It can be hard to trace the origins of the minimalist interior design movement. Its core principles can be difficult to differentiate from that of modernism, not to mention contemporary design. Recognized for its pared-back, enduring architecture and interior style, minimalists champion a lot of modern interior design principles, removing all unnecessary embellishments so that the essence of a space — its materials and its form — can take center stage.
But it's not as simple as leaving blank space in a room. It's about filling it only with pieces that serve a purpose. "It's about creating spaces that are intentional, inviting, and free from excessive clutter," adds Emily Brown, the principal designer and founder of Southwest studio Emily Lauren Interiors.
