What is a Minimalist Apartment?
What is a minimalist apartment? A minimalistic style of living, sometimes called “minimalism,” is becoming increasingly popular in the world’s most crowded cities. Some call it “Shabby chic,” but the term has already crept into the vocabulary of major media outlets like CNN and the New York Times. As more people embrace frugal living, the movement to live in a minimalist apartment is becoming even more popular. There are a number of tips to save money while still creating a minimalistic aesthetic.
Minimalists like the look of clean lines and a focus on the space. Clean lines, coupled with geometric shapes, large windows, and open spaces create a feeling of space. In many cases, the minimalist living room is decorated with neutral colors, such as white, black, or neutral blue. The furniture, too, is made of light materials, such as plastic or metal.
Because minimalists tend to be organized, they have little room for clutter. Their living rooms, or “mini-office,” are usually lined with storage containers, bookcases, or other storage systems. One way to hide storage is to install a television. Many minimalists prefer a flat screen, rather than a traditional TV set. This provides a constant source of entertainment while also providing additional storage for media, such as music and DVDs.
For those who are decorating in a shared space, color choice can be crucial. Clean tones, such as the white on ivory that is seen in minimalist apartments, are perfect for a shared space. On the other hand, when using colors in a more noticeable fashion, bold colors, such as red, may be more appropriate. Neutral colors, such as cream, are a good compromise for those using their minimalist apartments for work related activities. As with the color palette, neutral colors should be used throughout the home.
Another characteristic common to many minimalist dwellings is a lack of ornamentation. Although hardwood flooring is quite common in these dwellings, it is not the only type of material used. Wall decorations such as paintings or sculptures, if used, will often be understated, avoiding the clutter often associated with such decorating schemes. In addition, tables and chairs are often displayed without any embellishments, such as with glass tops. This keeps the look of the apartment clean, simple, and elegant.
A second characteristic common to many minimalist apartments is the absence of appliances. Because no appliances are needed to function, there is no need for a sink, refrigerator, or other forms of modern kitchen appliances. Instead, individuals opt for simple crockery, ceramic or glass dishes, and other items that allow for maximum light and air circulation in the dining room.
One of the most important keys to creating a minimalist home is to keep everything in balance. This is especially important in interior design. Although minimalism can sound counterintuitive at first, keeping items balanced helps to create a peaceful, serene environment. For instance, many bare floors are common in minimalist dwellings because it allows for greater floor space for plants and other elements.
The final characteristic of minimalist living rooms and apartments is a lack of clutter. Clutter tends to ruin the feeling of spaciousness that is desired by many homeowners. Therefore, it is common to see minimal furniture pieces such as wall hangings and artwork, as well as a lack of stuffed animals and other such decorative items. In addition, a television set or other electronics are also usually left on the shelf. These factors help to keep the “bones” of the space in place, leaving visitors with a clean, minimalist living room.
Does all of this sound confusing? Don’t worry. Once you understand the basics of minimalist decorating, the process becomes much easier. All of these factors play major roles in the aesthetic minimalism. As mentioned above, minimalism is about maintaining simplicity, but it goes further than that. While the lack of clutter and excessive embellishments help to accomplish this goal, minimalism also takes into account such elements as geometric shapes, smooth textures and plain color choices.
To learn how to create a minimalist apartment, take a look at some interior design magazines or websites, or even read books on minimalism. If you want to get even more tips on this topic, you can always hit up your local library or bookstore. Books on decorating give you not only tips on how to use minimal design properly, but they also tell you what types of elements are often associated with minimalism. Once you’ve read a few of these books, you’ll be able to apply them to your own decorating and create a home that’s truly yours.
Minimalists believe in the importance of simplicity, especially for interiors. Using this concept to decorate your home will result in a unique aesthetic that’s both visually interesting and functional. These tips on creating a minimalist apartment will get you started in the right direction towards a decorating style that’s both practical and stylish. So if you’re looking for an interesting, creative way to decorate your place, why not consider an aesthetic that’s all about you?
