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.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Greenbrook Design