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“Less is more”

– Ar. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

The Modern and Minimalistic design style focuses on functionality and practicality of the space creating a clean and uncluttered environment. Clean straight lines, basic form, texture play, neutral colour theme, aesthetic with functional elements and lots of natural light.

MINIMALIST ENTRANCE 

Verandah/ Foyer/Entrance/Lobby

The entrance is the face of our home, whether living in a bungalow/ a multi storied apartment/ duplex/ row houses, etc. It needs to reflect the theme of the house. A neat and clean entrance filled with natural light if possible or ambient artificial light (warm yellow COB LED lights) with the basic elements is a good start. 

Tips: 

1. Neutral tone walls make all the difference to a relatively smaller entryway.
2. Mirror can be a really good accent to elevate a narrow entrance.
3. A pair of lounge chairs or a bench with bright coloured/ printed / textured cushions can be the highlight at the entrance paired with minimal wall decor.

MINIMALIST LIVING ROOM

Furniture in its basic forms – Earthy tones , open legs or sleek go well with the minimal style. Wall sconces, indirect lighting, COB LED lights, wall washers are lighting alternatives that enhance the living space interiors.(please refer to Styling with lights for more details)

 Different textured fabrics for the upholstery, curtains, throw pillows, rugs can be mixed and layered together to bring character, warmth and depth. Similarly different textures can be brought by neutral tones of flooring, walls, furniture, accessories to give a minimal, sleek and modern look.(please refer to blog The INDISPENSABLES – textures & patterns for more details)

A floating shelf is a fantastic way to make your living room feel both organised and modern. Metallic accents in its simplest forms and clear lines elevate the design for a minimal living room. For a TV unit, drawers without handles in neutral shades look neat and provide storage options.

Tips: 

1. Adding a few plants makes your living room feel livelier and fresh.
2. Bold artwork, patterns and prints in soft furnishing can be used as accents but sparingly for a minimal living room.
3. Beige, ivory and milky white tone walls with warm wood finish makes the room look cleaner and spacious.

MINIMALISTIC KITCHEN

The three key kitchen elements are the  hob, the sink and the refrigerator. As per the rulebook they need to be in a triangular position except the linear kitchens where it needs to be spaced out for a good functional room.

White/ black  marble /granite or quartz  or reclaimed wood with epoxy finish could be good options for sleek, modern platforms. Plain, solid-coloured base cabinets in coloured greys or pastels with slender handles or handleless (preferred), smooth platform surfaces like marble or concrete with flat finish fascia, back painted glass backsplash, sleek appliances, pull out platforms and use of stools instead of chairs are some examples that characterise minimalism. 

The most efficient way to get a minimalistic kitchen is to organise your groceries in same size containers,  arrange the cutlery in divided trays or separate organisers. Cooking utensils can have a specified space, not all over the place. This makes it more spacious and functional.

Designated areas for snacks, canned foods, containers/tiffins/water bottles, etc. can be stacked in a tall unit/ top/ base cabinet as per convenience.

Tips: 

1. Appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines can be placed below the platform whereas the oven, microwave and refrigerator take up in a tall cabinet. 
2. Use of built in lofts above wall cabinets provides more storage. (as per requirements). 
3. Task Lights – Kitchen being a task oriented place for cooking, washing dishes, ironing, laundry, etc. can be put under top cabinets. 
4. Open plan kitchen – A breakfast table or extended counter top as table top serves great for quick hot meals, homework with toddlers, entertaining family/ friends or work from home too. 
5. For a utility room, light colours for storage cabinets with floating open shelves is a good option.

MINIMALISTIC DINING

A minimalist dining room offers a unique ambience for enjoyable meals. A space saving, sleek dining table with chairs, becomes the focal point of the room. The most impressive element in minimalistic design can be glass table tops which makes the room more spacious and airy. Walls can be painted in neutral tones; though adding coloured greys make it further cosy and comfortable. 

Ample amount of natural daylight and sleek pendant lights/ fixtures with  smart soft artificial lighting options serves both functional and aesthetic purposes adding grandeur to minimalism. 

Mirrors reflect more light making the room brighter.

Different ceiling or flooring patterns (Please refer flooring page inside Eco-Conscious Sustainable Living Blog for more details) distinguishes the dining area from the rest of the house. A console with drawers in clean lines provides store options for cutlery & linens.

Tips: 

1. Simple accents that create a big visual impact, for example- placemats, table napkins with a customised  touch, an area rug or a tall indoor planter can bind it all together.

Common Tips

1. An evergreen indoor plant is the most economical and easy to maintain element.
2. Minimalism is not only about having less elements in the given space but having them placed in an organised manner too.

“What you see is how you feel…”