Less is more: An Opinion Piece by Joakim de Rham
The other day, I was asking myself : why is “less is more” such a powerful mantra, so deeply revered in the world of design?
It reminded me of my father, an architect himself, who instilled in me a discipline from the very beginning. He would say, “In every project, limit yourself to three materials.” Just three… A seemingly impossible constraint, yet it was my first lesson in the art of reduction—a gateway into understanding that less is, indeed, more.
For me, this PHILOSOPHY is not about deprivation; it is about revelation. To design with “less is more” is to strip away the unnecessary and illuminate the essential. It is about creating beauty and functionality not through addition but through clarity. In a minimalist space, every element—whether it’s the finishes, the arrangement of furniture, or the rhythm of light—has meaning, a raison d’être. This absence of excess does not silence; it sings.
Minimalism tends also to AGE well. Trends come and go, but simple, functional designs often remain longer. This timeless quality can be invaluable in fields like architecture, interior design and product design where longevity is key.
And then, there is the EMOTIONAL alchemy of simplicity. A well-considered space invites serenity, reflection, and connection. It creates room for thought, for feeling, for wellbeing. “Less is more” is not just a design principle; it encourages mindful choices, revealing clarity, beauty, and purpose by reducing excess.
Ultimately, “less is more” is about designing for the soul as much as for the eye. It avoids distraction and fosters harmony, inviting us to live better, with greater focus and joy.
What about you? How does “less is more” resonate with your life or your design sensibilities? I would love to hear your thoughts!