Minimalism is one of the most influential styles today – from design, to architecture, to music, to literature. In fact, there’s every chance that you’re a fan of minimalism even without knowing it.
Minimalism? That’s kinda like not designing something, right?
Not really.![An art nouveau sideboard with picture frames](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401953373small_2986168458.jpg)
finely decorative that frames and wallpaper that often
overwhelmed the objects they intended to ‘decorate’.
So, Minimalism is just keeping things simple, then?
Close, but not quite. Frankly, there are a lot of definitions of minimalism:1. Minimalism: A school of abstract painting and sculpture that emphasizes extreme simplification of form, as by the use of basic shapes and monochromatic palettes of primary colors, objectivity, and anonymity of style. Also called ABC art, minimal art, reductivism, rejective art.
2. Minimalism: Use of the fewest and barest essentials or elements, as in the arts, literature, or design.
3. Minimalism: Music A school or mode of contemporary music marked by extreme simplification of rhythms, patterns, and harmonies, prolonged chordal or melodic repetitions, and often a trancelike effect.
![Simplicity vs. Minimalism - Maarten P. Kappert](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401951194simple-vs-minimal.jpg)
Where did Minimalism come from?
Contrary to what you might think, minimalism was never inspired by poverty and austerity. In fact, it’s frequently considered a style of the super-rich. The attitude is: I can have anything, but I won’t clutter my home; instead, I will acquire only the most elegant, simple objects available. It is simple in form and function, devoid of pointless decorations, yet expensive. You would never say minimalism is a cheap option. Formally, minimalism is 1960s and 1970s invention. However, De Stijl and traditional Japanese design could be considered predecessors of minimalism.De Stijl Movement
![The Rietveld Schröder House - the only building realised completely according to the principles of De Stijl](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944096800px-RietveldSchroederhuis-300x225.jpg)
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and “Less Is More”
![Ludwig Mies van der Rohe](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401953003Ludwig_Mies_van_der_Rohe.jpg)
Another hero of minimalism is the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969). It is no exaggeration to say that in addition to being a key figure in minimalism, he is also one of the fathers of modern architecture with its clean forms.
Indeed, city skylines from New York to Beijing own much to Mies van der Rohe work. Van der Rohe aimed for simplicity and clarity and his trademark approaches are:-
The use of modern construction materials like steel and plate glass
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The reduction of structural frameworks to a minimum
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The inclusion of lots of open space
His principles are still in use today – not only in architecture but in design as well. His contribution to minimalism doesn’t end here. He is also the author of the “Less Is More” motto, which is one of the main principles of minimalism.
Traditional Japanese Design
![Japanese Tea Room](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401954028small__4473483994.jpg)
Neo Minimalism
![Drift #13: Redondo Beach by David Burdeny (2005)](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944127Redondo-Beach-David-Burdeny-2005-300x300.png)
Minimalism Color Palettes and Shapes
![De Stijl Colors](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944103De-Stijl-Colors.jpg)
Fonts in Minimalism
Simple forms apply to fonts as well. Minimalist fonts are crisp, straightforward, and basically they lack any decorations. Serifs are not forbidden by default but they are rarely used. Here are some minimalist fonts.
Helvetica
![Helvetica](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944106Helvetica-300x200.gif)
Mr. Phone
![Mr Phone font](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944120Mr-Phone-300x100.png)
Brad Ulrich’s Experiment
![Brad Ulrich's Font Experimant](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1402040056brad-font-300x215.png)
Site Templates/WordPress Themes
Fortunately, minimalism is very popular among template designers and there are lots of minimalist site templates. For instance the is truly minimalist:
![Less - a free super minimal WP theme](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944115Less-a-free-super-minimal-WP-theme.png)
Photoshop Patterns/Brushes
![Minimalist Photoshop patterns](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944118minimalist-Photoshop-patterns.jpg)
Minimalism in Action
![Google - minimalism](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1402039983google-minimal-300x161.jpg)
Craigslist
![Craigslist](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944101Craigslist-300x288.png)
Modern Architecture
![Chicago: IBM Building](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944098chicago_IBM_building-169x300.jpg)
![House Grangegorman by ODOS ARCHITECTS](https://uploads.sitepoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1401944111House-Grangegorman-by-ODOS-ARCHITECTS-200x300.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions about Minimalism
What is the history of minimalism in art?
Minimalism in art, also known as minimal art, is a movement that emerged in the late 1950s as a reaction against the complexity of abstract expressionism. It is characterized by simplicity and a focus on geometric shapes, often using a limited color palette. Artists like Donald Judd, Agnes Martin, and Dan Flavin are known for their minimalist works. The movement was influenced by the simplicity and functionality of traditional Japanese design and the modernist design principles of architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier.
How does minimalism apply to lifestyle and personal habits?
Minimalism as a lifestyle is about living with less and finding joy in simplicity. It’s about decluttering your life, both physically and mentally, and focusing on what’s truly important. This could mean downsizing your possessions, simplifying your routines, or reducing your commitments. The goal is to eliminate excess and distraction to make room for meaningful and fulfilling experiences.
What are the benefits of adopting a minimalist lifestyle?
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle can have numerous benefits. It can help reduce stress and anxiety by eliminating clutter and excess from your life. It can also help you save money by encouraging you to buy less and focus on quality over quantity. Additionally, minimalism can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle as it promotes conscious consumption and reduces waste.
How can I start practicing minimalism?
Starting to practice minimalism doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin by decluttering your space, getting rid of items you no longer need or use. Consider the value and purpose of each item in your life. Adopt the habit of mindful consumption, thinking carefully before making purchases. Remember, minimalism isn’t about deprivation, but about finding freedom and fulfillment in simplicity.
How does minimalism influence web design?
In web design, minimalism is about reducing the elements on a page to the essentials. This means clean lines, simple colors, and plenty of white space. The goal is to create a user-friendly experience where the content is the main focus. Minimalist web design can improve usability, load times, and aesthetic appeal.
Can minimalism be applied to other forms of art?
Yes, minimalism can be applied to various forms of art including music, literature, and architecture. In music, minimalism is characterized by repetitive motifs and steady pulse. In literature, it’s about conveying a story using simple, straightforward language. In architecture, minimalist designs focus on simplicity in form and function, often using basic geometric shapes and monochromatic color schemes.
Is minimalism a trend or a timeless concept?
While minimalism has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, it is a timeless concept that has been part of various cultures and philosophies for centuries. From the Zen philosophy in Japan to the simplicity of Shaker furniture in America, the principles of minimalism have long been appreciated and practiced.
How does minimalism relate to sustainability?
Minimalism and sustainability are closely linked. By reducing consumption and waste, minimalism promotes a more sustainable lifestyle. It encourages mindful consumption, where quality is valued over quantity, and items are used to their full potential rather than being discarded and replaced.
Can minimalism improve mental health?
Yes, minimalism can improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind, and by simplifying your surroundings, you can create a more peaceful and focused mental space. Minimalism encourages mindfulness and intentionality, which can improve overall well-being.
Is minimalism only about having less?
While minimalism often involves having fewer possessions, it’s not solely about that. At its core, minimalism is about intentionality. It’s about making conscious decisions about what you allow into your life and eliminating the excess that doesn’t serve you. It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in simplicity and focusing on what truly matters.
Ada is a fulltime freelancer and Web entrepreneur with more than a decade of IT experience. She enjoys design, writing and likes to keep pace with all the latest and greatest developments in tech. In addition to SitePoint, she also writes for Syntaxxx and some other design, development, and business sites.