Tired of colorful and heavy interiors, overloaded with unnecessary furniture and details? Do you want to radically abandon grandmother's cabinets and carpets, but do not know how to do it in style? Modern minimalism has decided everything for you long ago. But don't worry, a minimal apartment isn't about empty rooms and bare white walls. We are ready to tell you about the style features and current trends!
The history of the appearance of style
Minimalism is considered one of the most modern interior styles, but in fact, the prerequisites for its appearance can be traced back to the 20s of the last century. They gradually manifested themselves not only in architecture and interiors, but also in painting, sculpture, literature and music.
The Dutch community of artists and designers "Style" actively promoted the concept that every object and work of art should be rational and functional. It was this laconic engineering aesthetics that formed the basis for the formation of minimalism.
The second key factor that influenced the formation of minimalism in its modern interpretation is Japanese culture and customs. The Western world discovered new trends after World War II, and quickly adopted them for itself.
The new philosophy affected everything: the development of science, technology, and, naturally, the interiors. For architects and artists, over-fed with the pomp of the classics, it was a breath of fresh air.
New trends gradually appeared, and classic minimalism faded into the background. But in the 70s, bright kitsch, pop art and flashy catchy interiors came into fashion. And as an answer, the popularity of simple and concise solutions began to return again.
Features of minimalism in the design of the apartment
For all its simplicity, minimalism is quite multifaceted and diverse. Several areas can be distinguished: Japanese, Scandinavian, eco-style, interiors with a bias in high-tech and contemporary (modern style). The eclecticism of fashion only contributes to such combinations and quirky weaves.
But some common features can be noted: in particular, the simplicity of forms, structures, textures and materials. These are clear geometric lines, an abundance of light and the absence of non-functional decor.
Minimalism does not need the symmetry inherent in classic interiors. But it is characterized by the unification and zoning of space, which is why light studios came into fashion. In big and bustling cities, minimalism promotes exactly the opposite: calmness, poise and harmony.
The main challenge in creating minimalist apartment interiors is planning. The strict and laconic style does not forgive mistakes, so you need to think in advance about the location and purpose of each thing in the room.
Materials and design
Initially, minimalism gravitated towards natural textures and materials: wood, stone, untreated brick and concrete surfaces. But modern interpretations allow for the use of acrylic, gloss, steel, glass, chrome and plastic. The main thing is the inner unity of all elements with each other and as much daylight as possible.
Wall decoration
The best material for walls in minimalism is the usual painting with water-based paint. Less commonly, textured plaster, wallpaper or cladding panels are used, and tiles are used in the bathroom or kitchen. The main thing is that the walls are simple and laconic, preferably monochromatic, because they set the background to the interior.
Ceiling design
The embodiment of the very concept of minimalism is modern stretch ceilings. Perfectly smooth, even and neat PVC cloth with a glossy, matte or satin texture will fit into any room and into any interior.
Floor finishing
A safe choice for flooring is a laminate of a suitable class: moisture-resistant for the kitchen, wear-resistant for the hallway, classic for the bedroom and living room. This is a more practical and functional imitation of artistic parquet. There are also collections with more varied designs or even plain flooring.
Alternatives to laminate are tiles, porcelain stoneware and natural or artificial stone. They are usually used in corridors and in damp rooms. Solid carpets are not minimalistic, but you can leave a small, cozy rug by the bed or sofa.
Furniture
In minimalist apartments, only the most necessary furniture is enough. Hinged, folding and retractable structures and modern storage systems will fit especially well. Replace several pencil cases and dressers with one multifunctional wardrobe, and massive sideboards with open light shelves.
Lighting and decorative lighting
The ideal lighting for a minimalist apartment is real daylight. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a luxury that is rarely found in modern homes, but you can compensate for this by the absence of heavy curtains and unnecessary textiles. Curtains are either translucent or strictly functional roller blinds or blinds.
To achieve the most uniform and high-quality lighting, use modern multi-level systems. Separately - pendant, overhead or spot ceiling lamps, separately - wall sconces, separately - floor lamps and table lamps.
Use zoned LED or neon lighting for mirrors, niches and shelves. It is a convenient and at the same time stylish decorative element that immediately transforms the room and sets the mood for it.
