. Clean. Airy. This is the heart of minimalist design.
Minimalism: the investment
Minimalism is an excellent design aesthetic for renovating and restyling your own home and your rentals.
It’s simple, elegant, and emphasizes popular interior attributes, like open space and a luxurious feel. You don’t need as many decorations or smaller furniture pieces, making it more cost effective to build and maintain. Having minimalist spaces can even have positive impacts on your physical health and mental well-being.
Home values and rent rolls will only benefit from a well-done minimalist living space.
However, therein lies the rub. It must be a well-done minimalist living space.
To get the full value from this design, it’s important to do it right and avoid a few pitfalls.
Because design elements are so limited in a minimalist space, it’s critical to really nail the ones you do choose. Making good investments into a handful of smart pieces- whether it be a plush, next-level sofa or paying a little more for storage furniture with ample space that remains smartly hidden- keeps your space useable and pleasant while still upholding the minimalist ideal.
Another risk is the thin line between minimalist and icy. Failing to effectively utilize the right color tones and material textures could turn your calming, relaxing oasis into a sterile, cold box. Even minimalists want to feel comfy and cozy at home!
One solution to walking this fine line? Work with a designer!
Working with a designer is a great way to capture the benefits and upside of minimalism.
At PSP Design Co, we leverage minimalism when appropriate to craft tranquil, uncluttered spaces for you or your tenants to relax, recharge, and live. If you’d love to talk about your next project, and get our thoughts, we’d love to hear from you.
And if you have any questions or thoughts on minimalism, we’d love to hear those too. Reach out to us on social!
Bonne chance!
Comments