Is Less really more?

We all know the saying "Less is more" - but when it comes to design, I prefer the expression "Less is more work" !

To the untrained eye, minimalist design looks "easy" and over simplified, but it takes real talent and vision to create a perfect balance between line and form, that appears effortless. More than this, it takes immense courage to strip back an idea to its absolute minimum and lay yourself as a designer bare to the world.

Minimalism is more than just a design concept, it is a way of living and thinking. The simplest things in life bring the most pleasure. Sitting outside on a balmy summers evening, sharing a glass of good red wine, fresh olives and homemade hummus with friends and loved ones. The exchange of philosophical ideas provoking new ways of thinking and gratitude.

There is a rawness and honesty with minimalist design. It is what Frank Stella, one of the pioneers of minimalism in art famously once said "You see what you see". However as an observer and lover of minimalism, I strongly believe one's emotional response is intrinsically personal and unique. For me, it is usually evokes a sense of peace and authenticity in our very cluttered world - be it in art, architecture, fashion, product or interior design.



Clock wise from left to right: "Vertical Line" by Ellsworth Kelly 1951 from Line Form Color Series/Minimalist interior London home /"Apple chair by Shiro Kuramata 1985 /Minimalist birch hallway /Square rug
in pure wool from MVM Mesmeric Collection / Shaped Tibetan weave rug from MVM Shadow Tech Collection / Laminated glass chair by Shiro Kuramata 1976 / Tibetan woolen rug from MVM Shadow Tech
Collection / "Curve" by Ellsworth Kelly 1951 from Line Form Color Series / Minimalist interior design in Knokke Belgium by Nils Van der Celen.

What does Minimalism look like?

Minimalism can be "quiet" and understated with hints and suggestions of space and shape; often in monochromatic tones that inherently induce calm and harmony. I am always inspired the work of renowned British Architect John Pawson whose airy rhythmic environments allows one to breathe and feel settled.

Conversely, minimalism can be bold and brave like the the art of Ellsworth Kelly. Here we see strong color used to create vibrance and tension between simple organic shapes, with negative and positive space being perfectly juxtaposed.

It can also be reduced down to its essentials, so that functionality becomes central to its minimalist aesthetic. This is so beautifully illustrated and executed in the furniture design of of influential Japanese product designer Shiro Kuramata.

Those who dare to play in this minimalist design arena, understand and respect the existence of a very fine line that cannot be crossed. Best expressed in the words of Albert Einstein: " Everything should be made as simple as possible, not simpler"

White arches in St Moritz church by Architect John Pawson / Painting by MarK Rothko /Stairwell with shadowed light / Recasting Installation by Alison Brooks Architects 2018 / Hand knotted Tibetan wool rug
from MVM Henge Collection / Untitled installation by Donald Judd 1968 /"Pole" by Ellsworth Kelly 1957 / Painting by Frank Stella 1967 / "Orange Curve" by Ellsworth Kelly 1965 /White plaster minimalist arches