Little to show off

There is essentially more to Minimalism than just clean spaces

The term 'minimalist' is often applied informally to label anything which is spare or stripped down to its essentials. It is a word bandied about by interiors enthusiasts to describe a space that is not cluttered. In reality, though, its origins are complex.

Minimalism started off as a movement rooted in the American visual arts of the late 1960s. This art form was grounded in the pared-down aspects of Modernism and is often seen as a retort to Expressionism.

Past the past
The trend started with a new wave of artists who made a conscious effort to reject the past to sculpt a model for the present. Soon it moved from the arena of arts to music and then décor. Asian philosophy and its Zen slant also played a hand in the popularity of minimalist décor.

The most significant ethos of designing, according to this movement, is the utilisation of space and aesthetics - it should be easy on the eye and easier in its upkeep.

Less is more
Minimalism is all about organisation. The triumph of minimal design depends on one's ability at designing a given space with as few materials as possible.

The resulting home glows with a sense of innovation and creativity that is encapsulated by restraint. The key is not to over buy - not to clutter. It is an underplay of texture, colour, material and accessories.

However, most people who like a more traditional style of decorating generally pooh-pooh the whole idea, thinking it as not being interesting or having a character of its own.

Minimalism is all about a style that depends on the clever preservation and presentation of space. From there, it moves on to the final goal of designing a holistic space. However, in reality, it is easier to go out and buy a bunch of things, throw them all together and term it decoration.

In the Eighties, when the style gathered momentum, Minimalism was often characterised by large white spaces with an overriding clinical element. Thus, it looked cold to some.

Today, the style looks comforting with its mix of easy-on-the-eye neutral colours; use of natural materials, such as wood, glass and stone; and simple, unfussy designs. Modern homes can now look softer, tactile, warm and cosy with a minimalist look.

What is more, if you follow Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement, minimalism can be good for you as a tidy home makes for a clutter-free mind.

Get decorating
Once you have your basics ready, personalise the space with large black and white prints. The fabrics preferred are suede, felt, wool and corduroy and the furniture designs that go well are boxy and geometric shapes. An L-shaped sofa almost always cinches the look.

Texture is an important element, so add rugs made of shaggy materials - the more textured the better. Choose an accessory shade or two and then add a large vase filled with sculptural blooms.

Wooden blinds look great as do the Roman kinds. Do not have a frill or flounce in sight. To add softness, a chenille throw draped casually will help.

This is a look that does not require you to go out and buy too many things. So, it means each and every piece has to look great, which means you have to spend more. Cheap sofas will show up looking just that, cheap, so try and splurge on that and a great coffee table. Keep in mind that this look can be more expensive to achieve.

Tips
Play it down

• Study the furniture. Not a bit of carving should be evident unless you are intending to mix the modern with the old. For layout and furniture, white walls are de rigueur as are straight, defined lines. White is the way to go with chairs, lamp shades and, maybe, even in the choice of a carpet. Choose one or two punchy shades and then use them in the shape of a cubical seating or a vase. The accent colour should appear a few times to add a dramatic look. But use restraint.
  
• A couple of attractive coffee-table books and a large platter is all you need as adornments. No figurines, groups of family photos, elaborate floral arrangements or ornate furniture.
  
• Never layer in a minimal space. One throw and that is all. No layering of table or bed cloths, an otherwise popular choice with traditional styles.
  
• Examine the windows. Simple shades, Venetian blinds or tab-top curtains are examples of best-dressed minimalist windows. The windows can even be left bare.
  
• Every house has its clutter. This can be stashed away with clever storage ideas. Scour shops such as B&B Italia in the Mall of the Emirates to find out how they make Minimalism work so well.
  
• Adding a steel table or two is also important to get the look right. If you like wood, go for it, but the more modern choice is wenge wood, which is now available in most stores, such as The One, Baituti, B&B Italia, Bo Concept and ID Design.

Devjani Cox is a UAE-based interior stylist and writer