‘Less is more’. This is a phrase often used in the design and art world. It derives from minimalism, a style that uses stripped-down design elements. A very well known architect and widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modernist architecture is Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969). According to WikipediA he adopted the motto ‘Less is more’ to describe his aesthetic. He tried to arrange the essential components of a building to make it seem very simple. But in his case it wasn’t only about aesthetics but more about technology and engineering and trying to do more with less.

Shipyard wood used for minimalist design

Minimalist design truly shows ‘Less is more’. Very simple and pure lines, shapes, forms and objects create a design that shouldn’t have any additions. A nice series of minimalist lamps is a design called RE Project. It shows what happens if upcycle and minimalist design meet.


What I like about minimalist design is that it shows the essence of what the design object is about. No unnecessary and distracting details. Just forms and lines that show what the design is about and how it’s constructed.

Another great example of minimalist upcycle design is a piece of furniture called WEDGE. It’s a seat designed by Jelle Aarts, living in Kortrijk | Belgium and a design student at Howest. He created a very impressive seat made out of upcycling wooden wedges used for shipyard infrastructure maintenance. Together with a discarded beautiful shiny swivel base he constructed a very pure and honest seat that only consists of 4 parts. The two big wooden wedges are the real eye-catchers.

Photos © Jelle Aarts

WEDGE shows what the motto ‘Less is more’ is all about. If this design is a bit to minimalist for you, you might want to add a comfy sheepskin or blanket.

Design by Jelle Aarts