Today, minimalism is considered one of the most popular styles in design. The modest design looks good both in the spacious rooms of country houses, and in cramped city apartments. Minimalism is distinguished by laconicism, “correct” geometry, free spaces and a special combination of neutral shades with textured surfaces. Conservatives may find the direction unnecessarily fresh and boring, although it is characterized by a special dynamism, which a modern man will appreciate, dragged headlong into the crater of a crazy rhythm of life. The design of apartments in the style of minimalism only at first glance may seem simple to execute. In fact, the direction has a lot of pitfalls and subtleties that must be taken into account even at the stage of creating the project. In the article, we will talk about how to properly arrange the rooms in a laconic style: modest, but with deep implication.
Already at the beginning of the last century, the life of an average person has changed dramatically and the reason for this was a technical “leap”. A Bell pipe appears (now the Meucci pipe), Benz shows off the first car, the Lumiere brothers invent a movie camera, Wright makes the first timid attempts at exploring the sky. Although manual labor is no longer in honor, the work of huge industrial enterprises requires whole artels of workers. For ordinary hard workers, they begin to build economical houses with box apartments, in which the pampered, languid classic and her main "follower", Art Deco, find no place for themselves. Architecture also changes dramatically, as a completely new, modern direction appears in it - constructivism, and then functionalism, which exclude any romance. They became the founders of a whole group of styles, among which “high-tech” high-tech, minimalism, industrial, which in turn gave rise to a more elegant loft for fashionable apartments. High-rise buildings are being replaced by skyscrapers made of glass and concrete. Architecture strives up to where the inventions of Mozhaisk and Santos-Dumont are already flying with might and main. The first studios appear - apartments without interior walls, in which all the contents of two-room and three-room options fit. Division of premises into zones is becoming commonplace.
Designers try to adhere to the principles of laconicism and rationalism when decorating housing. And at that moment primitive minimalism appears on the scene. In those days, it became a product of nihilistic protest. Minimalists believed that luxury was the lot of the bourgeois, to whom they had a burning dislike and neglect.As a contrasting alternative, the basic principles of style were created on which it is still based. Minimalist ideas are firmly entrenched in the art of design, but in almost a hundred years they have acquired a new form and different status.
Now this is a whole philosophy of life, which is displayed in the decoration of housing, because the house is the fortress of man. The Land of the Rising Sun contributed to this in many respects, where laconicism and simplicity were worshiped in those days when the Old World was still buried in shamelessly luxurious, rich apartments in the Baroque, Rococo, Empire style. The Japanese are contemplators, but the subject of philosophical observation is natural objects, not man-made objects. Interiors are simplified, which helps to keep the environment in order, and therefore not distracted by material trifles. To comprehend this philosophy of life, it is not enough just to furnish a house in a minimalist style, for this you need to achieve "Zen" - a special state of inner harmony that affects the perception of the world.
Features and main features of the style
According to experts, minimalism occupies an intermediate position between strict asceticism and functionalism more loyal to comfort. The decor of the room is for the person, and not vice versa, as is often the case with artsy styles. For those who suffer from “thingism,” that is, collecting all kinds of objects that “might once come in handy,” this area will be the best way to get rid of useless ballast. Minimalism is characterized by the application of a number of rules:
The abundance of light, the effect of which is enhanced by the freedom of space.
Lack of small decorative elements.
Restrained tones, as the basis of the color scheme. When applying, the principle of combining three shades is applied: two neutral and a third accent.
Simple geometry in the details of the furniture.
Rational and convenient location filling the room.
Natural materials and textiles, allowing you to equip a status interior in expensive apartments.
Minimalism is considered a clear and expressive style. To emphasize any design detail, simply add it to the composition, that is, show that it is worthy to take its place in the interior. You can polish an accent element with the help of color and special texture, which will stand out against the background of general smoothness.
For owners of small one-room apartments, where there’s nowhere to turn around, minimalism will be a real chance to radically change the situation for the better.
Color variety
The basis of a minimalist color composition is usually a trio:
White.
