The indisputable fact regarding all trends, be it clothes, cars or interior design, is their fleeting nature and constant fluidity. In the essence of this change is the way we live our lives – we love redecorating our homes, upgrading our cars, and society brings its own transformation, leaving an inevitable mark on history, but also on us and our tastes.
One simple example of this is the way the minimalist style has evolved over the past few decades. Today, it’s moved far and away from the clean-lined perfection of the previous years. The changing nature of minimalism goes hand in hand with other trends, such as the new ideas of well-being, especially in the post-Covid era. This major crisis we’re experiencing globally is radically cleaning out both our homes and minds, and getting rid of everything unnecessary, meaningless and superficial.
Understanding contemporary minimalism
Contemporary minimalism does not idealize the absence of things but rather chooses things that hold more meaning, that has a connection to us and can contribute to our well-being, both mentally and physically.
When talking about contemporary minimalism, the core ideas to consider are: the key concept of “less is more” – carefully chosen, timeless pieces of fine craftsmanship; focus on texture and materials; embracing imperfection; mixing linear lines with sculptural shapes, and turning to natural materials and local design.
Minimalism is not just a style to be copied – it’s a true philosophy of living and interior design from which we can benefit greatly by using it as inspiration. Particularly the use of natural materials, such as unpolished finishes, raw wood, rich browns and off whites, black accents, light pastels, and pops of forest greens, borrowed from Scandinavian aesthetics.
Natural materials as interior trends
2021 brings a new approach to interior design by incorporating nature into our daily lives in a variety of ways – through wood, straw, seashells, plants, beach sand, and stone. The latter is a versatile and organic material that can easily be combined with many other textures, but it can also take center stage. For instance, installing a free-standing stone bath in the bathroom will add class and elegance to the overall design. It will certainly be the main attraction, but it will work perfectly well with other elements and materials such as matte black tapware, ceramic tiles and wall-hung wooden vanities.
In general, natural materials can be widely used for décor accessories, floor coverings and furniture. Along with finishes, they’re essential elements of successful interior design. By making a proper choice, any ordinary room can be completely transformed into a contemporary and unique oasis that will complement the modern lifestyle of its owners.
Nowadays, decorative glass has become very popular. Both colored and textured glass is easily customized depending on its use and it’s very effective as a material for stairs, floors, and kitchen cabinets.
Marble has also become quite a trendy material that adds a touch of sophistication to any interior design. This is not a new material, particularly in bathroom and kitchen design, but it is considered to be luxurious and as such, offers plenty of inspiration to designers who are looking for a way to enhance a minimalist décor without making it lose its essence. This is why we’re now seeing it in the living room as one of the main decorative features.
Similarly, ceramics offers its applicability and versatility in the decoration of almost any corner of the home. Being rather inexpensive, and coming in a wide range of both vibrant and darker shades, it can help balance out the overall appearance of a minimalist interior design. It can also be used to draw more attention to details, such as decorative ceramic pottery, vases and ceramic plates used as wall décor.
Finally, there’s metal, the material commonly used only in bathrooms and kitchens in the past, but now, it’s emerged as a perfect interior decoration element that is both elegant and practical. Its use has expanded and we’re now seeing compositions of metal, bronze and copper in many instances of interior design. Some examples include metal lamps in combination with glass and marble tables and even concrete counters. Matte black metal has become exceptionally stylish as it’s very minimalistic, classy and formal at the same time, a quality that allows it to be integrated into any type of interior design and give the space a monumental appearance.
Color design trends
In minimalistic interior design, colors are one of the main tools to add more temper and spirit to a space. Choosing the right color and combining it with touchable sensations allow you to create a unique atmosphere in any space.
The natural color variations have a strong impact on current interior design trends. Deeper variations add warmth and character to the decor. This includes ideas like contrasting black and white elements in a dramatic fashion, which is always elegant and practically timeless. They are also very simple and minimalistic and have the power to brighten up the space in an unconventional way. You can use them in a bedroom with a soft carpet, a sleek closet and proper natural lighting, and the result will be a warm and cozy space.
Darker shades have never lost their attraction and 2021 is not an exception. Gray still holds its strong position and has become quite a familiar color for almost any room design. It can be both the main color and an accent, as it aesthetically balances out the overall design. It combines perfectly with its lighter and darker shades, giving the space more depth and form.
Last, but not least, one of the trendiest color choice in 2021 is champagne, a hue that tends to make any space feel more inviting, serene, and special. It goes well with bold textures and metallic accessories and creates an even more impressive look when mixed with silver and gold. You may wish to consider some custom roller blinds to support your chosen color design.
Multi-Functionality in Furniture Trends
When it comes to furniture design, the latest trends are flexibility, multi-functionality and the use of innovative materials. Such furniture, particularly in a minimalistic setting, is very adaptable and enables a dynamic lifestyle. Modular pieces allow you to rearrange them according to the present need or taste and innovative solutions with hidden storage, make them highly functional and practical.
Pieces such as transforming tables and foldable chair-beds, or even wall-bed kits let you clear out your space when necessary, but also allow you to explore options if you suddenly decide to divide a room or entertain a larger party of friends.
2020 was a turbulent year that had us all spending more time at home than we care to remember. The new year brings new opportunities to re-design our homes, eliminate the things that no longer serve us, and bring more comfort and creativity to our living space.