5 minimalist masterpieces
The art of creating an inviting minimalist space
I am an all-eater when it comes to hotel and more specifically hotel design. The only caveat I have, is that it has to be executed well. For a design to work (in my book) it has to be taken all the way and not settle for good enough. I love a maximalist hotel loaded with impressions but I am equally in awe of when a minimalist design is executed, which takes a great amount of fingerspitzgefûhl.
Where I come from, Scandinavia, minimalism has been a thing… well since the beginning of time. There is something up here that inspires people to keep things simple. It is not only when talking about design, it shows up in how we live our lives, what we prioritize and how we interact with others. But simple and minimalist has to be done with care, if not it can easily end up resulting in feeling anxious, stale or just down right boring. But when done right, it can be a space where the lack of sensory impressions leave room for constructive, open thoughts. Like a kind of pallet cleanser for the over-stimulated mind.
So what is minimalism to me? For me it is the use of soft, discreet colors with very subtle, if any prints or patterns. It is displaying a minimum amount of objects and features. It is about Tactile materials like wood ,ceramics and soft fabrics. It is clean lines and uncluttered, open spaces.
I have realized that I especially appreciate minimalist hotels when staying In either a busy city or when surrounded by stunning nature. When in a city it sometimes feels good to let the senses rest after a day exploring, or when staying in nature the minimalism helps you to direct the focus on the main event; what is around you.
I have been lucky to stay at some hotels where the design is minimalist, simple and straight forward while still feeling inspiring, warm and enticing.
Below I have listed 5 of my favorite minimalist hotels:
Lermooser / Lermoos, Austria
The Lermooser is a B&B in the small village of Lermoos, located in Tyrol, very close to the German border. The design is all about soft colors and a few, selected interior design features to add something surprising, like a colorful mat or some fresh flowers. A great example of how minimalist still can feel warm and homely.
Read more about the my stay and the minimalist design at Lermooser here
Majamaja / Helsinki, Finland
Majamaja is made up of a row of cabins, right on the water’s edge, on the outskirts of Helsinki. The design is very typical of the Nordics with a generous use of blond wood, straight lines where the main focus is directed at the Baltic Sea right outside the window. What is extra interesting here is the use of black as an accent. This is done so cleverly that it doesn’t offset the minimalist look and feel.
Read more about my stay and the minimalist design of Majamaja here
âme / Rotterdam, Netherlands
The âme Hotel in Rotterdam is to me a great example of how a minimalist urban hotel can enhance the experience of the city. Rotterdam is a gritty harbor town that has become a playground for experimental architecture, so there are a lot of impressions. So to return to âme is such a welcome reset for the senses, with its creamy colors and simple, Japan-esque design.
Read more about my stay and the minimalist design of âme here
Bergaliv / Orbaden, Sweden
In the countryside of middle Sweden, after you’ve completed an uphill hike from the valley, you’ll arrive at Bergaliv. At the top of a small mountain these cabins offer uninterrupted views of the Hälsingland landscape. The mix of Japanese- and Scandi design traditions come together here to create something that feels totally harmonious and that makes you turn your attention to the main event - the view.
Read more about my stay and the minimalist design of Bergaliv here
Shishi Iwa House / Karuizawa, Japan
Shishi Iwa is a masterclass in minimalism brought to you by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban. In the mountains between Tokyo and Nagano he created a retreat where Japanese traditions are celebrated to the full in a contemporary version. All wood, all very discreet and subtle. A real treat for the senses and it is so impressive to see the result of this master of design.
Read more about my stay and the minimalist design of Shishi Iwa House here
