Extreme Minimalism Is About to Have a MAJOR Moment
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If you ask designer Nina Magon, extreme minimalism is surging—and the trend is well positioned to become the defining interior style of 2025. I first heard her label the aesthetic and declare its rising prominence last October, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. I wondered, What exactly is extreme minimalism? Why are people ready to embrace this style now? Is it simply a quiet luxury rebrand? Curious to learn more, I tapped Magon for more intel.
What Is Extreme Minimalism?
Magon points to a widespread desire for solace in our personal spaces amid today’s fast-paced life as the driving factor behind extreme minimalism. “Extreme minimalism has the power to create such serene environments, where each element serves a specific purpose and visual distractions are minimized,” she says. “This design philosophy goes beyond aesthetics; it embodies intentionality and mindfulness.”
Essentially, extreme minimalism “prioritizes meaning over materialism” to build a highly personalized sanctuary free of excess, Magon explains. “This approach fosters a grounding experience, allowing homeowners to connect more deeply with their surroundings,” she adds.
Extreme Minimalism Versus Minimalism
Minimalism is all about what is strictly functional, meaning there’s no allowance for trendy decor or pretty yet uncomfortable furnishings. If you won’t use it and it isn’t absolutely necessary, it’s out of the question. The extreme version is, of course, rooted in this. But the pure necessities are finely personalized to what the resident deems is essential for peace. While both maintain a neutral color palette, extreme minimalism doesn’t completely discount bolder colors, like a pop of red in wall art or a dark green transparent freestanding bathtub.
Extreme Minimalism Versus Quiet Luxury
Quiet luxury looks more layered than extreme minimalism. A room with a quiet luxury aesthetic may feature, for instance, a gallery wall or vintage finds to give it an enveloping atmosphere. Where extreme minimalism does overlap with quiet luxury is in its emphasis on quality over quantity. “It’s about emphasizing what truly matters and elevating those elements,” Magon says.
How to Embrace Extreme Minimalism at Home
It’s crucial to really listen to the space, materials, and colors when embracing extreme minimalism at home. “It’s like painting with fewer strokes but creating a masterpiece,” Magon says. “What excites me is the challenge it presents to create beauty with restraint.”
If a personal space that resonates with your soul and fosters a sense of calm sounds like something you need, Magon has a few tips:
“Opt for a neutral palette enhanced by subtle textural variations to create depth while maintaining visual clarity,” she says.
Use natural materials, like stone or wood, to add warmth and a connection to the environment without overwhelming the space.
Consider installing built-in storage solutions. These ensure "surfaces remain uncluttered, allowing the architecture and thoughtfully selected furnishings to take prominence and thereby cultivating a serene and intentional living environment,” Magon says.
The style ultimately “invites us to reflect on our values, promoting a harmonious balance between form and function and encouraging a more intentional way of living in a chaotic world,” Magon says. Recently, this type of reflection has been at the forefront after devastating fires in Southern California have caused residents to lose everything, forcing them to reevaluate which things they want to rebuy, if they can, and which items they truly value. Those are worthy questions for everyone to consider.
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