Minimalism is one of the most far-reaching philosophies of all time, popping up in waves throughout European cultural history in one way or another, but being prominent in thinking from Asia, Americas and Africa at various points throughout time. One particularly influential school of modern minimalism is the Italian version, which has inspired interior designers and architects over the past minimalism epoch. It is a form of minimalism characterized by only essential furniture and appliances to help you live in an organized, clean, and relaxed way.
Find Out What You Use
Italian minimalism revolves around everyday use. That means an Italian living room will often have the only things that are used every day — e.g. a couple of chairs or a couch, a coffee table, and a TV. If you want to understand how relaxing the Italian minimalist life can be, try to take an inventory of your home and remove everything that you don’t use every day. This is especially useful in the kitchen where counters are bare and decluttered and the only appliances you have are ones like kettles, coffee machines, and microwaves.
Beautiful Floors and Walls
Italian marble is world-famous, but Italian minimalism can involve a variety of stones. Marble is still used, but contemporary Italian designers have been a bit wary of it as it can look tacky in some environments. Italian porcelain is a popular choice right now, with tiles being imported all over the world. For example, imported porcelain tiles Leeds, England, have been the focus of a new wave of local Italian influence in the United Kingdom.
Walls are a hot topic and should be kept simple and clean. If you have art, make sure it is simply framed and enhances the general space instead of distracts from it. If you have stone-plated walls, it’s not uncommon to leave them bare and let the natural beauty of stone do the talking.
Multifunctional Spaces
Italian minimalism looks to make the most of space. Often, they combine living and dining rooms and enjoy big spaces that can be used for hosting or being comfortable and cosy at home. Closets aren’t particularly popular in Italy, or wider Europe — many homes don’t come with them — but if you do find a home with a closet it will be small, just for one person’s clothes.
Furniture as well as spaces are often multifunctional. If a home has a kitchen counter, it likely won’t have a dining table because why bother? A kitchen counter can do the job just fine. A living room coffee table could also have a small shelf underneath, allowing it to double as a bookshelf. It could also have drawers that allow for organization. A study could also double as a recreation area, with a television that’s able to be placed on the desk when the workday has finished. If you want to replicate this, try taking away bits of furniture that you don’t always use. One by one, you’ll be forced to find other functions for the remaining furniture you have left.
This is a guest post by Steve Conway, a passionate traveler who explores the globe in pursuit of adventure, sun soaked beaches and azure waters.
