Minimalist flats and modern flats - are they the same?

Find out what it's all about and choose your future home, minimalist or modern flats?

These are different ways of conceiving the composition and functionalities of certain dwellings today. Minimalism, a movement that emerged in the world of visual arts in the 1960s, transfers the philosophy of less is more to single-storey architecture. Modernism seeks a break with the traditional, applying the trends of the moment in terms of materials and shapes. Find out what it is about and choose your future homeminimalist flats or modern flats?

The application of this architectural thinking or conception has its origins in the world of the arts. In fact, minimalist floors and modern floors are linked at this point. At the beginning of the 20th century, the avant-garde artistic currents wanted to break with what was established in the world of painting and sculpture. Different schools emerged with this concern, with minimalism at the top of the list in terms of reductionism in composition.

The first exponent was the Russian painter Kasimir Malevichwho seems to have woken up one day half-crossed and said... "Come on, I'll paint a circle and a black rectangle on a grey background, let's see if I can start a revolutionary artistic movement"...

And there you have it.

He broke the ice. From there to Marie Kondo a few years have passed, of course. But in essence, the content is very similar. That constant need for change and evolution in the human being was manifested through art, which exposed the weariness of the baroque and the excess of ornamentation. They were fed up with the bombast and the brilli brilli.

What did they decide to do?

• Use hard edges, simplified shapes and geometric figures on flat surfaces. 
• Maintain sharp and defined contours. 
• Giving brightness and light in large areas of the production. 
• Apply neutral colours and the contrast of white on black as the main characteristic element. 

In art, for Robert Morris.

In Formentera, for Maria Castelló.

You can see how art has slowly but surely made its way into our daily lives, creating futuristic flats, like the one in Formentera. At first glance we can also say that, as well as minimalist, this flat is very modern, right? Even claiming that there is no big difference between minimalist and modern floors. But yes, there is... and much deeper than you imagine.

What are the differences between a minimalist flat and a modern flat?

To put it simply, a modern flat is the one whose design it possesses:

• A horizontal composition with large open spaces, not too overloaded. 
• Defined geometric lines, simple shapes.
• Low and sober furniture.
• Lots of interior light. 

Attention: its counterpart is not minimalism, but traditional houses. Minimalist flats and modern flats belong to the same "family".

A minimalist flat may be all of the above, and consequently modernbut distinguish themselves by the minimalist philosophy that defines it:

Priority for space.

Maintain raw and local materials.

Pay attention to scales and shapes.

Connection with the natural elements.

Why do we say that in minimalist flats less is more?

Beyond the artistic origin of this trend, what makes it enduring over time is the way of life it represents. This philosophy we were talking about. Living with fewer material possessions means being able to focus on those things that are most important to us. immaterial that matter: relationships, our passions and self-care. More time for meditation, travel, education, rest or entertainment. 

It's about removing all the excess to focus on the essentials that give long-term satisfaction and open up the space. When all that noise is removed from the environment, what are we left with?

Spacious, clean and fresh surfaces... 

Talking to Tinixara GonzálezHome Stager and Interior Designer on the differences between minimalist and modern flooring, explains that:

"Minimalist flats and modern flats are not the same thing. People tend to confuse the terms because we remember the typical minimalism where the house looks like a museum and all the furniture is quite modern with very modern lines. Nowadays minimalism has moved to another level, even philosophical, not only in terms of decoration but in the way of living."

And why would you "less is more".? 

"We all know the phrase "less is more".. That is the key to minimalism, living with what is necessary. That is why, nowadays, this is translating into spaces with a more natural, organic but simple look, with only what you need. Not so many decorative elements or unnecessary objects, but natural materials, light, ceramics, vegetation and the sensation of returning to our origins but with a line of sophistication. On the other hand, modern doesn't have to be minimalist, it looks for clean and modern lines, playing with light too but in a more thought out, more linear way and with fashionable materials".

7 recommendations for a modern flat

Finally, the tips. If you are more aesthetic than philosophical, with these tips you can reorient the design of your flat or define your choice if you are looking for a modern flat to live in.  

1. Eliminate unnecessary ornamentation. Think of what you are looking for as clean and simple scenarios. If it doesn't add up, it subtracts.
2. Opt for vertical lines, horizontal lines and rectangular shapes.. Defined planes and contrasting vertical-horizontal shapes. 
3. Use modern materials. For example, exposed and stained steel and concrete columns or open spaces without columns.  
4. Keep materials honest. Try to bring out the natural look of the materials, e.g. stain the wood instead of painting it. 
5. Generates greater prominence to open, flowing interior spaces. Unify spaces such as the dining room, kitchen and living room and you will achieve a feeling of spaciousness and continuity. 
6. Use natural light and glass. Used in large proportions, glass takes advantage of the natural landscape and views, and helps to bring the indoors and outdoors together. 
7. Take advantage of certain types of openings to promote natural light.. Spaces shine on their own when they are touched by natural light, which brings out the best in any material and surface.

So, between a minimalist flat and a modern flat, which one do you choose?

At Monapart we sell y we rent beautiful homes, many of them modern and many of them minimalist. If your house has hard edges, well-defined geometric lines and lots of light, you're in the right place.