If you’re interested in clean lines, wide open spaces, cutting out the
extras and focusing on essential, functional elements in your decor, you may be
interested in the latest rage of minimalism in modern design. We often hear the
terms modern, contemporary and minimalist when it comes to decorating. All three terms are popular in interior room
and home décor and are often used interchangeably.
While there is
definitely overlap in these three decorating styles, there are differences
which give unique characteristics to each style. Each style focuses on simpler forms and
clean, geometric lines with less ornate décor and less traditional furnishings.
Let’s review the meaning of modern, contemporary and minimalism to fully
understand the similarities and differences in modern design.
Modern Style
Modern design refers to innovations developed from
mid-century, modern designers who introduced neutral, white walls, bare flooring
and furnishing in white, cream, brown or gray as opposed to the ornate and
handcrafted furnishings prior to the 1920’s.
The modern movement focused on simple lines, clean colors and the less
is more philosophy. Color is introduced in artwork or small accent furnishings
with a pop of red, yellow, blue or orange being the favored color choices.
While modern is a precursor to both contemporary and
minimalism styles, there are some specific trains that make each style unique.
Contemporary Style
Contemporary style refers to clean and fashionable without
overdoing it, while also referring to the current trends which are ever
changing. For example, stainless steel
and brushed nickel were considered ‘in’ until just recently when we’ve seen
gold and brass finishes trending, which could be called contemporary.
Materials used in your décor play a big role in how your
space is defined, either as modern or contemporary. Modern décor may still consist of natural and
wood elements while a contemporary style seems to define a more glass and metal
material look.
Minimalism in Modern
Design
Minimalism is modern design includes elements from modern and contemporary
design techniques, with a focus on function and eliminating anything
extra. Minimalism also places extra
focus on placing only essential, functional elements in wide open spaces. This promotes an efficient design, which can
still be modern or contemporary. Some
key elements of a minimalist design approach include:
●
Clean lines and open, well-lit spaces – open
areas allow an abundance of light to enter the room on clean, light colored and
uncluttered spaces.
●
Uncluttered, uncomplicated wall finishes –
simple materials which express physical characteristics and visual appeal
●
Simplicity in form and function –
straightforward and simple floor layout with stacked spaces for efficiency and
less internal walls
●
Simple details with lack of decoration – clean
cabinetry without hardware and minimal trim details
●
Strategic use of texture and materials –
materials provide a visually appealing texture which looks interesting even
with minimal décor and furnishings.
When looking to modernize the look of your home or specific rooms, start
with an open mind to reducing waste, decorations and furnishings and focus on
the essentials for a minimalistic approach.
Open airy spaces with plenty of natural light and interesting textures
will go along way to upgrade your space without going overboard. Contact your flooring and tile design center for more
ideas on using minimalism in modern design for your next project.
Great Western
Flooring offers complimentary design consultations to make sure your next
project is a raging success. We provide quality flooring and tile products with
professional installation. Stop by one of our convenient design centers in
Naperville, Oswego or St. Charles to learn more tips on incorporating modern,
contemporary or minimalism in modern design techniques.
This
article was originally published at
https://www.greatwesternflooring.com/flooring-blog/minimalism-in-modern-design/
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