January 25, 2008

“Less is more.” – Ludwig van der Rohe, minimalist architect

In the American post-war era of the 1950s, the art world undertook a dramatic change from the previous popularity of Abstract Expressionism to a more clean, understated design that would come to be known as Minimalism.  Led by sculptors such as Donald Judd and Sol LeWitt, this new era brought geometric forms and smooth lines, and rejected pictorial representations for more literal shapes.  Hilton Kramer, an art critic during the height of this period in the 1960s and ‘70s, explained it very simply: “The more minimal the art, the more maximum the explanation.”

Since then, interior design has followed suit and over the last few decades has adopted the clean style of minimalist design.  Distinguishing characteristics of this genre include repetitive forms, clean lines, and hard surfaces.  The newest revisions in this style trade in the cold, stark look of the past for softer edges and neutral palettes.  

When preparing to decorate your bathroom, remember that the main focus of minimalist design is the lack of clutter.  Open floor plans, hidden storage areas, and low furniture will all achieve the main goal of creating an area that reflects peace and harmony.  Every component in the room should be reduced to the bare essentials, whether that means cleaning off countertops or decreasing the number of photos displayed. 

The type of bath that fits in with this design is almost always going to be a freestanding tub with matching lavatory and shower.  Jason offers the forma™ collection as a response to the need for a minimalist look with the comfort and hydrotherapy choices you expect from a Jason bath.

Jason also offers a complete line of products called the Carerra™ collection that features sculptural forms and a warm, white matte finish.  This collection was specially designed by Shawn-Ian Bruce, a contemporary artist based out of Los Angeles.