Skip to main content Yes, your house can be clean-lined and cozy July 21, 2016 Minimalist homes, with their soothing swathes of empty floor space and serene bare walls, are filling up our Pinterest boards and Instagram feeds these days. Saying good-bye to all of that clutter and investing in just a few beautifully made pieces is enticing, to say the least. But simplifying too much can leave a space feeling cold and inhospitable. Courtney Trump, the principal designer of Lüft Design based in San Francisco, describes her design philosophy as “warm minimalism,” so who better to offer advice on getting it right? Here, she tells us four secrets to designing a clean-lined space that’s still infused with meaning and character. “Keep the foundation of your rooms simple and pure, curating every piece in your space with intent. Look for warmth, texture, and muted or dramatic rich tones. Let form and texture lead,” says Trump. “Subtlety is timeless.”
“Minimalism is flourishing the world over—explore the work of architects, designers, and brands from Italy to Australia. Our need to disconnect from technology is heavily influencing designers across the globe to edit and compose spaces with purpose. As a result, there is an amazing breadth of minimalist design within our grasp,” says Trump. “Your space will have greater depth and deeper roots if you explore what’s beyond your own doorstep.” Here, she draped a soft throw by Fells / Andes in San Francisco over a Round chair by Danish architect Hans Wegner, which sits next to a tea set by Spanish company Sargadelos Porcelain.
“Our homes and offices are not static environments. They should be unique and fluid, suiting our most basic and demanding physical and emotional needs,” says Trump. “Take time to observe your daily rituals, taking note of how you interact with your space, the objects you use most and those you could potentially eliminate.” For this kitchen, Trump was tasked with crafting a space that was functional but had a sense of calm. She achieved that effect with airy white upper cabinets, minimal hardware, and a custom white-oak dining table where the clients could enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee together.
“Minimalists may live with less, but that doesn’t mean forgoing the necessities. Carefully planned spaces can hold vast amounts of storage, freeing us from the weight of excess and allowing us room to contemplate.” This bedroom’s custom closet looks like a piece of furniture from the outside, but it’s actually 30 inches deep with a bumped-back interior wall.
COURTESY OF NICOLE FRANZEN
Less is more, functional, clean lines, white on white on white—all could be the basic definition of minimalism—or are you actually describing modernism? Or maybe even contemporary design? Though they all have shared traits, they're definitely not interchangeable. You wouldn't be the first person to get them confused, so we're setting the record straight once and for all on what minimalism actually is.
It Grew Out Of A Rejection For Expressionism.
While abstract expressionism resulted in an almost chaotic design style thanks to its emotional intensity, minimalism sought to pare down to an essential nature and remove all excess, creating harmony from simplicity. The term was first used in the early 1960's.
"Minimalist design is all about living with less, but living with better."
It Prioritizes Efficiency.
Cut out as many "extras" as you can, because minimalism is all about what is strictly functional. No trendy accent tables or chairs that are totally uncomfortable to actually sit in. If you aren't going to use it and it isn't absolutely necessary, it's gone. "The main feature of minimalism is designing with form and function always being top of mind. A piece should provide a real function," says Liz Bachman, interior stylist and the blogger behind Grey & Scout. Prioritizing space is key here.
It Kicks Clutter To The Curb.
All spaces need to be cleared—countertops, your dining table, your dresser—store what you need out of sight, and nix anything that isn't totally necessary. This concept carries over from decor to design, favoring open-concept spaces that are flowing and devoid of any cumbersome and overwhelming furniture taking up visual [or actual] space.
Go Neutral Or Go Home.
Minimalism generally doesn't mess around when it comes to color. There's a very set color palette, and that is neutral. It keeps the space clean and fresh, and makes everything feel just a bit more calm. However, warm minimalism is having a moment, where deeper hues are starting to pop up in design, making a space feel more inviting. Think burgundy, navy blue, and clay. "It’s about creating a sense of cohesion, so no piece of furniture or color is over-dominating the space," says London-based interior stylist Cate St Hill.
Texture Is Used To Add Warmth.
Where pattern, furniture, or decor accents are generally used to warm up a space, minimalism relies on texture. Sheepskin rugs, linen pillows, and knit throws help keep a space from feeling cold and stark—but don't go overboard. As in all things minimalist, restraint is encouraged. "Done right, minimalism can be very cozy," Bachman says. "Stay away from the contemporary trends of everything all white. Mix your woods, mix metals, use soft, plush textiles like rugs and pillows."
Courtesy of Rip & Tan
Quality Over Quantity.
Because you're paring down, minimalism seeks to choose items that will stand the test of time—meaning, trendy pieces are out. "Minimalist design is all about living with less, but living with better. It’s a less is more approach—being mindful of how furniture is placed in a room, where it comes from, and how it’s made," St Hill says.
This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Reducing designs and decor to their most basic and necessary form naturally creates more empty space. Whether floor or countertop, minimalism encourages space and finding beauty in the simplicity. Excess should never obscure design. "When I’m designing I like to think of Coco Chanel’s famous saying ‘before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off,’" St Hill says, "the same ethos can be applied when decorating the home."
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io