Minimalist homes, together with minimalist architecture, emerge as a philosophy that seeks to achieve the maximum effect with a minimum number of elements.
This approach is applied in different fields, such as architecture, interior design, industrial design and art.
Minimalist Houses: Simplicity of Forms and Functions
The minimalism of forms and functions is characterized by a sober design, with well-defined lines, which create wide and fluid spaces.
In minimalist-style houses, priority is given to large windows, with ample use of natural lighting.
The main characteristics of minimalist architecture and interior design are based on the concept of doing more with fewer elements, simple shapes and materials used in the simplest, yet elegant way, with little variety of textures and colors.
Through the use of neutral and monochromatic colors, minimalist houses manage to create a feeling of peace, tranquility and serenity.
Background of Minimalist Home Design
The minimalist houses and their architecture arose under the famous phrase, “Less Is More” from one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.
Minimalism is considered a corrected and extreme version of RATIONALIST ARCHITECTURE , and of abstraction, in the way the arts responded to the Second Industrial Revolution, at the end of the 19th century.
The motto “Less is More” united minimalist designers, beginning in the 1980s. Thus, it was intended to strip the houses of superfluous decorations, which did not provide a truly useful element inside a house.
It is the simplicity, both of the forms and of the spaces, the key element in the design of minimalist houses.
How are the Minimalist Homes
The minimalist style seeks beauty from an elegant and balanced design , with few decorative elements.
The design of the spaces and the use of natural and artificial lighting occupies an essential place in this style.
Not having ornaments makes the construction and architectural elements stand out more the simple forms, their proportions and the colors and textures.
We will see the main characteristics of the design of minimalist houses below, through examples.
Main Characteristics of Minimalist Homes
Houses with Simple Design Facades
Minimalist home designs use basic shapes and materials, with few textures, tones, and colors. Neutral and monochromatic tones are used to create a simple and calming atmosphere.
Minimalist One-Story Houses
with simple volumetric design.
Minimalist Houses with White Facades
Monochromatic colors abound in this architectural style. One of its main characteristics are the WHITE FACADES , with wide planes and continuous surfaces, and a marked tendency towards horizontality.
Very Neat Design
A calm environment can be achieved through the use of clean lines, little furniture, and muted tones.
To further foster a sense of calm and serenity, details such as a comfortable seating area, plants, and artwork can help create a homey atmosphere.
Natural and Artificial Lighting very careful
The large windows and doors allow the entry of natural light, in combination with the interior lighting design, they become protagonists of the architecture and decoration.
When it comes to creating a calm and peaceful environment, light is an essential element. Natural light can be harnessed by strategically placing windows or skylights that let in sunlight.
Use of Visible Materials
The strategic use of materials and textures adds visual interest, while maintaining a sleek, contemporary look.
Two of the most used materials in HOUSE DESIGNS are wood and CONCRETE . In the minimalist style, they are usually almost always in sight.
Industrial Standardization
Industrial standardization has become essential in the modern world due to its effectiveness, and the minimalist style often makes the most of it.
THIS LLP bioclimatic house , located in Collserola, Barcelona, Spain, is an example. Inside, industrial wood prevails, with its characteristic textures and finishes, which are combined with furniture in white tones.
The solar protection of the windows, the ventilated wooden façade, the use of a plant cover with a high landscape value, and an architectural design that facilitates cross ventilation, make this house an example of modern and minimalist architecture to imitate.
Structural and Spatial Purism
Structural and spatial purism aims to simplify and reduce the design of a building to its basic components. When applied, this purist approach results in minimal structures characterized by their unadorned framing and reinforced concrete walls.
Structural purism in minimalist-style houses is based on the use of simple geometries and only the necessary elements to allow maximum use of space.
The spaces created by this type of architecture must evoke sensations of calm within their minimalist surroundings, calm environments conducive to the concentration and creativity of those who find themselves in them.
Interiors of Minimalist Houses
Austerity and Sober Tones
The austerity and the sober tones can be the perfect base for a minimalist decoration. This type of decoration uses natural materials and simple shapes.
Using muted grays and whites with occasional, carefully selected pops of colour, provides an austere atmosphere that is both elegant and contemplative, worthy of its own unique style.
Furthermore, the selection of furniture must be carefully considered to ensure that it is both stylish and practical. By combining these elements, you can achieve a calm and cozy atmosphere.
Economics of Design Elements
Modern life is becoming more practical, so small spaces and little furniture redefine the interior design of our lives.
Minimalism not only serves to give more aesthetics, but also to promote a lifestyle away from excessive consumerism.
Although it may seem that the minimalist aesthetic lacks character, with white walls and spaces that are somewhat empty, this is not necessarily true. Ultimately, minimalism focuses on ensuring that your home is equipped with only the essentials.
Space as a Protagonist
Some interior designs of minimalist houses result in true works of art, as if they were an abstract painting. In the following photo, we can see how symmetry marks the interior design in ocher and monochrome tones, with a complete absence of decorative objects.
Rectilinear Geometry
The emphasis on straight lines in the minimalist style is really interesting, giving a feeling of spaciousness and depth, accentuating spatiality.
Minimalist pieces typically feature very few, if any, curves or other unconventional shapes.
From the minimalist furniture to its architectural and structural design, straight lines continue to assert themselves as a true staple of contemporary design.
Reduction and Synthesis in the Decoration of Minimalist Houses
High-quality materials used, polished concrete floors, monochromatic colors… All these are characteristics of the synthesis that the style of minimalist houses provides.
The minimalist architecture introduced several elements in the houses, among which the use of cement stands out. In its different finishes or textures, smooth cement is an element with unlimited potential.
This minimalist house is an example of subtlety and integration with the environment. The house is located in Drevviken, in Sweden. It is a cubic-shaped house, in white and gray tones, in which the architect Pawson sought integration with the environment from the outset.
Advantages of Minimalist Houses
Closely related to the characteristics of minimalist houses, we have the advantages of living in minimalist style houses :
- Psychological and emotional well-being
- order and cleanliness
- Clear and quiet spaces
- Economy in design
- Saving resources (cheaper houses)
- Faster construction
- Few resources for a minimalist interior decoration
Conclusions
The design of minimalist houses has gone from being a trend to being a fairly widespread fashion in any part of the planet.
Really, we are invaded by a minimalist aesthetic, very different from the baroque soul , which is consumerist and charged with spirit and tradition.
In a general sense, in the minimalist decoration the decorative elements combine with the fabrics of the armchairs and with the rugs. Patterns are not usually used in his compositions, but rather, he uses smooth textiles and visible wooden objects .
Thus, the interior atmospheres are pleasant, calm and contemporary.
If you want to see more HOUSE DESIGNS you can follow the link, and you will find interesting ideas of modern HOUSES.