Gray.
The black.
As a rule, the tone concept is built on the principle of analogy or monochrome, that is, all components of the composition are shades of the same color. If the decoration is too gloomy and gloomy, the atmosphere is diluted with one or two relatively bright details. Use elements in light shades of blue, yellow, orange, green, lilac. To emphasize the whiteness of the surface, a game of contrasts with spectacular black is used. Also to focus on white will help textured materials: wood, metal. Preference is given to gray, beige, pearl, creamy, sand, ash and light nut shades. They do not have the straightforwardness and uncompromising white, but great play with him in a duet.
Materials and methods of decoration
The ceiling is finished with one of the following options:
Plaster in snow-white color.
They are painted in “milky” tones.
Cover with a stretch fabric with a glossy surface, but without a pattern.
Mount the frame, which is sheathed with sheets of drywall.
The latter method is suitable for creating complex architecture of a multilevel ceiling when zoning a room.Drywall is subsequently painted in white or in light shades of the colors used in the interior. Walls are traditionally covered with textured plaster or glued with plain wallpaper. In addition, they are decorated with wooden panels, glass or tile (in the kitchen), brick or masonry. The latter option makes the minimalist interior remotely similar to the loft style design. Textured surfaces are usually placed on the bottom of the wall to a certain line (approximately on the window sill line). The top should remain solid so that nothing distracts from "meditation." The floor is finished with a parquet board, decking, ceramic tiles (large), linoleum or using a bulk version. Prerequisite: the surface must be solid. The living room, bedroom and children's floor are covered with large carpets with long nap, the fluffiness of which will compensate for the boring color monotony.
Furniture selection
Although minimalism regarding furniture adheres to conservative principles, creative relationships are also welcomed in interiors. The main thing is that there should be few of them, for each room one similar accent is enough. Creative elements can be frameless chairs or fixed to the ceiling (ball, cocoon, egg), hammocks, original coffee tables, hanging beds. When choosing furniture, you should pay attention to the following qualities:
Multifunctionality.
Practicality.
Laconicism in design and lack of decorative elements.
Comfort
Since multifunctional furniture significantly saves space, its use is welcome in minimalist interiors. All household appliances are usually hidden behind the doors of storage systems, beds turn into sofas or cabinets during the day, armchairs are retrained into couches or equipped with built-in tables.
Lighting design
In minimalism, lighting becomes an addition to the interior and its decoration.Of course, special powerful lamps are installed for work or a desk (workshop, library) is installed near a wide window to save electricity during the day. Otherwise, lighting plays the role of decoration. However, there is an important nuance here: the interior is not decorated with original plafonds, but with the light itself. Sconces, floor lamps, lamps and chandeliers have very prosaic and familiar forms. The use of original lamps is encouraged, in which you can adjust the light intensity or its spectrality. Rooms with hanging beds, armchairs, niches in the walls must be emphasized by spotlights, which are positioned in such a way as to enhance the illusion of "floating furniture".
About Textile
Textiles in a minimalist picture are far from the most important place. The reason is simple: it is not used much. Fabrics featured in curtains and upholstery. Natural options are preferred, since synthetics will not fit into the concept of laconic philosophy. Curtains use rolled or panel. In the first model, the web is wound on a horizontally located roller, and in the second - it is completely pushed to the side. By the way, it is panel curtains along with folding screens that are used when zoning a room. Their surface is usually plain with a light print. Furniture upholstery is also chosen from one-color fabrics of neutral shades. Sometimes it is covered with a pair of pillows in contrasting tones.
Flat design
To embody minimalism in an apartment, the designer will need an impeccable taste and sense of proportion. To find inspiration and get a “charge” of creative energy, you can see the portfolio of venerable designers, which showcase the best works in this style. Although the direction is subject to general rules, we consider the approximate design of each room separately in order to plunge into a minimalistic atmosphere and explore a number of nuances in special cases.
