Between warm and colourful minimalism, muted minimalism and the so-called ‘midimalism’, what is even minimalism anymore? We investigate…

Over the last couple of months, my inbox has seen an influx of press releases referring to every conceivable type of minimalism that’s bound to turn your space into a serene sanctuary.

How many types of this very straightforward (you’d think), very old and very classic concept are there, you ask? Apparently, quite a few – colourful minimalism, warm minimalism, muted minimalism (isn’t minimalism ‘muted’ anyway?), and even ‘midimalism’ are some of the design terms populating my inbox lately.

And don’t get me wrong, I love the beauty and tranquillity that comes from uncluttered spaces and clean lines, but is it still minimalist if you’re adding more and more things to it? So, as a fan of minimalism and all it stands for, I decided to get to the bottom of this.

I asked the experts what these labels mean and, ultimately, what it means to be a modern minimalist…

How did we get here?

The concept of minimalism is said to have its roots in the post-World War I era and the Bauhaus school, which celebrated the beauty and harmony that lies in utility – in simple, functional objects that serve a purpose. It wasn’t until the 1960s, though, when minimalism truly took off as an art movement, favouring simple, geometric shapes and literal meanings over abstract expressionism’s excessiveness.

In interiors, this meant clean, minimal spaces that accentuated architectural features instead of focusing on busy, often unnecessary décor. For years, this usually translated into desaturated colours and plain – sometimes dull – furniture that wasn’t meant to stand out, but, instead, to exist harmoniously within a neutral, pared-back scheme.

A layered approach

However, as with everything in life, minimalism is not just black and white. And it probably never has been. Those who did it ‘right’ knew that you need at least some sort of colour or subtle pattern to give your minimalist design a bit of depth and character. Only now, there are a few more words to describe what’s actually been happening for years.

Contemporary, layered minimalism is most successful when it features texture and warmer shades (warm minimalism) or is injected with a striking colour or two (colourful minimalism) or with a few patterns or bolder elements here and there (midimalism), or in the form of a classic, understated design in a muted palette (muted minimalism), but which still has character in all its quiet simplicity.

“For me, minimalism is about refinement, not about lack of interest,” says Pia Pelkonen, creative director at Pia Design. “So that there are still beautiful textures and details that draw the eye, but the design is subtle and doesn’t overwhelm.”

Pereen d’Avoine, founder of architectural firm Russian For Fish, agrees: “Minimalism refers to a pared-back approach to interiors; but without much tonal contrast and texture, this approach has at times been thought of as stark and often cold. We’re now seeing the term encompass more of an embrace of the full spectrum of textures and colours.”

Warm minimalism

To try ‘warm minimalism’, Pereen suggests hues such as terracotta or soft, earthy pinks, intricate detailing on kitchen cabinets and hardwood flooring to soften your space and give it a sense of tactility. Of course, soft textiles are also a great way to achieve this cosy effect.

Ashley Cooper, marketing director at Triton Showers, advises to avoid picking the purest whites, too, as these could make your space look clinical. “Opt for off-whites, instead, and surfaces with texture and finishes that mimic natural materials such as marble, concrete and sandstone. The key is to keep the core colours neutral and play around with finishes and shapes,” he says, alluding to a muted minimalism approach.

Colourful minimalism

But why not take this one step further and include one or two accent shades? Whether you paint one of your walls a vibrant red or even colour-drench an entire room in pink, the design will remain minimalistic if you incorporate symmetry and storage solutions to keep the clutter at bay – and that’s colourful minimalism for you.

Midimalism

Now midimalism is where things get trickier. The middle ground between minimalism and maximalism, midimalism combines a few maximalist patterns or bolder shades and materials with minimalism’s considered approach, only with a bigger emphasis, perhaps, on the latter’s symmetry and clean lines.

To do midimalism right, “Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns, but limit these to three or four to avoid overwhelming the space and losing the balance,” says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs.

“Use natural materials such as linens, wools, wood and rattan to add texture, playing with different layers to create depth and interest, and if you opt for upholstery in bold colours, choose accessories such as throws, cushions and textiles in complementary shades to maintain balance and cohesion.”

Minimalist or maximalist?

Midimalism got me thinking – if there’s a fine line between modern minimalism and modern maximalism, where does the former stop and the latter begin? At its core, we know that minimalism is about embracing form and simplicity. And maximalism is about letting your personality shine through. What the two have in common today, is the fact that they both encourage homeowners to select functional pieces that feel unique to them.

Whether you choose to do that with characterful furniture and patterns that blend beautifully together, or via clean lines accentuated by a few hero pieces and surprise details, it’s up to you. But at the end of the day, the goal is the same: a balanced, personal, carefully thought-out space.

So, if we got rid of all the labels and tried to land on one single definition for modern minimalism, instead, what would it be? Amy Stoddard, creative director at Amy Stoddard Studio, says, “To me, the beauty of minimalism lies in surrounding yourself only with things you truly love and that add value to your life. One of my favourite quotes by William Morris captures this perfectly: ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.’”

And if you achieve that, who cares what you decide to call it?

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