Minimalism style
History
Clean, sleek and clutter free, minimalism has become a highly prized look for the modern bathroom. As a term, the minimalism of the 1960s and 70s has come to be applied to everything from sculpture to music to architecture, but takes its style cues from Japanese zen and 20th century modernism. The De Stijl group of artists and architects in Holland introduced geometric lines, monochrome and primary colour palettes. Very much a European and American movement, driven by architects like Le Corbusier and Lloyd Wright who were concerned with sharp and clean lines and angles, minimalism concerns itself with the marriage of form and functionality. The Bauhaus school is another major influence, harmoniously aligning the purpose of a building with its design and allowing no ornamentation. Minimalism is about the clean and serene, combining the function of bathing and hygiene with the form of perfectly adapted bathroom ceramics for a sleek, elegant and very modern look.
Style
Simple, pared back, clutter free and zen-like interiors characterise minimalism. The colour scheme is bold and simple, influenced by Mondrian's paintings, using monochrome and bold primary colours. There is an austerity and clarity of design where form follows function with no unnecessary ornamentation.
Influences
The De Stijl art movement in Holland (1917-1931), The Bauhaus movement in architecture (1919-1933), The arts and crafts movement (1810-1910), Modernism (1981-1950) and Japanese zen have all been huge influences on the minimalist style, sharing a clean, pared back and uncluttered look.
Tips & tricks
To create minimalist style in your bathroom, think clean and angular lines, uncluttered surfaces and white ceramics.
Ceramics - wall hung ceramics will give a spacious and uncluttered look. Choose white ceramics with bold, clean lines and a free standing bath tub with a contemporary look.
Storage - The minimalist look depends on sleek and uncluttered lines. Recessed storage or cabinets with mirrored fronts contribute to the streamlined look.
Floor - Concrete is a very contemporary choice for a bathroom and echoes the Bauhaus influences of the style. If using tiles keep them large to minimise grout lines for a seamless look. Plain white vinyl is another minimal choice.
Colour schemes - Keep your ceramics and your walls white to flood you bathroom with light. Window treatments should be minimal or not used at all.
Lighting - LED lights can create subtle lighting effects under a floating cabinet, or are the minimal way to flood a room with light. Strip lighting in recesses and bold task lighting with Edison bulbs completes the look.
Walls - Keep to a monochrome palette of white, black and grey.
Accessories - Bathroom accessories can be used to introduce architectural and organic zen elements. Wooden bath mats, black powder coated taps, steel and chrome will all accessorise your minimalist bathroom.
Get the look with contemporary and minimalist ceramics from the
BC Designs range.