It is quite difficult to make a living room comfortable and functional - it has to solve too many tasks at the same time. But difficult does not mean that it is unrealistic, and this is what minimalist designers are convinced of. Now let's figure out how it should look in practice and what to look for!
Features of minimalism in the interior
Minimalism was formed under the unconditional influence of Japanese culture and philosophy. Europe discovered oriental customs after World War II, and was no longer able to say goodbye to them. Architects, designers and artists have long been tired of pompous classics and happily picked up new trends.
Uniform canons for minimalism still do not exist, because for all its brevity, it is very diverse. Even now, several trends can be distinguished - Japanese, Scandinavian, high-tech or environmentally friendly. And most often they are intertwined with each other, keeping the general outlines.
Minimalism is always the simplicity of structures, shapes, materials, textures and absolutely everything that you use in the interior. It is dominated by clear geometric lines - it doesn't matter if they are angular or rounded. There is no place for unnecessary decorations, decor and endless cute but useless trinkets.
Symmetry in minimalism is an optional matter of mood and personal preference. Functional zoning and combining rooms for the sake of increasing space is more common. Such living rooms are not cluttered with furniture - they contain only the basic and most necessary things.
Color spectrum
Living rooms in the style of minimalism are traditionally monochrome or literally with one or two bright accents. All surfaces and furniture are designed in one calm range, and different details and textures give individuality. For example, colorful cushions, curved chrome lights, or a patchwork rug.
White living room in the style of minimalism
It is simply impossible to miscalculate with white in a minimalistic living room. He himself is the embodiment of the basic concept of the style. To avoid the feeling of a hospital room, combine similar shades and dilute them with a contrasting black or bright color.
Beige living room in the style of minimalism
For those who prefer warmer and more comfortable minimalistic interiors - beige, cream, milky, sand and all their variations. This is not as strict and cold option as white. An excellent choice if you prefer classic wood and natural fabrics instead of chrome and gloss.
Gray living room in the style of minimalism
Gray is a powerful trend of the last three years, which is actively used by modern minimalists around the world. It is good for more restrained and austere living rooms with a bias towards neoclassicism, and for a spectacular futuristic hi-tech. Bright and stylish interiors can be decorated with only shades of gray - from silver to graphite.
Black living room in the style of minimalism
Only owners of really large and bright living rooms can afford to use black as the main one. But black details are classics in minimalist interiors because they create the same contrast for all basic neutral colors. A black sofa, black fronts, shiny black appliances or a subfloor - all this is more useful than ever.
Bright accents
Bright colors are almost never used as a basis in minimalistic interiors. They already have their own mood and pronounced characteristics - and this contradicts the concept. But bright colorful spots, be it an accent wall or colorful flowerpots, will ideally dilute a calm living room. Choose more flashy and even acidic shades for modern projects, and complex and deep ones for more traditional ones.
Materials and textiles
Japanese minimalism was based on natural materials and textures.But since then, the development of the style has stepped far forward, so that acrylic, artificial stone, metal, plastic, chrome and glass are no less relevant. The main thing is to find harmony between different textures, because the line between eclecticism and luridness is very thin.
Floor finishing
Laminate is best suited for the living room floor - it is relatively inexpensive, practical and versatile. Do not use too complex patterns - a simple imitation of boards with minimal processing is enough. Pay attention to self-leveling floors, tiles or porcelain stoneware, if you are not afraid of the cold or if you still plan to build in convectors.
Wall decoration
Minimalism does not require complex solutions, so just paint the walls of the living room with one washable paint. Do not be afraid of white and light colors - in fact, they are easy to clean, and in which case they are simply painted over. You can combine several similar shades with a difference of a couple of shades for accents.
Ceiling design
Use stretch canvases instead of painted ceilings or multi-level plasterboard structures. Both glossy and matte - they are always even, neat and reliably mask any defects in the base. Luminaires are built into them almost imperceptibly - without unnecessary volumetric mounts or sockets.
Curtains
Classic curtains do not fit into the style of minimalism at all. And it doesn't matter if it's heavy luxurious velvet or thin flying organza. The best choice is Roman blinds or any other roller shutters that fall exactly over the window and retract up when not needed. For protection from the sun, take two-layer canvases with blackout lining.
85 small living room design ideas (photos)
Furniture selection
First of all, think over and make a list of the furniture that you really need in your living room. Start from the things you use and don't consider important out of habit. There is no need to buy a headset, a rack or a huge wardrobe, if you can do without it.
Wall
Modern walls differ from old grandmother's headsets both in layout and content. In fact, these are laconic block designs that you can compose at your own discretion. For example, combine a TV stand with open shelves, closed modules and several narrow pencil cases.
Sofa
The sofa model in a minimalistic living room can be any - straight, angular, folding, modular. In this matter, be guided by how it will be used in your daily life. The main thing is the shape and texture: no pretentious volumetric sides, carved legs, massive backs or embroidered tapestries instead of upholstery.
Closet
If you need a lot of storage space, replace dressers, cabinets and pencil cases for one large and spacious wardrobe. In a rectangular room, it can even be stretched over the entire narrow wall from floor to ceiling - and at the same time adjust the shape of the room. Choose simple plain or mirrored facades without vinyl stickers and textured sandblasted patterns.
Coffee table
Small glass coffee tables look perfect in modern minimalism. They are almost inconspicuous and do not clutter up the space at all. In more classic interiors, use simple wooden models - but without bent legs, carvings, paintings and intricate decor.
TV zone decoration
If you have a wall, take the TV right there - it saves space and looks good. If not, then the TV area can just be made a decorative accent wall - with a textured coating, photographs, posters or other decor. A popular technique is to take the TV into a drywall niche, which can be painted inside a different color and decorated with an LED strip.
Bedroom design in the style of minimalism (80 photos)
Lighting and illumination
Any minimalism should have a lot of light - both natural and artificial. For functionality, use zone lighting, multi-level systems, separate switches and a dimmer.This is almost the only aspect in which minimalism gravitates towards complex solutions.
Chandelier and lamps
There are no classic chandeliers with pendants in minimalistic living rooms as a species. Sometimes a series of pendant lights or whole structures on rails are used - mainly for zoning. For example, three small metal shades of different heights above the bar.
The classic solution is spotlights along the perimeter or along the walls. If you pull them out in parallel rows, it will visually push the opposite walls apart. A zonal installation allows you to abandon sconces, floor lamps and even table lamps.
Decorative lighting
The best decorations in a minimalist interior are always functional - like decorative lighting. LED strip can be used to decorate "floating" ceilings, plasterboard structures, a niche with a TV, shelves, open shelves, a sofa, a podium - whatever you want. And if you take LEDs with different modes and colors, it will also help create a festive mood with just one button.
Small living room in the style of minimalism
For a small living room, minimalism is a real salvation, because it allows you to save space. Here, use all the techniques in general and bring them to the maximum. White color, as much light as possible, contrasting vertical and horizontal lines, a minimum of furniture and the absence of trash - even a small room will seem light and spacious.
Apartment design in the style of minimalism: 85 photo ideas
Kitchen-living room in the style of minimalism
Island layouts will help you delineate zones. To do this, put the headset in one corner, the TV in another, and divide the space with a perpendicularly placed sofa or bar counter. Use different materials, but in the same range: white paint with a white backsplash, laminate with wood-like tiles.
Living room interior in the style of minimalism - photo
Despite the deliberate simplicity and brevity of minimalism, each living room has its own character and mood. This can be easily tracked by comparing different options. For this we offer you a large selection of photos!
