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The idea
then- to quote Putman again-is, to strike the perfect balance between discipline
and revolt. The expression minimalism fundamentally describes anything which is
sparsely laid out or reduced to the bare minimum essentials. The guiding
principles of minimalism in interior dcor are straight simple lines, solid
surfaces and white hues which project an uncluttered, functional look. Given the
paucity of space in cities today, minimalist dcor helps to make the most of
living spaces.
Through
still a hugely popular concept, the starkness of yesteryears minimal look is
seeing a slight change with layers being introduced to soften the design. The
shift is to make a space look more livable and less frigid. This is achieved by
way of the white being replaced by pastel hues ; the solid impressions getting a
tad rounded at the corners; the usual white faux pelt upholstered furniture
taking in a dash of textured fabric and soft sheers replacing the solid Venetian
blinds or the nude window look.
Minimum makeover
 Minimalisms
famous credo has always been less is more. It is, in a way, the survival of the
soul in a consumerist society that entices you into buying more and more-
additional freebies making the lure even greater. Just youre mere mulling over
this genre of dcor means being in control of your willpower not to fill up
spaces with clutter, which translates into you being ready for a minimalist home
makeover.
The first
step to doing this to throw out the excesses and the loud colors that assault
the eye at homes, offices or shops. Vibrant hues sacrilege of minimalism. Its
the muted brilliance of white that is the chosen color code. And yes, there are
plenty of shades nestled closely in the palette of white to chosen from. The
current trend, to move from clear whites pastels, is also complementary, the
inclination being for icy tones like peppermint green, lemon yellow, whitish
blue and faint lilac.
The
white, though, remains the classic pick in minimalism and the mix of white
floor, white furniture, white curtains, and white accessories, blend together
well to create a flawless picture- perfect backdrop. Car czar Henry ford has
famously said the cars he produced can have any color so long as its black. The
minimalist says the same about the color white.
In the
absence of color, of you do fell so, light- both natural and neon- can be used
to fashion a virtual design, by letting it highlight a certain texture or famed
print on the wall. This will create an interesting pattern on the ceiling or let
a play of shadows help brighten up the place. Try passing light through the
simplest of accessories like open window blind and see the drama this can
create. The thumb rules through, is to keep lighting ambient and indirect.
Slants and shades
 Too
many accessories should not dot your landscape. The minimalist room is free
from fussy collectibles and curios, like Victorian figurines or exaggerated
Indian folk items, complicated floral arrangements or lots of picture frames.
Let the shelves be adorned with bric-a-brac in solid shapes, in materials like
steel, glass or ceramic. A touch of brass can break the monotony. A piece of
cutting edge- technology with some futuristic zing also sits well. If possible
leave the tabletops bare or nearly free. This lets a felling of depth and cam
sink in.
Moving
on to furniture, the focus is on making the same utilitarian and comfortable.
There is absolutely no place for the ornate and heavy look. straight, simple
couches with neat contours is whats needed- the reason the cubic shape in
sofas has been a firm favorite, and still remains so. Go in for plain chairs
with rectangular backs and straight legs. Let the easy chair be shorter and
have slightly curved backs, with a perfect incline for the spine.
The
slant on upholstery be it in the bedrooms or living rooms is also stripped
down to the basic. No carpets, please! Its a soft shaded rug in acrylic that
will be the perfect accessory. On the windows, go in for blinds or hang
breezy, plain colored curtain on rods. No pelmets required. For a change, try
the skin or bare look on the windows; at best put glazed glass panes. In the
bed rooms dont think of going in for the layered look by padding up the with a
pile a cushions or arranging soft cuddly corners. Minimalism has no place for
mush. The mantra is to keep your spaces linear and clear.
Break free
If
structural changes are on your mind, then flattering arrangements to enhance
the frame of the built up area is what needs to be done. The emphasis here is
on creating space that adds an element of openness to the dcor and lends
anonymity of personal style. Do this by demolishing style. Do this by
demolishing an interior wall or other blocks, like an extra door in the
bedroom or grilles from the windows and giving the place a brush from the
monochromatic shade card.
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