How Less is More - A Look at Minimalist House Design and Minimalism

A phrase attributed to famous Modernist architect Mies Van Der Rohe, 'less is more' is the notion that simplicity and clarity leads to good design. While it may have been popularised in architecture, this mantra spans across all facets of design, health, food, fashion, lifestyle and more.

I first came across this phrase during architecture school, and was drawn to Japanese minimalist architects and their approach to design, using a few elements but doing more with them. In this video, I break down six elements of minimalist house design and minimalism.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - Form Follows Function
01:49 - Limited Material Palette
02:43 - Clean Lines
03:39 - Remove Excess
04:51 - Honesty
05:52 - No Ornamentation
06:25 - Light and Landscape
07:10 - Conclusion

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The Design Emotive

Produced by The Design Emotive
Filmed and Edited by The Design Emotive / Anthony Richardson

Music from YouTube Audio Library

#HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HouseTour #HomeTour

[SimpleDwelling]

This is my first proper video with me presenting, I've popped up in previous videos before but not at this scale, so please be kind!

I also understand there may be some contradictions by releasing this video, as some homes featured might have you scratching your head and thinking 'but he said this, and it isn't that'. Keep in mind that the focus to more minimalist designs is only recent, and will be a slow transition to achieve the vision I have for this channel.

I hope you like this video, stepping wildly outside of my comfort zone doing this but I want to produce more videos like this! If there is something about minimalism in design that you want me to explore and talk about, leave a comment!

[jl]

this video is now officially my design bible. so well written, so communicative, so informative.

[pratibhas]

My parents have spent so many years telling us how living small and frugal is the best thing, finally my sister, brother & I have understood what they meant all along. Listening to you here makes me even more confident & comfortable in my journey towards truly becoming a minimalist! You are creating some amazing content.

[gabetvroberts]

Wow, I absolutely loved this video! I would love to see more of this type of content from you. I have always thought the objective of "minimalism" was missed when I see "minimalistic mansions".

[leanetta]

Thank you so much for the invitation to learn. Incredibly well done and I so appreciate the visual with the informative. I'm drawn to the "Less is more" concept.

[TrishaKurz]

Happy to see this content! You did a great job. Can’t wait for more.

[davidumana]

Great video, i love how you communicate and present the information. I love the music in the background nice and subtle. Keep it up!

[AnnMarieKing]

A wonderful distillation of minimalist architecture. And a few touches of well played dry wit ... throughly enjoyable.

[melindadouglas]

I LOVE this design style and as a Realtor I constantly tell my clients when selling their home, Less is More!

[kashmirsidhu]

Love this video, could you please make more. Very useful information, calm narrative. Love, love and love.

[evangelinecheng]

Please do more of these videos! Love to hear these sort of opinion pieces, they are severely lacking on YouTube imo :)

[paulinebrandt]

Excellent and enjoyable video. You nailed it - more please 😊👍🏾

[marisasm]

Glad you decided to make this video. Super interesting, very enlightening and very funny at times. I also liked the way you presented the content. 👍And you have a great voice by the way 🙂

[kn]

Thank you for a wonderful, inspiring video! I very much appreciate your warm, reflective, and humble presentation and voice. IMO this format was excellent, and I'm looking forward to see more videos like this! By the way, I sat waiting for the term "intentional", which I've heard and like a lot :-)

[abdulsalamtreki]

"Less is more" is now officially my architecture rule
Great video I'll be wating for more of this ..
Greetings from Libya

[lr]

This was really interesting and informative. Thank you, looking forward to your next episode

[joellechiara]

it's all just so visually stunning. A favorite video of mine. Thank you .

[sifuasrat]

That's a really helpful piece.. great job

[jewelleedwards]

I love the question about dirty lines lol. Great video with useful concepts and engaging scenery. More please!

[bulz]

Great video that's saved so i can re-visit it. I would enjoy more of the minimalist content, for me longer in depth videos for instance on storage and how to furnish already built apartments/houses (as in this video you mentioned thinking before building on the needs, many people find however "odd" shaped housing). Many thanks!