The Power of Simplicity in Design
Could a pared-back approach be right for the design of your next home? An architect sums up why it just might...
Eric Reinholdt
3 October 2018
Houzz Contributor
Our homes today are afforded luxuries our ancestors living in primitive huts could scarcely imagine. Works of architecture are limited more by economics than they are by physics; less by climate than by image. What we can imagine, we can build. But what then shapes our homes if prior influences of climate – temperature and precipitation – are less relevant than ever in the face of new building technologies and materials? How do we allocate the assets of design in service of our need for shelter?
With the simplest means possible.
With the simplest means possible.
Simplicity means building no more than necessary.
Simplicity makes room for living rather than things.
Read these simple tricks for a happy and healthy life
Read these simple tricks for a happy and healthy life
Simplicity is rational.
Simplicity values craft …
… and material.
Simplicity rejects excess.
Simplicity invites reflection.
Simplicity appears effortless.
Simplicity lends small gestures …
… great importance.
Simplicity is assured …
… and comfortable.
Simplicity welcomes light as an equal partner.
Simplicity connects us to place.
Simplicity is affordable …
… and subtle.
Simplicity isn’t boring …
… or unadorned.
Simplicity defers.
Simplicity evokes home …
… and supports the complexity of life.
Simplicity says much with little.
Read more:
Quick Guide: Simple Systems For a Brilliantly Organised Home
Tell us:
Could you live in one of these homes with ease? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Read more:
Quick Guide: Simple Systems For a Brilliantly Organised Home
Tell us:
Could you live in one of these homes with ease? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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I love the clean lines and lack of fussiness in these houses but could never live like that. I have just finished a downsize into a refurbished small flat and have made sure that I have designed ample storage for all my essentials ('stuff' for art, music, crafts, games, books). Managed to achieve this with two storage walls, one in my lounging area for books and some mementos and the other in my work/office/music room. I have worked very hard at getting rid of excess and many car-loads have gone to auction, opp shops and the tip! Am enjoying a great feeling of ease and calm now that this task is nearly completed - just a couple more boxes to sort and clear. My home is now compact, very comfortable, easy to manage and a delight to live in! Simple - yes - but pleasing to the eye and welcoming to guests. And stuff - yes, there is art on the walls and a few choice items on display. I became very impatient for the refurb to be completed so I could put 'myself' into the space; i.e. stamp my personality on it; change it from a clinical space to MY space. Hence 'stuff'!
So that I suppose is my response to the article above - fantastic architecture but clinical in that there is no "stuff" demonstrating the personality of the owners.
Oh please please please please please let the time of the McMansion be over.
I Love the aesthetic of Simplicity!