The Most With the Least The Most With the Least

INSPIRATION

The Most With the Least

More than merely a scraped back use of colour, shapes and materials, Minimalism is one of the world's most widely known - and commonly misunderstood - art movements. Here we explore the history and theory behind the style, and look at how it's evolved into a mainstay aesthetic.

Radical Origins

While reductionism in art and design dates back much earlier, Minimalism as a movement first emerged in the US during the late 1950s in response to Abstract Expressionism and Modernism. Inspired by the distilled aesthetic of German Bauhaus, Russian Constructivism, and Dutch Neoplasticism, the style was championed throughout the 60s and 70s by artists such as Donald Judd, Agnes Martin, and Frank Stella who first uttered the now iconic Minimalism mantra - “What you see is what you see”. This statement encapsulates the original intention of minimalist art, which aimed to encourage viewers to respond to what’s actually in front of them, rather than a representation of something else.

Although originally envisioned as a radical rejection of everything but the most basic visual elements, during the 1980s the starkness of Minimalism softened into a much more accessible style, and by the following decade it became a guiding design principle across homes, branding, fashion and furniture.

Modern architectural building with a pool in front

Clean and Refined

True to its roots, contemporary minimalism aims to achieve the most with the least, however rather than brutal simplicity, today’s interpretation of the style is a pared down aesthetic that eschews superfluous ornamentation. 

A celebration of geometric forms, sleek symmetry, clean lines, structural repetition, and unadorned materials, minimalism has also come to mean a focus on quality. By its very nature, attention to detail is a key component of the aesthetic, as fewer patterns and embellishments mean there’s no place to hide poor craftsmanship.

In terms of colours, monochrome and neutral palettes with subtle shade variances are most commonly used within minimalist design, however in keeping with the current wave of softer minimalism, this isn’t restricted to grey, white, black and beige. A much broader range of colours can be used in muted tones - such as dusty pink, buttery yellow, and jade green - to create visual interest and add a sense of warmth.

Modern interior with staircase, kitchen, and dining area. Modern interior with a staircase, dining area, and large windows.
Modern architectural building with a flat roof and large glass windows on a cloudy day.

The New National Gallery in Berlin, designed by the legendary Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

Large, open church interior with rows of wooden pews and high ceilings.

St. Moritz Church, Augsburg.

Iconic Architecture

Closely linked with modernist architecture, the minimalist style is perfectly illustrated by a wide number of buildings across the globe, including many by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Regarded as one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, Mies van der Rohe’s work is often cited as a precursor for popularised minimalism, and includes striking structures such as the New National Gallery in Berlin, Farnsworth House and Crown Hall in Illinois, and the spectacular Pavilion in Barcelona.

Other distinctive examples of minimalist architecture include St. Moritz Church in Augsburg which was remodelled by British architect John Pawson, the Chichu Art Museum in Naoshima which was created by Japanese visionary Tadao Ando, and The Therme Vals resort in the Swiss Alps, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. Although each building is entirely unique, they all showcase many of the traits that are now synonymous with minimalism - impressive open spaces, natural light, raw materials, repeated shapes, perfect symmetry, purposeful design, and bold simplicity.

Endless Inspiration

While Minimalism has touched almost every creative sector, its lasting and significant impact on interior design can be seen within countless commercial and residential spaces around the world, particularly across Japan and the Nordic countries. Long associated with cleanliness and order, minimalist interiors can sometimes be stark and sterile, however today’s interpretation of the look is much less rigid. Without losing its emphasis on function, utility and simple forms, modern minimalism tends to be softened with the addition of layered textiles, soft hues, and subtle textures.

Perfect examples of this more relaxed approach can be found in stunning locations on every continent, including the pristine Hotel Schgaguler in Kastelruth, which is surrounded by the breathtaking Italian Dolomite mountains, the incredible Tulum Treehouse which is tucked away in the Mayan jungle, and the serene Dubai Edition hotel which exudes minimalist luxury.

Minimalism is also hugely influential within furniture and homeware design, and serves as a constant inspiration for Lusso’s signature aesthetic of understated elegance. Alongside our commitment to flawless quality and exceptional craftsmanship, the design philosophy is reflected in our use of natural materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and the timeless, simplified beauty of our collections.

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Published by: Aidan Cooper