Minimalissimo Weekly Edit
Minimalissimo in Design
Hello. I hope you've had a good week. I was thinking about the word "minimalism" a lot this week. I am seeing it as a word that more and more creators are moving away from, even if their work clearly draws on minimalist sensibilities. The reason is simple. Minimalism has become too popular. How? Well, it's because many people who don't really understand its meaning are using it as a trend. A trend to adopt for interior design, web design, graphic design, tech design, fashion design, and yes, even for living. It is not being used as a guiding principle, but rather as a surface level aesthetic. It has also become too commercialised brought on by YouTube and Instagram creators and global brands redesigning their logos. So people are beginning to really dislike this word.
Well, I say good. I don't want minimalism to continue to grow in popularity to the point of losing all meaning. I like to see it as a niche. I like appreciating the many nuances of the word. I like it being seen as different from the norm. But I also appreciate that popularity has its benefits. Particularly when it comes to responsible design and sustainable living. Minimalism is a huge part of that.
What I am also seeing now is a transition from "minimalism" to "simplicity". The two have many similarities and can often be used in the same context, but make no mistake about it, this word will also become over-popularised and, like minimalism, will soon have a new-found stigma attached to it.
What do you think of these two words? Do you gravitate more towards one than the other? What do you see as the fundamental differences?
Our features over the past week include a visit to Arizona to celebrate the coming together of minimalism and simplicity in the form of Pleats House. We admire the elegant design of a vase by Shinya Oguchi, and we get hands on with a wonderfully minimal table lamp by Kaschkasch. We also published a couple of contrasting moods, one of which sees us set sail to enjoy some warm minimalism courtesy of Norm Architects. Have a read, take it slow, and enjoy your Sunday.
—Carl Barenbrug, Creative Director
Features
Pleats House
Designed by architecture studio The Ranch Mine, Pleats is a 1,850 square feet, three sided courtyard house in the foothills of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Its use of materials and colours, as well as its geometric design and lack of ornamentation, makes this house blend minimalism with simplicity effortlessly.
Picture Flower Vase
Shinya Oguchi’s Picture is a minimalist and softly formed flower vase comprising three steel elements that form the base and backdrop of the vase. The bent steel plate backdrop measures just 0.88mm in thickness and creates a beautiful blank canvas for any flower stands against it.
Bolita Lamp
The Bolita lamp, made for Marset, beckons you to touch it to adjust it. Designed by Kaschkasch, the concept is simple but magical. It is a lamp with a mechanical dimming process. A technologically innovative design that brings back the sense of touch.
Mood
Sailing with Soft Minimalism
Support What We Do
This monthly edition of the Minimalissimo newsletter was supported by aprile, the hanging chair
inspired by spring days and designed by Matteo Modica, aprile is a simple suspended chair that oozes elegance—a floating seat, shaped after spring petals, swinging gently. designed and handcrafted in Italy with artisanal love.
whether you're looking for visual inspiration or design insights, you can visit our gallery to discover the very best of minimalism in art and design.
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