Inviting minimalist style, by TH2

Simple lines, conveying a “welcoming” sense, for a distinctive room decor.

There’s a lot of talk around minimalist style in room decoration. Associated with white-stone and lime-white tones, they convey the Mediterranean inspirations of Greece or the Balearic Islands, or even a deep, rural Alentejo. It reminds us of a raw, unfiltered sense, disarming in its simplicity. But it doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. Here are some of the ingredients of this minimalist approach to hotel industry:

Lobby and reception area

• Exposed structural elements: visible beams, ducts and pipes painted in neutral colours such as black, grey or white.
• Concrete Floors: polished concrete or cement floors, complementing the industrial look.
• Metal and Wood Furniture: Furniture with metal frames and wooden worktops or surfaces, with clean and straight lines.
• Neutral colours’ palette: Shades of grey, black, white and occasional earth tones.
• Open Space: A spacious layout comprising minimal partitions, thus creating a ventilated and organised look.
• Industrial lighting: Hanging lamps with metal shutters, Edison light bulbs and gutter lighting.
• Minimalist decor: simple decorative elements, such as large abstract-art pieces, industrial-style clocks and a few strategically placed plants.

Bedrooms & Suites

• Exposed brick walls: Walls left bare or painted under neutral tones, to emphasise the industrial environment.
• Simple furniture: metal-framed trundle beds, built-in wooden storage and minimal bedside tables.
• Functional Design: Furniture designed to being practical, with built-in storage, in order to keep the space organized.
• Neutral Textiles: Bed linen, curtains and carpets, under solid colours or subtle patterns, usually in shades of grey, white or black.
• Large windows: Often with metal frames, thus allowing natural lighting to fill-up the room and enhancing a sense of space.
• Minimalist lighting: wall lamps or pendants, focused on simplicity and functionality.

Bathrooms

• Concrete or tiled floors: Floors under neutral tones, often with a matt finish.
• Industrial fittings: Wall-mounted washbasins, metal-framed mirrors and simple, functional taps.
• Glass and metal elements: frameless glass partitions, metal shelves and minimal fittings.
• Neutral colour scheme: Predominantly white, grey or black, under occasional wooden details.

Common and leisure areas

• Industrial-style lounges: lounge areas, comprising metal and leather seating, minimalist coffee tables and industrial decor elements such as metal shelving and large factory-style windows.
• Functional Gym: Exercise areas with basic equipment, often with exposed brick or concrete walls and industrial lighting.
• Minimalist Dining Area: Restaurant or cafeteria with simple tables and chairs, open shelving and a focus on functional decor.

General Atmosphere

• Raw and Refined: The combination of raw industrial elements with refined minimalist design creates a unique and sophisticated atmosphere.
• Focus on Functionality: Each piece of furniture and decoration is chosen for its practical use, thus contributing to an uncluttered atmosphere.
• Balanced Aesthetic: The balance between industrial and minimalist styles provides the space with a modern and inviting look.

This mix of minimalist and industrial design enables modern, functional and elegant environments. These spaces attract guests who appreciate an urban-sensed clean and simplified aesthetic. It attracts the “tribe” of people who value the simple side of life, humble surroundings and attentive service, focused on materials’ quality – good cotton or linen towelling and fresh flowers, conveying attention and care.

A minimalistic industrial hotel combines the simplicity and lines of minimalist design with the raw, bold aesthetic of industrial elements. This style generally features an open, airy environment, focused on functionality, where natural materials are on display, through the use of a neutral colour palette in pastel shades.

It blends-in perfectly with another trendy concept, Slow Living or the slow lifestyle in general. A concept that brings us back to sustainability and environment-friendly travelling practices. Food items and “slow food” are one of the main themes of this lifestyle, prioritising respect for food that is meant to be leisurely enjoyed, with the quality and production respect that it deserves, because of the way it was developed and made. Choose a collection of tableware and plating that turns food into an authentic venue with colour and life. Here’s the invitation in the middle of summer: slow down and enjoy life slow-ly.