- Minimalist design dates to the work of Dutch De Stijl artists from early 1900s. These furniture builders created pieces that promote harmony, order and were simple in nature. Minimalist design became popular in the 1930s and 1940s. The movement was led by architect Ludwig Miles van der Rohe whose design motto was "less is more." Other significant minimalist designers were Buckminster Fuller, whose goal was "doing more with less," and Dieter Rams whose motto was "less is better."
- Minimalist style is most popular in European countries where space is at a premium. You will find more instances of minimalist style where it originated in Sweden. This design style has also been adopted as a lifestyle and has spread throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States.
- You will recognize minimalist style not for the sparseness of decor, but by the simplicity of design. A typical minimalist bedroom will have a bed with an unadorned frame, a dresser or two, chair, also simple in nature, and a few modern pieces of artwork that are abstract in design. There will be few tabletop accessories, but most items for daily use will be kept out of sight. Minimalist architecture is also devoid of unnecessary elements. It is reminiscent of Japanese design and architecture in that designers focus on creating multi-use spaces that are visually uncluttered.
- Minimalist style has several benefits. First, lack of visual clutter allows the occupant to relax more easily as there are fewer things in the rooms to grab their attention. Minimalist style prevents excess purchases for unnecessary decorative accessories. Accessories are only used if they have a purpose. Minimalist style is also attractive and promotes an uncomplicated lifestyle.
- To create a minimalist environment, you do not have to throw away all of your belongings and start over. Simply learn to look at your home with critical eye and begin to eliminate items that do not serve a purpose in your home. Eliminate clutter, and create a storage system that allows you to put everything in its place, but out of sight. Over time, you can begin to replace older ornate furniture pieces with more simplistic and streamlined pieces.
