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The minimalist interior style: Say goodbye to unnecessary frills

Need to relax after a busy day? With minimalist interior design, you can create an oasis of calm at home. Get inspired!

Jef De Meutter

If there is one thing you need to know about the minimalist interior design style, it is this: simplicity trumps all. Under the motto “less is more”, anything not required is removed. Discover what makes a minimalist interior so special and how you can apply it yourself.

 

A little bit of history

The minimalist interior style as we know it today only became popular at the end of the 20th century. It has its origins in Japanese interior design. In Japanese homes, “Ma” is a very important element. Ma can be translated as “emptiness” or “silence”. This principle is based on a balance between the available space and the furniture. It is actually believed that clutter-free, clear rooms can have a soothing effect on the body.

Typical characteristics of a minimalist interior

We have boiled minimalism down to its essentials. These elements kept coming back:

1. Clean lines

Minimalism is synonymous with a modern interior. In contrast to the rural look, there are no distinctive decorations to brighten up the whole. Clean lines and simple forms characterise this interior style, which is what makes minimalism a very pure design philosophy.

Minimalist kitchen

2. No mess

When you look at examples of minimalist interiors, one thing is clear: clutter is out of the question. Old newspapers, slippers, blankets, etc.; they’re nowhere to be seen. Furthermore, there are very few decorative pieces because too many accessories can be a distraction. So try to store as much stuff as possible in cabinets, preferably with the doors closed to hide everything from view.

3. Pure colour palette

The colour palette also stands out. A minimalist interior consists mainly of white tints. Black is a popular contrast colour. Occasionally, colourful furniture and accessories can be used to reduce the sterile appearance.

White staircase

4. Lots of light

Light is abundant in minimalism. This not only applies to natural light - curtains are often omitted - but artificial light as well. White walls and ceilings reflect this light throughout the space, making each room feel larger.

5. Open spaces

Interiors with a minimalist appearance usually have an open layout. You will find open spaces, open kitchens and loads of space. This gives the house more breathing space.

Minimalistic style open interieur

Source image

6. Choice of materials

In terms of materials, we often see poured floors and cabinets with a shiny white/black finish. Wooden accents are occasionally added to provide a little extra warmth. The result looks pure, sometimes a little futuristic, but always soothing.

Why do people opt for a minimalist interior?

Are you a fan of minimalism? This design style has many advantages:

  • Because of its simplicity, luminosity and the absence of clutter, you can find your zen.
  • Because few things are required, a minimalist interior is relatively budget-friendly (unless you opt for a designer chair that costs several thousand euros, of course).
  • The rooms are easy to clean.
  • The furniture comes into its own.
  • The bright colours and openness create a greater sense of space.

Our lighting suggestions

We would not be a lighting expert if we didn’t give you any lighting tips. These are our suggestions for a minimalist interior:

Indirect lighting

Unobtrusiveness is a keyword in minimalism. And what could be more discrete than indirect lighting? LED strips are invisible during the day, but they come to life when it gets dark. Indirect lighting also creates a nice accent to the straight lines of a ceiling, kitchen, entertainment centre and the like. The Absinthe and Delta Light lighting down below is a good example of this.

Absinthe indirect lighting

Recessed spotlights

Another good way to illuminate a room is to use recessed spotlights. These spotlights are also common for a minimalist design style. Round or square, single or double, adjustable or fixed, big or small, there is a lot of choice when it comes to recessed spotlights.

Recessed spotlights in a kitchen

Minimalist bathroom by Filip Deslee

Flos String Light

With the Flos String Light, you add emphasis to the straight lines of your minimalist interior. The cable of this pendant lamp is, in fact, 12 meters long, which makes the String Light a real eye-catcher.

Flos String Light

Astro Enna

It doesn't get much more minimalist than this Astro Enna floor lamp. Clean lines in matt metal, a stable base and a sophisticated light: this design is an asset for any less is more interior. Looking for a wall lamp or table lamp? This collection has great options for that too.

Astro Enna

&Tradition Como

Looking for a handy table lamp? The &Tradition Como is compact and cordless, so you can easily carry it with you. Use it to light up a romantic dinner, as a night light next to the bed or as a mood light during a warm summer evening.

&tradition Como

Luceplan Ascent

It is surprising how beautiful simple shapes can be. This Luceplan Ascent consists of a circular lamp shade, a slender guide and a square base, nothing more. The result is a stylish table lamp that stands out due to its unique operating mechanism; you can increase the intensity of the light by sliding the cap towards the top.

Luceplan Ascent

Wever & Ducré Wiro

Wiro is one of the most striking pendant lamps by Weaver & Ducré. This lamp is made from wire and is simultaneously light and robust in appearance. The black model will look very nice in a contrasting white minimalist interior.

Wever & Ducré Wire

Gubi Gräshoppa

We finish with a classic. The well-known Gräshoppa design by Greta Grossman has a unique base that is simple in itself, yet adds that extra touch to your interior. There are more than 10 colours to choose from, so there's bound to be one that fits your living room perfectly.

Gubi Gräshoppa

 

If it can all be a little less for you, the minimalist interior design style is the way to go. Now it's time to turn theory into practice. Have fun decorating and remember: simplicity, openness and light are the key keywords here.

Interior styles