Top 5 Types of Minimalism | Minimalist Interiors Are Diverse

In today's post - I want to share my thoughts on minimalism philosophy and minimalistic interiors. I think that minimalism is actually very diverse!

There are a lot of myths about minimalism. All this is due to the fact that it can mean completely different things to each person. For some - minimalism is warm, relaxing, and cozy, for some - minimalism seems a luxury, for some - minimalism is associated with poverty, for some - minimalism is cold and is associated with bare white walls.

What minimalism means to me?

For me, minimalism is definitely not just about bare white walls. For me, it is also about slow living, mindfulness, decluttering, clear mind, practicality, space, functionality, inspiration, conciseness, and much more. Minimalism is for people who prefer comfort, light, space, coziness, and order in life and don't like clutter.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

*Styling by* Studio Lotta Agaton, photographed by Kristofer Johnsson for JM.

Here are some of the minimalism examples, that are different from each other, but still called minimalism.

01

"PHILOSOPHICAL" MINIMALISM

This is the most radical direction of minimalism in terms of decluttering. This minimalism is about the approach to life. It is for people that want to have only functional things in their homes and life. Such people do not buy unnecessary, impractical things, clothes, or decor, and their houses look spacious, without too much noise.

Image by Felix Michaud from Arch Daily / NORM House / Alain Carle Architecte

02

WABI-SABI

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese style, which is characterized by the concepts of zen, silence, harmony, and unity with nature. These principles are organically merged into the philosophy of minimalism. The wabi-sabi style can accept decor items without any functional need. And for example, people who are minimalists from a philosophical point of view are unlikely to decorate their homes with vases, flowers, or paintings, since they do not carry any functionality.

03

JAPANDI DESIGN

Japandi is a trendy interior style, a hybrid of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism, Nordic practicality, and Asian traditions. Read this post if you want to learn more about this style. It was born quite recently but has already managed to win the hearts of Europeans who wanted to dilute the cold restraint of the Scandinavian style with Zen philosophy and elements of Japanese decor and make it warmer, more comfortable, and hospitable.

04

SCANDINAVIAN MINIMALISM

The Scandinavian style is very popular among people who are interested in interior design. Often, the Scandinavian style is associated with minimalism. Although, the Scandinavians cannot be called radical minimalists: in their rooms, you can often find decor, soft pillows, vases, books, magazines, pedestals, flowers, and plants. The Scandinavian style was formed under the influence of the climate of northern weather, where winters are long and the sun is a rare visitor. The task of the Scandinavian interior is to provide maximum access to natural light. Therefore, the main colors of the interior will most often be light colors - white, gray, and beige.

Images by Jonas Berg for Stadshem / Styled by Grey Deco

05

JAPANESE MINIMALISM

This direction has its own characteristic features. All pieces of furniture are as close to the floor as possible: tables, beds, and seating should be as low as possible, the bed may not have legs at all and look like a mattress on the floor. The Japanese interior is dominated by natural colors. In addition, the Japanese are trying to emphasize the unity with nature in the interior: it is better to choose natural materials, preferably unprocessed ones.

I think all these styles are united by a conscious approach to life and home and the unity of man with nature. But still, all these avengers are different and all minimalists are different.