Minimalist Living: Sterile or Stunning?
Remember the awesome shelter magazine that was Metropolitan Home? I used to stare at its pages and dream of one day having an architecturally amazing, tidy and pared-back life lived out stylishly inside a modern, glass box. Then I realized that I, like most humans, have something called STUFF.
For me—with my library's worth of design and decorating books, Jonathan Adler sculptures and vintage toys used to style photo shoots—a minimalist house seemed completely impractical. So I settled on a Mid-Century Modern ranch with floor-to-ceiling glass AND 300 square feet of don't-you-dare-go-in-there storage space.
But there are uber-disciplined people who truly LIVE in these stunning, less-is-more, modern masterpieces. Perhaps their decorating DNA is coded with superb editing skills and an extreme, I-do-not-want-what-haven't-got method of thinking. Or maybe they just clean up like crazy and rent P.O.D.S. before photographers show up to shoot their homes. Let's stroll through some of these stunning, streamlined specimens and discuss whether the clutterless, airy, architectural lifestyles suggested are amazing and aspirational or Spartan and straighjacket-ish.
For me—with my library's worth of design and decorating books, Jonathan Adler sculptures and vintage toys used to style photo shoots—a minimalist house seemed completely impractical. So I settled on a Mid-Century Modern ranch with floor-to-ceiling glass AND 300 square feet of don't-you-dare-go-in-there storage space.
But there are uber-disciplined people who truly LIVE in these stunning, less-is-more, modern masterpieces. Perhaps their decorating DNA is coded with superb editing skills and an extreme, I-do-not-want-what-haven't-got method of thinking. Or maybe they just clean up like crazy and rent P.O.D.S. before photographers show up to shoot their homes. Let's stroll through some of these stunning, streamlined specimens and discuss whether the clutterless, airy, architectural lifestyles suggested are amazing and aspirational or Spartan and straighjacket-ish.
Asymmetry and rich wood tones against a stark white backdrop offer a more masculine approach to minimalism. To pull this off as masterfully as seen here, one needs a seriously skilled craftsman. Have you ever seen how much work goes into a great stain job on exotic woods? Let's just say the geniuses that are master woodworkers have the patience of Mother Teresa and the detail-oriented mindset of Martha Stewart. (And, most likely, major arthritis.)
Yeah, probably one of the best minimalist, modern dining rooms I've set my eyes on. Not to mention the designer, Amy Lau, is one of my biggest designer crushes. Here's proof.
The floating bathroom vanity—I've actually done this myself. At first I thought, it's missing like half the storage space. But then I pared back my stuff and really appreciated the feeling of a bit more floor space.
Yes! Minimalism at its best: tons of natural light, organic pattern (veining in marble), furniture with clean lines and white everywhere. While it's not the best place to serve red wine or birthday parties for 5-year-olds, it's super tranquil and totally high-end.
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A classic case of form following function. This supper-serving space has the bare essentials to dining; however, the elegant combination of textures and finishes both fill and warm it up nicely. You know what else would fill it up nicely? Chicken Parmigiana and couscous for eight along with apple turnovers for dessert.
People truly CAN live like this in their living rooms. Hell if I know any of these people but I still dream of one day being able to live like this. This designer picked the perfect pieces in regards to shape, proportion and scale. It's like a master class in accessorizing albeit there's only like 6 accessories. Still, YOU trying pulling this off; it's hard!
Clearly, this lucky homeowner has a separate space for both supplies AND towel hanging. Notice how, although both in the gray family, the charcoal tone of the floor tile totally makes the wall tile appear more taupe? I love playing with gray tones, it's like retina-related magic.
Minimalists can be tricky. Sure there's an entire wall packed with hundreds of books but still, this entire space is clutterless and calm. It's like the library is on a permanent timeout while the furniture grouping is eternally at recess. I think I could realistically live here.
Okay, I'm sold. Minimalists are super cool, organized people with mod, simplified ways of living. I want to be one but I'll settle for making new friends who have minimalist homes, good cooking skills and lots of dinner parties. That is all.