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 DesignMaking the decision to open our own showroom was not done overnight. It began as the answer to a need for our clients. They needed a place where they could come and explore the possibilities that awaited them for their home renovation. It was important to our owners, Travis and Stacey Walker, that their clients could see and feel the products, enhancing their design experience. As the idea became a reality, the Walkers realized the added benefit of having more than just cabinets featured in the showroom. Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for not just four lines of cabinetry but multiple home furnishings and decor companies like Europe 2 You and Moe’s. Get a peek inside the showroom here and listen to Stacey share her vision of the showroom.
We have all witnessed the transformation this past year, bedrooms become offices, kitchen tables become classrooms, and your basement doubles as a home gym. The problem is that most of these spaces were not ready to accommodate double duty. Multifunctional means one area of the home can handle multiple duties, while this sounds great, no one wants it to look like it’s a three-in-one, which is where good design comes into play. Selecting furniture pieces that can serve several purposes or planning a layout that can fulfill multiple needs is key to creating a home that suits your family’s unique lifestyle and routine. Let’s discuss what goes into designing these spaces and how you can make the most of the space you have.
Walker WoodworkingDesign is more than just creating a layout that is functional and beautiful; it is about turning a house into a home that has an atmosphere just right for you. A functional home is good, but a home where you feel at home is best, which is the end goal for every designer. One way to have a welcoming environment is to draw inspiration from nature, which is a trend that is gaining momentum in the design world.
Walker Woodworking When you think of a closet, you envision a space within a room that opens with a door. For some, it means enough room to hang up clothes or store larger items. It has, however, evolved to become much more than a mere stash and go-to spot for necessities. From hall closets to pantries to linen and bedroom closets, they serve multiple purposes. Today, it can be a mini dressing room, a place to keep all the kids’ sports equipment, and even a place of meditation ( really, it’s a thing). It is a great way to gain extra storage in the bedroom for personal items and is considered an extension of the home.
Walker Woodworking Are you feeling like something needs to change inside your home? Tired of the same old decor pieces greeting you when you come home? Maybe your taste in style has changed, and you’re looking for a little update? The good news is you don’t have to do a full-blown renovation to achieve your goal; sometimes, it takes a little freshening up to update your home.
Greenbrook Design