When "Less is More" Leaves You Wanting More

Minimalism—it’s everywhere these days. Clean lines, open spaces, and that undeniable “less is more” vibe. But here’s the catch: while it looks sleek, is stripping things down to the bone actually leaving us with… less? This week, we’re diving into how minimalism can be a double-edged sword, sometimes cutting a little too deep. Let’s talk about how “less is more” can go from genius to yawn—in art, product design, and architecture. Ready to rethink simplicity? Let’s go!

1. Art: When Simplicity Drains the Soul ??

Sure, minimalist art is supposed to make you think with just a few strokes of genius, but what happens when those few strokes feel empty? For instance: minimalist paintings by artists like Donald Judd or Agnes Martin can be meditative, but do they evoke the same emotion as a richly detailed work like Van Gogh’s Starry Night? The latter draws you into its swirling textures and vibrant colours—things that minimalist art can sometimes lack.

Picture a sleek public art installation—clean, minimal, but does it really move you? Minimalism can sometimes come across as cold—missing that punch of emotion that detailed, vibrant artwork delivers. Imagine walking through an urban sculpture garden where everything feels clinical instead of captivating. Sometimes, the art doesn’t whisper deep thoughts, it just… doesn’t say much at all.

Takeaway:

Minimalist art can be striking, but when it sacrifices emotional depth, it risks leaving you with a blank stare rather than a deep connection.

2. Product Design: When Minimalism Misses the Mark ????

Let’s talk about the Apple TV remote—1st Generation Siri Remote. It was a sleek, minimal beauty, with a touchpad and almost no buttons. But ask anyone who tried to fast-forward through a show with that thing, and they’ll tell you it was a nightmare. Swiping around, accidentally rewinding, and struggling to just hit pause made it clear: sometimes more buttons are better.

Fast forward (pun intended!) to the redesigned remote- Updated Siri Remote, where Apple brought back more buttons. Why? Because users needed more control, not more swiping! It also brought back a more intuitive menu button. The lesson here: Minimalism looks fantastic, but when it gets in the way of usability, it’s time to rethink. A design that doesn’t work isn’t good design—no matter how pretty it is.

Takeaway:

Minimalism can be a visual win, but when it sacrifices functionality, you’ll want to bring back the buttons. Form follows function, folks!

3. Architecture: Where’s the Warmth? ??

We’ve all seen those shiny, sleek buildings—lots of glass, clean lines, and open spaces that scream “modern minimalism.” But let’s be real, have you ever walked into one and thought… where’s the warmth? It’s like they’ve stripped everything down to the essentials, but forgot the part where we feel welcome.

Take public libraries, for example. They used to have all these cozy nooks, wooden bookshelves, and little pockets where you could lose yourself in a good read. Fast forward to today, and many have been redesigned with wide, open spaces and minimal decor—sure, it’s visually clean, but it’s also a bit like reading in a showroom. Where’s the warmth? Where’s the charm? It’s functional, but it’s lost that inviting feeling that makes you want to hang out for hours.

Takeaway:

Minimalism in architecture can create efficient spaces, but strip away too much, and you risk creating environments that feel barren and lifeless.

Closing Thoughts

So, minimalism—does it make things better or just make them less? It’s a fine line, and sometimes, we cross it without realising what we’ve left behind. I want to know—where do you think minimalism works, and where does it totally miss the mark? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s talk about how less isn’t always more!

Until next week, stay curious—and don’t be afraid to add a little more where it’s needed! ??

Bonus Resource

If you want to dive deeper into the anti-minimalist movement, check out this article on the original anti-minimalist - William Morris.