Both minimalism and the Nordic style have been part of the design of home spaces and although they have many similarities, these are the differences that you should know.
The Nordic style and minimalism have several characteristics in common due to the simplicity and elegance that they provide when incorporating them into the house; however, its origin, ideology, and functionality make the differences between the two more visible.
Minimalism is a style that seeks absolute purity, simplicity, and functionality, to create orderly and calm spaces without losing the presence of style and sophistication. While the Nordic style seeks to make the most of natural light, create spaces with the presence of nature, and create visually spacious environments.
But, how do we manage to differentiate both styles and, of course, set the tone to be able to separate them from each other?
Minimalist room in neutral tones
The term minimalism was first used to react against the abusive predominance of realist currents and pop art by American visual artists in the 1960s, with the aim of reducing it to its essentials.
The minimalist design seeks to create a fluid and open concept space. Emphasize the simplicity and functionality of the furniture; It has influences tied to traditional Japanese design where clean lines flow throughout the home. Minimalism opts more for the use of industrial materials, geometric shapes, chrome, stainless steel, and lacquered plastics.
Minimalism emphasizes minimizing the colors, materials, and textures that are used to furnish as well as to decorate since as is known the little decoration in this style must be functional and thus ensure that the design is the absolute protagonist of the room and everything revolves around him.
Nordic style
The Nordic style was developed in Scandinavian countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland (hence its name) with the aim of making the most of the little natural light it has during most of the year, that is why light colors, natural materials, and organic forms predominate in this style.
The leading role of the Nordic style is natural, so wood is going to be the key in the interiors, accompanied by natural materials such as linen, cotton, or wool, ideal for dressing the home. The intention of integrating these materials is to recreate warm, relaxing, and functional rooms. The Nordic style seeks to contribute with the decoration that the areas have a greater space visually so that natural light is present everywhere.
In search of order
Both styles seek to bring order to the home, but what differentiates them is how to incorporate them, while minimalism opts for basic tones such as white or black, the Nordic offers a more varied option, as long as it is in neutral and soft tones.
The objective of both is to create spaces that convey calm and tranquility, so that you can see your home as a haven of peace, without neglecting order and of course without failing to reflect your personality. Next, know the differences of each one.
Simplicity vs. Space
In minimalism, having the walls of your spaces in white tones and without decoration acquires a greater symbolic meaning. Normally when choosing this style of decoration it is important to ask yourself the question “do I really need it?”
While the Nordic style does not have standards or rules to follow, its intention is to convey a feeling of space, which is why it emphasizes that getting rooms with a lot of space helps to create the feeling of lightness.
Warmth vs. Functionality
The Nordic style focuses on creating warm and relaxing rooms, so it always opts for decoration with natural materials since it will create unique spaces full of tranquility.
While minimalism seeks to get rid of possessions that are not useful, to create a space of tranquility with decoration and furniture that fulfill this dual purpose.
Neatness vs. Practicality
Minimalism seeks to create a neat environment that is always in order, since having spaces with excessive decoration and disorder can affect your life physically, mentally, or emotionally. The goal of this is to create a more pure and meaningful environment.
Practicality is one of the elements that stand out the most in the Nordic style, as it seeks to create practical spaces that, thanks to their decoration and distribution, make daily life easier, increase energy and create a relaxing atmosphere throughout the house.
