Less Is More: Exploring Minimalism in Korean Home Design
I firmly believe that less is more when it comes to material possessions. When envisioning an ideal home, what comes to mind is finding comfort, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. With minimalism guiding my thoughts and choices, I would love to have a space that embodies tranquility, functionality, and beauty.
Korean Minimalism (also known as Dansaekhwa or “monochrome painting”) emerged as an art movement in the 1970s, as artists began creating meditative, abstract paintings as part of a national healing process in the aftermath of the Korean War.
I’m an inconsistent, but committed watcher of k-dramas and one thing that intrigues me is the homes that the members of the society live in. I particularly love the incorporation of neutral tones and natural textures in these homes. Some colors you may find include; off white, brown, cream, gray, lavender, sage green.
The change in times and generations has contributed to why minimalism is so popular in Korea. I read from a magazine;
Young ILAs (I Live Alones), or at least a large number of them, are outgrowing the materialism of earlier generations, which endured periods of extreme poverty after the Korean War. Growing up in an affluent society, ILAs see the limitations of relying on materialism as a source of happiness, and realize that life’s true satisfaction cannot come from spending hard-earned money on ephemeral items. Instead of spending energy to show off to others through material possessions, they are investing in their individual desires. The rise of single-person households is changing the social paradigm of “home.” Home was once regarded as a place to buy. Increasingly, however, young Koreans regard it as a space in which to live. Incorporating minimalism into homes emphasizes quality over quantity.
The incorporation of minimalism in the home decor in Korean homes encourages this welcoming and cozy feeling that I love to feel in homes. Not that clutter is inexistent, but everything has its own space without owning too much of everything.
Now I will show some examples in pictures;
This picture above shows a living room with light colored walls which creates a sense of cleanliness and calmness. As I mentioned earlier, the space is not exactly clutter-free, but all the items in the apartment just fit.
Another example is the picture above showing the use of the natural texture/color of wood for the doors, the door frames and the cabinet.
Another example is the use of simple furniture in the living room as shown above. Might I also add the impeccable lighting.
I believe there is true beauty in minimalism, but it is important to add your own personal touch to make the space you create for yourself feel like home.
Do you think you’d add a touch of Korean interior design to your space?