Living room
The living room usually occupies the most spacious room in the house. A characteristic solution for this room will be its association with the kitchen, dining room or hallway. When designing, it is important to create a competent model where properly organized space and lighting will be combined. The walls are painted, covered with textured Venetian plaster or pasted over with wallpaper of light shades. White color is ideal in this case. The floor is covered with parquet or linoleum. If the living room is combined with the kitchen, then the room is zoned using a combination of large tiles. Furniture is chosen in a strict geometric configuration: the sofa is rectangular, and the chairs have a cubic shape. The coffee table is made of glass with chrome details. Similar shelves adorn the shelf. The floor is covered with a fluffy carpet of ash color. It is permissible to allocate a corner for individual relaxation in the form of a hanging ball-chair. One or two elements are chosen from the decor: a massive porcelain vase on the floor, a picture or picture on the wall, a pot with a houseplant, a large sculpture.
Do not save on mirrors. It is advisable to hang just one that will occupy most of the wall. Such a move will visually increase the living room at the expense of perspective.
Kitchen
For kitchens in the style of minimalism, furniture with built-in appliances is selected, which will save space. All the attributes necessary for cooking are hidden behind the facades of cabinets. It is better to purchase a whole set, and not each of the furniture elements individually. Its facades are not decorated, only a flat surface, preferably with “hidden” handles. To visually increase the space, they resort to a tricky method: the bottom of the facade is executed in dark color, and the top in light. The finish of the kitchen apron with mirror tiles will look stylish. If the room is large, then the island layout is welcome, when the working area is represented by a countertop with a stove,serving forward. It can also be used as a dining table. A wide range of materials is used in wall decoration: brick, stone, veneer, vinyl wallpaper, chrome steel, high-quality plastic. The filling of the kitchen is emphasized by spotlights located around the perimeter of the room and in the area of shelves, niches, and the working area.
Bedroom
When planning a bedroom, you should consider installing a podium. On such a “pedestal” the bed will float in zero gravity, and a hidden storage system from drawers will allow to unload the wardrobe. A similar ledge is made on the ceiling, which follows the contours of the podium. The walls are simply finished, plaster is considered the best option. The accent area at the head of the bed is decorated with one or two paintings. Paired bedside tables are made of wood, similar to the material from which the bed is made. The wardrobe is installed by the built-in coupe model. Thus, it will be possible to win a little more useful space and mask the overall element of furniture. The floor is finished with laminate or parquet board. On top of it is covered with a large carpet. The boudoir zone is made out with the help of a pier glass or a table and mirror. By the way, the form and style of the latter can be borrowed from futurism. The designer mirror, assembled from individual fragments or convex elements without a frame, will look unusual. They are fixed directly to the wall. If green is chosen as an accent color, then in addition to the bedspread and pillows on the bed, made in its shades, the floor is covered with a rug imitating lawn grass. He will have something in common with a palm tree in an outdoor pot by the bed or window.
Hallway
For a cramped entryway, minimalism will come in handy. The walls and ceiling are covered with white textured plaster, and the floor is finished with a soft walnut or asphalt color laminate. The surface of the black entrance door with a glossy sheen will be in harmony with the built-in wardrobe.Its door is decorated with a mirrored surface, and the facades are decorated with alternating ash and black horizontal stripes. Outerwear, shoes and hats are stacked on its shelves. To change shoes, they put a low black ottoman at the door in the hallway. An empty wall can be decorated with a picture or a large photo in a metal frame.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, white color will be very appropriate. The room is finished with tiles, marble or light-colored granite imitation. Whiteness is effectively broken by bright accents: a curtain or a bath mat, towels on a holder, blinds on a window. The room is decorated with mirror surfaces, chrome-plated steel and traditional style glass. The hanging toilet and the overlaid stone sink bowl will look spectacular. Cabinets competently mask under the surface of the wall. The combined bathroom is zoned with a semitransparent partition of small height. Lighting is chosen slightly muffled, since the tiled and mirror surfaces in it will sparkle with new colors.