Scandinavian style apartment design (80 photos)
Color solutions
The color scheme in minimalism requires conciseness and monochrome. A safe choice is walls, floors and ceilings in the same color scheme with bright accessories, furniture and accents. The game of halftones and textures is actively used, which becomes an independent design technique.
White color
White is the most traditional choice for minimalist interiors, because it combines all the main features: it is simple, light and neutral. And so that the snow-white room does not give off a hospital ward or laboratory, dilute it with contrasting black or bright color accents.
Beige tones
For warmer and more cozy minimalism directions, beige, cream, sand and their various variations are the ideal base. It is a good choice for Scandinavian interiors, natural eco-style, light Japanese rooms. Beige blends harmoniously with dark brown woods, pale pastels or complex dark shades.
Gray tones
An abundance of gray is used in more modern forms of minimalism with a bias towards a technological or industrial style. These are bare concrete, steel shelving, chrome fittings and stylish accessories in a dark graphite color.
Black color
For a long time, black was used in minimalism only for contrasting elements. But now it is increasingly used as a basis for elegant, expensive and laconic interiors. The main thing in such a room is as much space and light as possible so that it is not too gloomy.
Bright accents
Simple juicy colors are often used as colorful spots in minimalistic interiors: yellow, orange, red, blue, green. Their acidic and neon variations are good for high-tech interiors, while deep mustard, emerald and burgundy tones are good for more natural and natural styles.
Layout and zoning
Zoning is the main technique for organizing space in minimalism. In such apartments, massive partitions are rarely used, but zoning due to light, color and textures is exactly your choice.If you need a more solid solution, pay attention to light folding screens, glass partitions, functional plasterboard structures, adapted to a table or a bar counter.
Good for planning multi-level suspended or suspended ceilings and podiums. At the same time, boxes and storage boxes can be built into the podium instead of a closet.
Another common trick is the island layout, which is especially used in the kitchen or living room. This means that furniture is not displayed along the walls around the perimeter of the room, but in functional areas: a separate sofa with a coffee table, a separate dining table, and a separate workplace.
Design of a one-room apartment 33 sq.m. (90 photos)
Minimalism in the interior of the apartment
The beauty of minimalism in an apartment is also that it can be adapted to any room. It is good in the bathroom, in the nursery or in the bedroom, because the combination of simplicity and practicality is never inappropriate.
Living room in the style of minimalism
A minimalist living room is ideal for relaxing and receiving guests, because it has enough light and space for everyone. In the center of the composition is a simple-shaped sofa without massive sides. And you can add colors with the help of an accent wall, panels or photographs, bright decorative pillows.
Minimalist kitchen
Minimalistic kitchens are a triumph of functionality, modern systems and built-in appliances. A good choice is corner headsets, which allow you to use the entire space to the fullest. But it is better to refuse from the excessive decor characteristic of Provence and romantic styles.
Bedroom in the style of minimalism
The ideal minimalist bedroom is a large, spacious bed in the center of the room. There is no need to save on it, because healthy sleep is the key to good health. If you can give up wardrobes and dressers in the bedroom - give up, because in practice there are enough bedside tables and a mirror with a small dressing table.
Bathroom in the style of minimalism
The main problems of bathrooms in apartments are the lack of space and light, which fully compensates for minimalism. Replace the bathtub with a modern shower cubicle, a floor-standing toilet for a built-in installation, and a tulip sink for a water lily combined with a cabinet or washing machine.
Children's room in the style of minimalism
Minimalism in the nursery is good for its adaptability, because the child is growing rapidly, and his needs are changing. Minimalistic interiors do not have to be constantly updated and changed: accessories or toys are enough for transformation. And most importantly - a large amount of space for the child to play and a minimum of potentially traumatic items.
Design of a small apartment in the style of minimalism
For small apartments, Khrushchev houses and studios, it is difficult to find a style better than minimalism. It is he who allows you to squeeze the maximum even with not the most favorable input data. Choose a light finish, multi-level lighting, laconic furniture and built-in appliances - and even a small footage can be turned into a light, spacious and functional one.
Provence style apartment design (60 photos)
Apartment in the style of minimalism - photos of real interiors
As we said, minimalism is a very multifaceted and varied style. Do you want to be convinced of this also clearly? Then we offer you this collection of photos for inspiration!
