27 January, 2026

MINIMALISM STYLE IN INTERIOR DESIGN

Amid the fast-paced rhythm of modern life, Minimalism has emerged as a powerful lifestyle and design philosophy defined by the principle “Less is more.” Beyond simply eliminating unnecessary details, Minimalism is the art of creating calm, clarity, and emotional depth through space. Together with IDD Decor, explore the core principles and breakthrough ideas that transform homes, restaurants, cafés—and especially offices—into refined, minimalist compositions of elegance and balance.

What Is Minimalism?

Minimalism refers to a philosophy centered on eliminating the unnecessary. Originating in the 1960s, Minimalism has continued to gain widespread influence across music, visual arts, architecture, fashion, and interior design. The growing appreciation for Minimalism has elevated minimalist living spaces to a new level of value. The phrase “Less is more” succinctly captures the essence of minimalist interiors—yet this brief statement only conveys a fraction of the depth behind Minimalism in interior design.

Một không gian được thiết kế theo phong cách Minimalist (Nguồn: 94 Studio) - A space designed in a minimalist style (Source: 94 Studio)
Một không gian được thiết kế theo phong cách Minimalist (Nguồn: 94 Studio) – A space designed in a minimalist style (Source: 94 Studio)

Applying Minimalism in Interior Design

Space

“Minimalism allows furniture to recede into the background so that other elements—such as the view outside a window or the people in the room—become the focal point.”
Robert Brown, 2019

Achieving this balance is a significant challenge for interior designers. The space must be clean and refined, yet still convey warmth—whether it is a home, office, restaurant, or café.

Materials

A common question arises in minimalist spaces: Do external elements such as people, outdoor views, or everyday objects disrupt the “minimal” nature of an interior? According to Elle Decor, the real challenge of Minimalist design does not lie in choosing materials for a white backdrop, but in creating warmth and breathing life into a truly pared-down space.

Color Palette

Monochromatic color schemes are central to Minimalist interiors. Using multiple shades within a single dominant tone creates visual harmony and consistency. Soft, neutral palettes evoke a sense of calm and relaxation. To avoid monotony, contrasting accents are often introduced sparingly. However, material selection plays a critical role. “Clean” materials—free of complex patterns—are essential. Instead of decorative motifs, minimalist spaces rely on smooth or subtly textured surfaces on walls, floors, and ceilings, executed with precision and restraint.

Con người và cây xanh trở thành tâm điểm chú ý trong một không gian Minimalist (Nguồn: Tatler Asia) - People and greenery become the focal points in a minimalist space (Source: Tatler Asia)
Con người và cây xanh trở thành tâm điểm chú ý trong một không gian Minimalist (Nguồn: Tatler Asia) – People and greenery become the focal points in a minimalist space (Source: Tatler Asia)

Functionality as a Priority

Functionality is a defining characteristic of Minimalism. Every piece of furniture is deliberately selected and purpose-driven. 

Decorative elements are reduced, replaced by practical objects designed creatively to become the “jewelry” of a minimalist space.

Equally important is the cohesion between objects. Designers focus on creating seamless connections through consistent use of color, form, and materials, ensuring visual continuity throughout the interior (Myers, 2019).

Conclusion: Minimalism in Interior Design

Minimalist interior design demands sophistication in the use of materials, colors, and furnishings to achieve simplicity without sacrificing warmth. Monochromatic palettes form a gentle visual foundation, complemented by subtle contrasting accents.

True to the Minimalist philosophy, unnecessary elements are removed, yet balance is paramount—nothing excessive, nothing lacking. Every object and layout choice serves a clear functional purpose.

The openness and clarity of minimalist interiors have made this style widely admired for its elegance, versatility, and timeless appeal.

August 2023 – Ben Pham

Selected Minimalist Interior Design Projects by IDD Decor

Below are several projects where IDD Decor has successfully applied Minimalism for clients:

Thiết kế nội thất phòng họp Publicis (Publicis Groupe Meeting Room Interior Design)

Publicis Groupe – Meeting Room Interior Design

The Publicis meeting room follows a minimalist aesthetic while remaining highly flexible. Key principles include optimized functionality and adaptable layouts. Furniture is movable and foldable, allowing multiple configurations—from boardroom to classroom to collaborative circles. Movable partitions enable seamless spatial expansion or division.

This flexibility makes the Publicis meeting room a strategic component of modern office design, helping enterprises optimize space, enhance productivity, and foster multidirectional communication.

 

NM Shipping Office Interior Design

Operating in logistics and transportation, NM Shipping requires a workspace that reflects industry-specific characteristics. The design emphasizes stable geometric forms, clear structure, and a solid visual language.

Minimalist office design enhances connectivity while expressing a modern, dynamic, and confident identity—perfectly aligned with a logistics-driven enterprise.

Thiết kế nội thất văn phòng công ty đa quốc gia NM Shipping - sảnh lễ tân (NM Shipping Office Interior Design - The Reception Area: A Voyage Begins)

 

Thiết kế nội thất văn phòng CMA - Khu vực làm việc (CMA Office Interior Design –  Workspace)

CMA CGM Workspace Interior Design

The CMA CGM office exemplifies acoustic balance in an open workspace. IDD Decor incorporated mineral fiber panels and low acoustic partitions between desk rows to significantly reduce noise while preserving spatial openness.

Read more: Minimalist Workspace Design for International Enterprises

Other Interior Design Styles

Beyond Minimalism, IDD Decor applies a wide range of interior design styles across its office design and fit-out projects. To explore more, visit the Interior Design Consulting section on our website.

IDD Decor – Office Interior Design – Behind the door awaits a journey to success

Address: Doxaco Building, 307B Nguyen Van Troi Street, Tan Son Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Hotline: 0896 640 986
Website: idddecor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idddecorvn/

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