Minimalism is one design trend that basically everyone has heard of. It became popular in the 1960s to counter the cluttered design styles that were prevalent back then, and according to design experts, minimalism might never go out of style. At its core, minimalism is a design style that follows the principle of “less is more,” utilizing simple lines and stripping things down to the essentials with little decoration. This is the same guiding principle for minimalist architecture.

If you’re wondering what minimalist architecture is, think of the serene simplicity of a Japanese tea house or the crisp geometry of a contemporary art gallery. Minimalist architecture extends the simplicity of minimalism to the materials used in building a space, not just its interior design. This style usually employs basic materials like glass, steel, and concrete, celebrating them for their inherent textures rather than hiding them beneath layers of decorations and wallpaper. They also serve as a neutral background that allows the spots that need focus to stand out. There is also an emphasis on natural light flooding the homes, which can be achieved with large windows that also serve to make a dramatic play of light and darkness, while making rooms look more spacious. So, how can you incorporate it into your home?

It is easier to incorporate minimalist architecture in your home if you’re building a new one, as you have a blank slate to work with. There aren’t any existing design elements to eliminate or work around, so the sky is your limit. Start by designing with an open floor plan in mind. Remove any interior walls or doors that seem unnecessary so you can create a home that feels breathable. Minimalist architecture emphasizes natural light, so incorporating some large windows and even skylights would let all that light in. Some well-placed mirrors also help with making a home look spacious, so keep that in mind when designing. Ensure to stick with materials like glass, concrete, and sleek metal for your home, and go for a flat or slightly pitched roof.

If you’re trying to renovate an old home to nail that minimalist aesthetic, there are a few steps you can take. First, determine the function of each space in your home, then decide what items go there accordingly. If you don’t want to do anything as major as knocking down superfluous walls, strategic furniture placement will suffice to make your space feel bigger. Next, get rid of all your multi-colored wallpapers and choose paint colors like shades of white or beige. For minimalist furniture, people usually go for sleek and compact designs, and while that is great, one important thing is consistency. Go for furniture pieces that have similar hues to create a soft, continuous look throughout the room. Even small tweaks, like replacing fussy cabinet hardware with recessed pulls, can evoke minimalist principles without a full renovation.

The speed at which minimalism is spreading through design circles may make it seem like a no-brainer, but there are some disappointing downsides of minimalist décor and architecture you should know about. One major challenge comes in a busy home. The focus on open spaces can backfire in households with kids or pets, where inevitable toys and messes will disrupt the serene vibe you’re going for. And let’s not even get into the cleaning part. Those pristine white walls and bare floors will likely show every speck of dust, fingerprint, or scuff, demanding constant upkeep.

This type of architecture can also be expensive to implement. The emphasis on high-quality items that look a certain way may make you resort to customized items, and those cost a pretty penny. Acoustics could suffer, too, with hard surfaces creating echo chambers unless softened by rugs or textiles (which minimalism typically limits).

Finally, minimalist spaces can feel cold and impersonal. The design details in your home serve to make the space a bit personal, but that is lost with minimalism. The open spaces and choice of neutral colours like white and beige also make the space colder when compared to warmer colors like reds. You need to have a special touch with textures and lighting to get your space to feel warm and cozy with a minimalist design.