Conclusion
Minimalism in recent years has gained incredible popularity. Perhaps the reason for this was the natural desire of a man tired of overloaded spaces to get rid of all that was superfluous and surround himself with a piece of space and freedom. Unfortunately, the craving for “materialism” and the storage of unnecessary, rarely used, is still too strong for many. Therefore, minimalism is not suitable for everyone: empty rooms can cause psychological discomfort and a sense of insecurity. In fact, this style is not without a kind of beauty and coziness; the main thing is to find balance and harmony in it.
Today, minimalism is considered one of the most popular styles in design. The modest design looks good both in the spacious rooms of country houses, and in cramped city apartments. Minimalism is distinguished by laconicism, “correct” geometry, free spaces and a special combination of neutral shades with textured surfaces. Conservatives may find the direction unnecessarily fresh and boring, although it is characterized by a special dynamism, which a modern man will appreciate, dragged headlong into the crater of a crazy rhythm of life. The design of apartments in the style of minimalism only at first glance may seem simple to execute. In fact, the direction has a lot of pitfalls and subtleties that must be taken into account even at the stage of creating the project. In the article, we will talk about how to properly arrange the rooms in a laconic style: modest, but with deep implication.
Content
History of the appearance of style
Already at the beginning of the last century, the life of an average person has changed dramatically and the reason for this was a technical “leap”. A Bell pipe appears (now the Meucci pipe), Benz shows off the first car, the Lumiere brothers invent a movie camera, Wright makes the first timid attempts at exploring the sky. Although manual labor is no longer in honor, the work of huge industrial enterprises requires whole artels of workers. For ordinary hard workers, they begin to build economical houses with box apartments, in which the pampered, languid classic and her main "follower", Art Deco, find no place for themselves. Architecture also changes dramatically, as a completely new, modern direction appears in it - constructivism, and then functionalism, which exclude any romance. They became the founders of a whole group of styles, among which “high-tech” high-tech, minimalism, industrial, which in turn gave rise to a more elegant loft for fashionable apartments. High-rise buildings are being replaced by skyscrapers made of glass and concrete. Architecture strives up to where the inventions of Mozhaisk and Santos-Dumont are already flying with might and main. The first studios appear - apartments without interior walls, in which all the contents of two-room and three-room options fit. Division of premises into zones is becoming commonplace.
Designers try to adhere to the principles of laconicism and rationalism when decorating housing. And at that moment primitive minimalism appears on the scene. In those days, it became a product of nihilistic protest. Minimalists believed that luxury was the lot of the bourgeois, to whom they had a burning dislike and neglect.As a contrasting alternative, the basic principles of style were created on which it is still based. Minimalist ideas are firmly entrenched in the art of design, but in almost a hundred years they have acquired a new form and different status.
Now this is a whole philosophy of life, which is displayed in the decoration of housing, because the house is the fortress of man. The Land of the Rising Sun contributed to this in many respects, where laconicism and simplicity were worshiped in those days when the Old World was still buried in shamelessly luxurious, rich apartments in the Baroque, Rococo, Empire style. The Japanese are contemplators, but the subject of philosophical observation is natural objects, not man-made objects. Interiors are simplified, which helps to keep the environment in order, and therefore not distracted by material trifles. To comprehend this philosophy of life, it is not enough just to furnish a house in a minimalist style, for this you need to achieve "Zen" - a special state of inner harmony that affects the perception of the world.
Features and main features of the style
According to experts, minimalism occupies an intermediate position between strict asceticism and functionalism more loyal to comfort. The decor of the room is for the person, and not vice versa, as is often the case with artsy styles. For those who suffer from “thingism,” that is, collecting all kinds of objects that “might once come in handy,” this area will be the best way to get rid of useless ballast. Minimalism is characterized by the application of a number of rules:
Minimalism is considered a clear and expressive style. To emphasize any design detail, simply add it to the composition, that is, show that it is worthy to take its place in the interior. You can polish an accent element with the help of color and special texture, which will stand out against the background of general smoothness.
