Guest Picks: Minimalist Pieces With a Major Presence
These sleek furniture and accessory designs are short on excess but bursting with creative panache
Houzz contributor, design blogger, photographer and editor of http://www.TheSwelleLife.com
Houzz contributor, design blogger, photographer and editor of http://www.TheSwelleLife.com... More »
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The minimalist approach to furniture and decor is one I come back to time and time again. Whether or not you actually intend to live with the concept, I think most of us are drawn to the clean lines and quiet yet strong presence that minimalist pieces deliver without fuss — as the saying goes, "Clear space, clear mind." But don't be fooled by the simplicity of minimalism: The most uncomplicated-looking designs usually have the most thought behind them. — Denise from The Swelle Life
by Score + Solder
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This is such a minimalist piece, but it has so much going on. This glass cube planter sits on one flat edge to appear as if it's floating, and the askew design forces you to think carefully about the composition of your living arrangement. Or you can just leave it empty and call it art.
by Yanko Design
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For those who insist their pets don't mess with the sleek lines of their minimalist abodes, there is an alternative to the fluffy, furry bed that lies on the floor. This version mounts on the wall, and while I'm not sure how your cat or dog gets up there (unless it's close to the floor), don't you think your little guy would make a neat wall hanging? This is also a great way to get texture into your space, unless you've got a Mexican hairless.
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On profile, a sofa doesn't get much more minimalist than this one fashioned from a solid wooden box. However, the combination of the wood grain and fabric in a sleek rectangular form make it a standout piece that will pop with a few thoughtfully chosen pieces.
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Clear acrylic has a kind of magic about it. Its nearly invisible appearance can be worked into any room to add structure and dimension without visual weight.
This small table comes with a twist: its wood grain pattern gives it an unusual texture. Its size is ideal for making a tight or awkward space functional and interesting. Also, its open bottom allows you to stack multiple tables to create your own curio cabinet.
This small table comes with a twist: its wood grain pattern gives it an unusual texture. Its size is ideal for making a tight or awkward space functional and interesting. Also, its open bottom allows you to stack multiple tables to create your own curio cabinet.
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by Funky Rugs
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| A minimalist room needs a bit of texture and warmth to keep it from feeling too stark and cold, and this can be achieved with a well-chosen rug. I love the large pebble effect created by this felted merino area rug. It would feel great on bare feet, and it's an artisan piece that brings a touch of nature to the room. |
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This recycled wood and metal table has gone straight onto my wish list. The tabletop is stunning in striped panels of contrasting textures and shades of wood grain, and it doesn't need a thing on it to look its best. It's a great piece for warming and livening up a space of minimalist whites.
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This is such an intriguing lamp! Its knitted angora wool casing is soft and cozy, yet the long and narrow tube-like structure makes it anything but cuddly. This is a great piece for a minimalist room that could benefit from just a touch of color and softness. The lamp's fluid, flexible design will complement linear pieces and help balance the space.
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The framed structure of this wonderfully minimalist table gives it dimension without any weight, making it ideal not just for minimalist decor, but also narrow spaces that need furnishing without bulk. At just 10 inches wide, it will still hold all of those things you want to get rid of when you walk through the door, as well as a vase of flowers or a decorative dish.
by Bella Bathrooms
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This toilet is about as minimalist as you'd want it to be, but it's enough that it would have me looking around the bathroom in an effort to find what I was in there for. It's perfect for a space that is more than a bathroom — like a combination dressing room and relaxation room — to keep the focus on the more appealing aspects. Plus, the soft-close seat means minimal noise as well, so there's no accidental slamming in the night.
| A low Japanese-style platform bed is an ideal style for a room with high ceilings, maximizing the vertical space. There's something oddly enticing about a stark, minimalist look, and the built-in nightstands mean you can go as sparse with furniture as you want. |
by World Gallery
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Barnett Newman, one of my favorite abstract impressionists, is known for his quietly dramatic, large-scale color field paintings that are meant to envelop the viewer in close quarters. This work, although a smaller reproduction of the original, will add a commanding presence and provide depth and focus to a minimalist space.
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Trays are minimalist in design to begin with, but if you really need less, this snow white circular version with no raised edges would likely do the trick. Its palette design suggests it could be held through the hole, so you may want to check that those fingernails are clean before you serve canapés to your guests.
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This unusually shaped tub reminds me of a bar of soap that's been used a few times. Its soft lines, gentle curves and ultraminimalist faucet create a whisper of a tub that would be perfect in a relaxation bathroom.
| With or without clothes, this circular rail of hand-forged iron creates an interesting focal point in the room. Because it holds only a few garments, it's like a minimalist alternative to the valet. It's ideal for fashionistas whose clothes are too fabulous to keep hidden in the wardrobe. |
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| This is simply a brilliant space-saving "wardrobe." It's a gorgeously crafted solution for the scores of us who find ourselves with no space for the furniture version in our bedrooms. It could also serve as a device for overflow, allowing us some extra hang space to display our best fashions. |
by The Minimalist
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Forget diamonds. I'll take my facets in this form, please. Such a striking piece, this resin vessel doesn't need flowers; the way it catches the light is beautiful enough. Each mold is manually manipulated in its own unique way before casting, making each a genuinely one-of-a-kind piece.
by Ambiente Direct
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I love the look the all-around hanging strap gives this minimalist mirror. It makes it far more eye-catching than a simple metal-framed oval would be and keeps it from looking too stark.
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I love that this bench looks as if it would take you on a wild ride once you sit down. Its aerodynamic design and color-block cushions make it as much of a super stylish showpiece as it is a means of comfort.
by Damside Mill
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I like the "stitched-up" look of this tall stool that is created by the cable ties that hold the piece together in lieu of joints and screws. So not only is the look minimalist, but the hardware is nowhere to be seen as well.
by BlueSunTree
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I like to blame a bulky desk that invites clutter for my lack of concentration. I would have no excuses with this trestle-style version that has just enough surface area and drawer space to accommodate the essentials.
The dark veneer with the white drawers and those clever legs make for a great-looking piece that can be admired when you're not trapped behind it.
Next: My Houzz: Minimalist Living in Rotterdam
The dark veneer with the white drawers and those clever legs make for a great-looking piece that can be admired when you're not trapped behind it.
Next: My Houzz: Minimalist Living in Rotterdam
Comments
olldbobbi The Matt Azul Pendant light - How does it plug in, with a regular plug? I'd love to see it lit up and used in a room.
5 months ago · Like
Casart Coverings I have to admit when I first saw the feature pic in your ideabook for box sofa, I thought it was our Faux Padded Headboard reusable wallcovering -- until I clicked and saw your other fabulous finds. We like the Timber End Table so much that we used it in one of our photoshoots. 
5 months ago · Like
midmodfan Wow - the Snake Wardrobe is genius! That's really thinking outside of the box.
5 months ago · Like
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Build Green Incorporated One of my favorites, the ghost side table: 
5 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on Dec. 11, 2012.
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