Previous generations liked a busy decor style that was at its height in Victorian and Edwardian times. These days no-one really has time to dust knick-knacks and tastes have gone full circle. The look we aspire to today is minimalist look, with all its associations of space, peace and elegant simplicity.
Minimalism may be the way we like to live now, but its origins lie back in the earlier twentieth century, after World War 1. Architects and designers actively set out to create styles and spaces for a changed and changing world. From rattan furniture to house design, out went the old and in came the new. It’s a look that many of us want now, not just because it’s in vogue but because it’s practical and in tune with contemporary needs and preferences.
We can all introduce some elements of minimalism into our decor. One of the key principles of modernism is simplicity. In practice that translates into choices like natural materials and neutral colors. Busy is out. Subtle is in. To achieve a minimalist look, dealing with clutter is essential. The minimalist’s motto is simple: less is more. If you can’t de-clutter with a big clear out, then storage to keep bits and pieces out of sight is a good start.
Furnishings and fabrics in natural wood and natural fabrics like cotton and linen for upholstery and seagrass and wool for rugs and carpets are good minimalist basics. Neutral colors create a sense of calm and spaciousness; color is added as an accent, not as the essence of the look.
But expanses of beige, cream and white can be a bit boring. That’s where form comes in. Furniture pieces with great lines are a key part of successful minimalist look. A plain-colored chair with flowing lines is the essence of high end style. To add visual interest to a neutral decor scheme, texture is also vital.
Wicker and rattan furniture is perfect for minimalist interiors (or exteriors, for that matter), on several counts. It’s a natural material with the organic feel that is a central part of the minimalist ethos. Because it’s such a plastic material it comes in simple but strikingly elegant forms, with the required fluent lines. Plain natural wood finishes are offset by pleasing, interesting textures. It’s both classic and contemporary and ideal for a minimalist decor plan on all counts.Rattan baskets and cabinets are also great for concealing all the bits and pieces that can rapidly destroy a space’s minimalist feel. The elegant simplicity of minimalism is slightly misleading. It takes planning and clever decor choices to achieve that look of easy unfussiness. But it’s worth a try, since the great charm of contemporary minimalist decor is the airy, peaceful feel it brings to any home.