Color variety
The basis of a minimalist color composition is usually a trio:
As a rule, the tone concept is built on the principle of analogy or monochrome, that is, all components of the composition are shades of the same color. If the decoration is too gloomy and gloomy, the atmosphere is diluted with one or two relatively bright details. Use elements in light shades of blue, yellow, orange, green, lilac. To emphasize the whiteness of the surface, a game of contrasts with spectacular black is used. Also to focus on white will help textured materials: wood, metal. Preference is given to gray, beige, pearl, creamy, sand, ash and light nut shades. They do not have the straightforwardness and uncompromising white, but great play with him in a duet.
Materials and methods of decoration
The ceiling is finished with one of the following options:
The latter method is suitable for creating complex architecture of a multilevel ceiling when zoning a room.Drywall is subsequently painted in white or in light shades of the colors used in the interior. Walls are traditionally covered with textured plaster or glued with plain wallpaper. In addition, they are decorated with wooden panels, glass or tile (in the kitchen), brick or masonry. The latter option makes the minimalist interior remotely similar to the loft style design. Textured surfaces are usually placed on the bottom of the wall to a certain line (approximately on the window sill line). The top should remain solid so that nothing distracts from "meditation." The floor is finished with a parquet board, decking, ceramic tiles (large), linoleum or using a bulk version. Prerequisite: the surface must be solid. The living room, bedroom and children's floor are covered with large carpets with long nap, the fluffiness of which will compensate for the boring color monotony.
Furniture selection
Although minimalism regarding furniture adheres to conservative principles, creative relationships are also welcomed in interiors. The main thing is that there should be few of them, for each room one similar accent is enough. Creative elements can be frameless chairs or fixed to the ceiling (ball, cocoon, egg), hammocks, original coffee tables, hanging beds. When choosing furniture, you should pay attention to the following qualities:
Since multifunctional furniture significantly saves space, its use is welcome in minimalist interiors. All household appliances are usually hidden behind the doors of storage systems, beds turn into sofas or cabinets during the day, armchairs are retrained into couches or equipped with built-in tables.
Lighting design
In minimalism, lighting becomes an addition to the interior and its decoration.Of course, special powerful lamps are installed for work or a desk (workshop, library) is installed near a wide window to save electricity during the day. Otherwise, lighting plays the role of decoration. However, there is an important nuance here: the interior is not decorated with original plafonds, but with the light itself. Sconces, floor lamps, lamps and chandeliers have very prosaic and familiar forms. The use of original lamps is encouraged, in which you can adjust the light intensity or its spectrality. Rooms with hanging beds, armchairs, niches in the walls must be emphasized by spotlights, which are positioned in such a way as to enhance the illusion of "floating furniture".
About Textile
Textiles in a minimalist picture are far from the most important place. The reason is simple: it is not used much. Fabrics featured in curtains and upholstery. Natural options are preferred, since synthetics will not fit into the concept of laconic philosophy. Curtains use rolled or panel. In the first model, the web is wound on a horizontally located roller, and in the second - it is completely pushed to the side. By the way, it is panel curtains along with folding screens that are used when zoning a room. Their surface is usually plain with a light print. Furniture upholstery is also chosen from one-color fabrics of neutral shades. Sometimes it is covered with a pair of pillows in contrasting tones.
Flat design
To embody minimalism in an apartment, the designer will need an impeccable taste and sense of proportion. To find inspiration and get a “charge” of creative energy, you can see the portfolio of venerable designers, which showcase the best works in this style. Although the direction is subject to general rules, we consider the approximate design of each room separately in order to plunge into a minimalistic atmosphere and explore a number of nuances in special cases.
