It is important for a designer and their client to have many conversations in which the client is asked some questions that will shed light on their specific likes and dislikes and what informs their taste. Camila uses this information to determine how to introduce elements such as color and texture to add dimension, depth, and personality to the space. “You never want minimalism to look cold and sterile,” she maintains, “I think textures and colors add richness and the necessary contrast for a space to look a little bit more interesting and more warm.” She asserts that adding color and texture are not the only ways “to add warmth or a spark into the space, because warmth can also be achieved through forms.” To this end, even when working strictly within the traditional neutral color palette associated with minimalism, she likes to soften the look by introducing curved forms. Examples of this include selecting a curved sofa, an organic-shaped coffee table, or mirrors with rounded edges. Camila describes this approach as “going back to natural shapes that feel effortless and freeform; they feel organic.”
THE DEFINITION OF TRUE MINIMALISM
Asked about how she defines minimalism, Camila explains, “For me, minimalism means clean, sophisticated, and very thoughtful. When I do minimalist designs, I like to focus on clean silhouettes. I try to avoid overly ornate or overly detailed things that might look a little traditional. I try to stick to the basics of form and function, which is precisely what the core of minimalism is.” To stay true to the principles of minimalism and capture elements of individualism, she is very intentional in her approach to what she describes as this “softening of minimalism.” It’s a delicate balance to achieve the minimal look while still maintaining personality and interest. The designer explains, “I do like to add touches of color, but only when they're meaningful to the client. For example,” she continues,” if the client has a favorite color or they have a very special piece of art that they love, maybe we take the color that's dominating in that piece of art” to help guide the colors of the design.
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