​A Guide to Interior Design Styles: Minimalist Design

Minimalism first made its impact on the design world in the 1990s. A stark contrast to the explosion of color and texture that happened in the 1980s, it was a breath of fresh air for many homeowners and decorators. Three decades later, minimalism is still the style of choice for those who like to do more with less. It's never gone out of style, and it shows no sign of doing so any time soon.

The Basics of Minimalist Design

The concept is as straightforward and elegant as the aesthetic. Minimalism exists to maintain the natural elegance of space by eliminating clutter while maximizing open areas and light.

The minimalist design avoids “stuff for the sake of stuff.” Every piece in the room is carefully chosen, down to the books on the shelf and the art on the walls. Space itself is the focus, whether that means the interior itself or the view from the window.

None of this is to say that minimalist spaces are impersonal or unwelcoming – just the opposite. Minimalism, when done well, opens up a space and allows it to breathe. A good minimalist room is one in which inhabitants can relax, connect with each other, and feel at ease.

Furnishings in a minimalist room are simple, comfortable, and of good quality. Chosen to achieve a calming effect, they typically feature clean lines and predominantly neutral tones. Textiles in the same color scheme offer an additional degree of visual interest and offer depth to the room.

The Benefits of Minimalism

Achieving a minimalist aesthetic can feel restrictive at first, but the payoff is enormous. Research has shown that the more objects we have surrounding us, the harder our brains have to work to filter out everything that’s not relevant to the task at hand. By only including the essentials in our home spaces, we can concentrate more easily and feel more relaxed.

The ease of living in a minimalist space can be especially pronounced for people who live in small spaces, where even a modest amount of décor can feel crowded and cluttered. By including only those pieces that serve the space and its inhabitants, a minimalist decorating style makes even a small room feel spacious.

Minimalism also makes it easy to spend less on home décor and feel confident in the investments you do make. When decorating a minimalist space, you buy high-quality pieces that will last so even if they cost more at the outset, you can enjoy your space for years without needing to spend more on “updates.”

The selection of these pieces is a relaxing and centering opportunity as well. Because the minimalist space features so few items which are chosen specifically to have long-term appeal, you are free to take all the time you need to find what suits you best.

Achieving a Minimalist Space

Minimalism uses architecture as its foundation, so start with the bare bones of the room. If that means emptying the room entirely and starting from scratch, embrace it. Minimalist design is all about justifying each piece in a room.

Minimalism is meant to be soothing to the eye, so you’ll want to stick with one color palette and no more than three separate hues. It’s best if your colors aren’t too far away from each other. Neutrals are more effective than striking tones.

Try anchoring the design of your minimalist space with a single accent piece that establishes the color scheme and aesthetic of the room. It should be striking, though not overwhelming, and simple in design.

One great example is the Modern Barn Door. Elegant and functional, these pieces add just enough shape and texture to space. They have a unique look yet blend seamlessly into any room, sliding along the wall instead of opening out to invade a carefully designed space.

You can use a Modern Barn Door in any room to enhance the minimalist design and add functionality. Consider a glass barn door between your living and dining spaces or between your dining room and kitchen. The texture of the glass adds depth without being intrusive, while the glass itself reflects natural light and makes the whole room appear brighter.

A solid Modern Barn Door is ideal for a bedroom. The sliding feature preserves the simplicity of the minimalist space while allowing a feeling of privacy and enabling you to play a bit with style. Subtle in the best way, these Modern Barn Doors make ideal focal points for your minimalist design style. Shop with us today and pick out your perfect door for your minimalist style.