If you’ve looked into minimalist living, you would have heard the phrase “less is more”. It has become the style’s mantra and is tossed around without any backup. But, how do you actually achieve a good minimalist style patio? That’s what we’ll set out to uncover in this article.
Minimalism boils down to having the essentials. Clutter is the enemy if you want to establish a crisp, open look. Minimalist design will prioritise functionality and create a soothing aesthetic that can be much more cost-effective than other popular styles.
Now you’re probably thinking that you’ve heard this before, but give us time. We’re just covering the basics, read on and we’ll give you some handy design tools to craft great minimalist design.
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This style has several advantages. Using minimal decor makes it a budget-friendly style. You only need a few centrepieces to fill your space, which you can source from the marketplace or buy second hand. Negative space is important and creates a relaxing, open environment (perfect for people who get claustrophobic or easily overstimulated).
Want to create or implement minimalist design into your patio? Read on to uncover our expert tips on achieving this look.
Use Uniform Layers
Several materials work well with a minimalist style patio – dark wood planks, tiles and concrete are staples for the look, but you can use anything. Our advice is to design everything in uniform layers – it’s ok to mix colours and textures as long as they don’t merge or look too busy. For example, a deep brown wood patio will look great with marble steps, but there needs to be a clear divide where the patio stops and the stairs begin. You won’t want to use materials that change drastically in gradient/colour or have busy designs (like patterned or terrazzo tiles).
Everything Needs A Purpose
A founding principle of minimalism is every decoration or furnishing should have at least one purpose. Add what you need and resist the temptation to over-decorate. That’s not saying you can’t decorate at all, but try to opt for beneficial things like pillows or a throw blanket instead of a painting.
If you feel your area is too barren, feel free to add decorations sparsely. There is a range of minimalist statues and sculptures that add presence, without overwhelming your space.
Three Key Colours Can’t Be Beat!
Want a foolproof design hack? A great rule of thumb is to work with a three-colour palette. Minimalism is often cool, so primarily use some soft, natural tones and add one bright colour if you’re feeling adventurous. Once your colours are selected, break all your features down to match. For example, if your colours are taupe brown, quartz white and a grassy green – you could break that down into a white patio and roof, brown furnishings and a touch of green through plants, decorations or even a feature wall.
Colour allows you to create a focal point of your patio, but a muted scheme can make a more neutral, relaxing space. Secondly, contrast is a strength for minimalist design – two of your core colours should be close to black and white gradients.
Minimalist designs can seem cold, so if you want to warm it up, try and fill a big space with wood (such as your patio, pillars, roof, etc). On the opposite end, concrete is unrivalled for establishing a clean, industrial look. It’s durable and seamless, making it practical and aesthetically pleasing, the two pillars of minimalist design.
Decorations That Matter
Great news! If you’re opting to build a minimalist patio, you’re likely going to save some money on decorations. When it’s time to decorate, go for minimalist furniture and leave plenty of open space.
Occupy your patio with sleek, simple and angular furniture. Minimalism is all about clean, uninterrupted lines and solid colours. Have fun and visualise what lines will amplify your patio’s look. Because you won’t be filling your area with too many knick-knacks, take the opportunity to buy some larger pieces to fill space. Each item plays an important role, so make sure you love each addition.
Decor is entirely optional – some people love adding plants and trees to mix minimalism with biophilia designs. It’s entirely dependent on your preference.
There’s a great calming sense that comes with limiting your early possessions. You’ll love how your space makes you feel when you get to enjoy the vastness that comes with a minimal life.
Confused on what’s too much? Our advice is your decorations and furnishings should only occupy one-third of your overall space. The remaining area should be open space. Take this advice with a grain of salt though, because large items like tables cover a lot of surface area on their own.
Gardens Are Optional
The best thing about minimalism is it doesn’t need to combine with a garden or any plants. The look is striking itself but can be complemented nicely with a well-groomed lawn and hedges or with layered potted plants.
Living a minimalist lifestyle is the perfect option for people who don’t have room for a grass lawn. A small pebble lawn or paved area can extend the minimalist aesthetic further than your patio.
Want help bringing your minimalist style patio to life? SEQ Patio Group can set you up for greatness with a brilliant and sleek patio or even a pergola! If you would like to learn more about how we can help, get in touch with us today.
