Minimalism has changed throughout the years, starting with a focus on geometric shapes and eventually moving to the multi-faceted phenomenon we enjoy today. Minimalism has become a trend in architecture, art, interior and graphic design.
Bauhaus School in Germany: 1919
Some trace minimalist design to the Bauhaus school in Germany, established in 1919. Walter Gropius was the founder of the creative school that taught architects, designers, and artists. The school emphasized function and artistic vision, combining those two elements with mass production.
Bauhaus forms focused on geometric shapes – even the Bauhaus emblem reflected this bent toward simple geometric shapes.
Notably, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (touted as the father of minimalism in the architectural world) became Bauhausโ third and final director before the school closed down in 1933. He moved to Chicago in 1937 to become the head of College Architecture at the Armour Institute.
Gaining Popularity in the US: 1950 – 1960
For a decade or so after Mies made his mark in Chicago, minimalism was quietly chugging alongโฆ but sometime in the 1950s, it started to become more popular in the United States. In the post-Sputnik era (1957-1969), Russian constructivism became more popular, with an added emphasis on fabrication and ready-made architecture.
In the 60s, artists began renouncing art that they believed was too stale and academic, in favor of cool designs that were less dramatic.
Minimalism in Graphic Design: 1960
We thought this deserved its own section! In the 60s, minimalism started to make a foray into graphic design and product design. This era was when Paul Rand, Massimo Vignelli, Dieter Rams, Sol LeWitt, Robert Morris, and Jasper Morrison became popular for their minimalist graphic designs, architecture, or sculptures.
Expressive Minimalism: 1970 – 1980
In the 70s and 80s, architects started adding some pizzazz to their designs by adding ornamentation and decoration. This technique diverged from the pure, industrial minimalist style and toward something more expressive and dynamic. Notable architects were Michael Graves and Robert Venturi, and graphic designers David Carson and Paula Scher became sought-after.
Donald Judd, art critic and sculptor, rose to acclaim during the 1970s.
Streamlined Minimalism: 1990; 2010
Since minimalism made its first appearance, it has waxed and waned in popularity. Two decades when streamlined minimalism were popular were 1990 and 2010. In 2022, Kate Reed wrote that โMinimalism isnโt dead. Itโs taking a break,โ on the heels of hearing claims that minimalism was dead.
The break didnโt last very long. In recent years, it seems that trends are occuring closer together, to the point where you can hardly distinguish what is โtrendyโ anymore. If youโre two years late on the last trend, youโre probably just two years away from it getting trendy again.
Have we reached the โevergreen eraโ of minimalism?
Types of Minimalism: What They Are and What Theyโre For
There are several types of minimalism in both graphic design and interior design. Letโs talk about what they are and what theyโre characterized by/functions.
Here are a few different types of minimalism:
- Aesthetic:ย Aesthetic minimalism is about visual appeal and favors simplicity, white walls, modern furniture, and neutral clothing (like staple wardrobes).ย
- Boho:ย Boho is concerned with making life simpler, usually with a focus on art and culture. It intersects with travel as well. It favors natural textures and eclectic elements.
- Digital: Weโve written about digital minimalism before – itโs an emphasis on eliminating digital clutter (clear inbox, few apps, less phone usage) for a freer lifestyle.
- Eco: Eco-minimalists seek to reduce their householdโs footprint, so the focus tends to be to minimize trash output and consumption in favor of a greener lifestyle.ย
- Frugal: Frugal or financial minimalists seek to spend as little money as possible while enjoying a full life. They have a tight budget and focus on quality rather than quantity.
- Geometric:ย This form of minimalism hearkens back to its origins at Bauhaus school, and focuses on geometric shapes in both graphic and interior design.ย
- Nomad: Nomad minimalism is focused around travel (almost exclusively). The focus is on making room to become more flexible, adapt to surroundings, and moving often.
- Rebel: Rebel minimalism doesnโt adhere to a strict set of rules and is tough to define. Theyโre noncomformist but still tend to stick to minimalism, one way or the other.
Choose Matcha Design for Your Design Needs
Whether you love minimalism or just want a great design for your next project, we would love to help you. At Matcha Design, weโve been helping people for over three decades. Weโve seen minimalism come and go, and weโd love to step in and take care of your project.
Contact us today for help with your next project!