Living room
The living room usually occupies the most spacious room in the house. A characteristic solution for this room will be its association with the kitchen, dining room or hallway. When designing, it is important to create a competent model where properly organized space and lighting will be combined. The walls are painted, covered with textured Venetian plaster or pasted over with wallpaper of light shades. White color is ideal in this case. The floor is covered with parquet or linoleum. If the living room is combined with the kitchen, then the room is zoned using a combination of large tiles. Furniture is chosen in a strict geometric configuration: the sofa is rectangular, and the chairs have a cubic shape. The coffee table is made of glass with chrome details. Similar shelves adorn the shelf. The floor is covered with a fluffy carpet of ash color. It is permissible to allocate a corner for individual relaxation in the form of a hanging ball-chair. One or two elements are chosen from the decor: a massive porcelain vase on the floor, a picture or picture on the wall, a pot with a houseplant, a large sculpture.
Kitchen
For kitchens in the style of minimalism, furniture with built-in appliances is selected, which will save space. All the attributes necessary for cooking are hidden behind the facades of cabinets. It is better to purchase a whole set, and not each of the furniture elements individually. Its facades are not decorated, only a flat surface, preferably with “hidden” handles. To visually increase the space, they resort to a tricky method: the bottom of the facade is executed in dark color, and the top in light. The finish of the kitchen apron with mirror tiles will look stylish. If the room is large, then the island layout is welcome, when the working area is represented by a countertop with a stove,serving forward. It can also be used as a dining table. A wide range of materials is used in wall decoration: brick, stone, veneer, vinyl wallpaper, chrome steel, high-quality plastic. The filling of the kitchen is emphasized by spotlights located around the perimeter of the room and in the area of shelves, niches, and the working area.
Bedroom
When planning a bedroom, you should consider installing a podium. On such a “pedestal” the bed will float in zero gravity, and a hidden storage system from drawers will allow to unload the wardrobe. A similar ledge is made on the ceiling, which follows the contours of the podium. The walls are simply finished, plaster is considered the best option. The accent area at the head of the bed is decorated with one or two paintings. Paired bedside tables are made of wood, similar to the material from which the bed is made. The wardrobe is installed by the built-in coupe model. Thus, it will be possible to win a little more useful space and mask the overall element of furniture. The floor is finished with laminate or parquet board. On top of it is covered with a large carpet. The boudoir zone is made out with the help of a pier glass or a table and mirror. By the way, the form and style of the latter can be borrowed from futurism. The designer mirror, assembled from individual fragments or convex elements without a frame, will look unusual. They are fixed directly to the wall. If green is chosen as an accent color, then in addition to the bedspread and pillows on the bed, made in its shades, the floor is covered with a rug imitating lawn grass. He will have something in common with a palm tree in an outdoor pot by the bed or window.
Hallway
For a cramped entryway, minimalism will come in handy. The walls and ceiling are covered with white textured plaster, and the floor is finished with a soft walnut or asphalt color laminate. The surface of the black entrance door with a glossy sheen will be in harmony with the built-in wardrobe.Its door is decorated with a mirrored surface, and the facades are decorated with alternating ash and black horizontal stripes. Outerwear, shoes and hats are stacked on its shelves. To change shoes, they put a low black ottoman at the door in the hallway. An empty wall can be decorated with a picture or a large photo in a metal frame.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, white color will be very appropriate. The room is finished with tiles, marble or light-colored granite imitation. Whiteness is effectively broken by bright accents: a curtain or a bath mat, towels on a holder, blinds on a window. The room is decorated with mirror surfaces, chrome-plated steel and traditional style glass. The hanging toilet and the overlaid stone sink bowl will look spectacular. Cabinets competently mask under the surface of the wall. The combined bathroom is zoned with a semitransparent partition of small height. Lighting is chosen slightly muffled, since the tiled and mirror surfaces in it will sparkle with new colors.
Conclusion
Minimalism in recent years has gained incredible popularity. Perhaps the reason for this was the natural desire of a man tired of overloaded spaces to get rid of all that was superfluous and surround himself with a piece of space and freedom. Unfortunately, the craving for “materialism” and the storage of unnecessary, rarely used, is still too strong for many. Therefore, minimalism is not suitable for everyone: empty rooms can cause psychological discomfort and a sense of insecurity. In fact, this style is not without a kind of beauty and coziness; the main thing is to find balance and harmony in it.