Life, Styled
The bare essentials. That is how some would describe a minimalist design style, one void of color and personality. A house designed with this style will only have the necessities needed to function, but that is not the case. While it is true that the minimalist style lacks the extra fluff and sparkle of other styles, it is still a beautiful choice for those who are looking to create a space with simplicity. Let’s unpack this style to see if it suits your home.
What Is A Minimalist Style?
What began as an art movement of the 1960s gradually migrated into the design world. Clean lines, open floor plans, natural light, and simple accessories like one art piece or a delicate vase. The minimal style is minimal. It trades out the trendy for the timeless by eliminating the extra. You won’t find clutter, loads of color, or significant patterns. Instead, you will see natural light paired with a quiet monochromatic palette. Walls are adorned with only a few pieces of art and furniture that serve a practical purpose. White, beige, and gray are the primary colors used with a minimal design style since they create a simple, calming effect.
Is It Right For You?
Some may hear the description of a minimalist style and think it is too dull for their taste. While it is true that this style is more simplistic, it has its own beauty and charm. That being said, how do you know if this style is for you? Can you relate to most of these things on the list?
- Do you have a less-is-more approach to life?
- The focus of the space is not the decor but the view?
- Natural light is essential in the design.
- A simple color palette is what you prefer.
Be sure to talk with your designer about your design preferences and vision for your space. This will help them create a space that reflects you and what is important to your lifestyle.
Design With A Minimalist Style.
If you choose this style, what is considered essential to the design, what elements are key, and what needs to be avoided?
- Remember, minimal is the key: While this seems obvious, adding a little extra color here or hanging one more art piece can be tempting, but a minimalist design thrives on simple form and function.
- Be ready to declutter: Clutter is the opposite of minimalism. Take stock of what’s in each room and think about ways you can remove, reduce, or store what’s already there.
- Neutral colors are king: Subdued and toned-down shades are essential to this style, as they invoke a clean space and highlight the essentials.
- Remember form and function: This is an important element of the design as it allows you to use the space and enjoy it. Pick furniture that is not only functional but also comfortable.
Above all else, the most important thing to remember is that this is your home. While you are encouraged to gather inspirational photos, don’t forget that this is your home and should reflect your style. Talk to your designer about ways to incorporate a few things that say home to you. Here are a few other design tips.
Greenbrook DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Greenbrook Design