Aesthetic restraint is, perhaps, the most suitable minimalistic description of Minimalism. In apartment design, minimalism is a growing trend and it is clear why. We are overstimulated in our daily life and the last thing we need at home is unnecessary ornamentation and clutter. A concept of clean lines is also a concept of simple beauty. While it may seem so, this concept is not easy to materialize. Emptying your home and painting it white will not make it minimalist, but sterile-looking and cold. The following guide should explain how to convey the true essence of minimalism to your living space, or what to look for if you are seeking a Minimalistic aesthetic in your next home.
Open floor plans in apartment design
Minimalism is not a form of asceticism in apartment design; on the contrary. It doesn't remove for the sake of abstinence. It eliminates the excess to bring the architectural features into the spotlight -the same home features buyers will pay extra for.
Open floor plans are not exclusively tied to minimalism but they go hand in hand. However, the key characteristic of minimalism is focusing on every single piece of furniture. Once you pause and take a look at your apartment, you should not see the things you own, but the things you use. In an open floor plan, there's no room to hide. Except that there is plenty, but cleverly fit.
Minimum furniture, maximum functionality
With so few pieces of furniture, it may seem that minimalism neglects storage space. While you should declutter to make your apartment a serene minimalist haven, modern home design will provide quite sufficient storage space that complies with the principals of contemporary minimalism. If you still have too much, you don't need to dispose of your excess belongings; simply store them away. Make sure you're using the right kind of boxes when packing and choose a climate-controlled storage unit. You will need those items sooner or later when you decide to renew the setting.
The key to understanding minimalism in apartment design is that every apartment is, in essence, a functional, smart, and light space. As such, it allows for countless designing possibilities while at the same time ensuring every piece is purposeful, adds values to space, and works in harmony with other items.
Minimalism in apartment design: focus on form, texture, color
You probably already know everything you need to know when renting in NYC including that furnished apartments can be significantly more expensive than unfurnished ones. While such apartments have their benefits, you may not feel in tune with the presented design. If you are seeking a minimalist aesthetic in your home, you should opt for an unfurnished unit that offers an empty canvas that you can turn into a form-focused, stunning minimalist interior. If shopping for New Development, seek at those units that have the bones from which to build - neutral color palettes, sleek kitchens, concealed appliances, etc.
Note that condensing the form brings the best from minimalism out and reveals the true nature of architecture. The composition should be simple, flowing, and harmonious, creating a restful home as a result. Neutral monochromatic but multihued best describes the minimalist color palette. Other colors should be used sparsely and only as accents. The color palette helps to create a warm, inviting and relaxing atmosphere, however, textures help to achieve this as well - materials and fabric you will choose play a vital role.
Make it simple, not boring or depersonalized
Minimalism will profoundly transform your home by adding only a few select items to accentuate the otherwise monochromatic interior. Art is welcome in any form, though its composition should be uncomplicated. A lamp, a vase, a painting, a rug; it is up to you to find what speaks to you and compliments the living space. However, the biggest challenge is to know when is enough. Add one item too many and you will slide back into the cluttered past.
Moreover, with so few things on show, every piece should be a quality item. Resisting the test of time is only one of the reasons. The other lies in the not-so-subtle contest of quality versus quantity in minimalist design. Finally, your apartment shouldn't lack in personal items. Most successfully designed homes reveal the taste of the owner without disorder and excess. Besides, it is your home and it should reflect your way of life. That is the only way it will make you feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy.
Summary
With all this being said, and in the true spirit of minimalism, it feels important to summarize the key points and benefits of minimalist apartment design
Visual appeal: the less you show, the more noticeable it becomes. The beauty of minimalism lies in the art of making so little so attractive.
Health benefits: Open space allows more light, and where there is light, there is a positive attitude. Without clutter, there is significantly less dust and other allergens. Calm colors and a relaxing atmosphere will improve your sleep.
Easy-care home: Regardless of the size, a minimalist apartment, in general, is easy and fast to clean. With chosen pieces of quality furniture and no dust-collecting objects, maintenance is simple.
Smart investment: Letting go sometimes means getting more. Substituting disposable and superfluous for experience and life-altering memories is priceless.
In the world of hoarders and mass-production, minimalism in apartment design is a form of silent rebellion. It resonates with people who wish to turn to other people, to items of great personal importance, and art and quality. Moreover, an investment in a simple yet effective home with chosen, high-quality items will never fail.
The gracious beauty of calming and clean space blends well with uncomplicated shapes, textures, and colors. Just as little black dress is to fashion, minimalism is to apartment design; the timeless aesthetic is magically appealing. It doesn't surprise that minimalism is taking the world by storm; after all, who can resist harmony?
Modern Minimalism in Midtown Manhattan
