Based on the philosophy of ‘less is more,’ minimalist home design has surged in popularity, offering homeowners a serene retreat from the chaos of everyday life. While minimalism first gained traction in the 1960s – primarily in writing, painting and architecture – it has since evolved into a mainstream movement that embraces both simple living and thoughtful design. Specialising in unique building designs, Form By Design brings this philosophy to life in new homes, renovations, landscaping and interiors. A family-owned business, the company prides itself on crafting one-of-a-kind spaces tailored to each client’s vision.

“Throughout our service, we listen carefully to your goals and develop the ideas into reality through a 3D visualisation,” says Hogan. “The form of the building must be aesthetically pleasing, however, it must also be practical for the builder to put together. With our great knowledge of Australian building standards and close relationships with many builders, we can provide this for all our clients.”

Communication is at the core of their service. “Our mission is to have all parties involved understand every aspect – taking you from the initial idea and navigating through to the approval process, so your project can start with the builder on time and without any surprises,” Hogan continues.

THE ZEN OF LESS
“Minimalism in architecture is letting the construction and simplicity of materials speak for themselves,” Hogan describes. While simplicity is central to minimalist design, it does not mean creating empty, lifeless spaces. Instead, it’s about ensuring that every element in a room has purpose and intent, reflecting both functionality and personality. To achieve true simplicity, homeowners should use their home design as a guide, allowing it to become the focal point. “This can be achieved by using clean lines and focus in where form and function are integrated together without over cluttering the design,” Hogan explains. “The use of natural materials, alongside simple shades are typically demonstrated in these designs.” Minimalist interiors often start with a neutral colour palette, making spaces feel open and airy.

Incorporating whites, greys and beiges cohesively throughout the home creates a calm and balanced environment. To maintain a sleek aesthetic, stylish storage solutions are essential, helping to reduce visual clutter while enhancing the overall design. According to Hogan, minimalism continues to grow in popularity as homeowners recognise its timeless appeal. “I believe that minimalism, when paired with a thoughtful use of materials, has the power to create timeless buildings. As such minimalism is not merely a trend, but rather an example of enduring design practice,” he says. Hogan also describes the core principles of minimalist architecture, being the delicate balance between form and function, complemented by the use of natural materials.

FLAWLESS FUNCTIONALITY
Mastering minimalism is no easy feat, but it is a design approach that encourages experimentation while maintaining a sense of balance and purpose. Achieving the desired minimalist aesthetic begins with prioritising functionality, starting from the exterior of the home. According to Hogan, the first consideration when designing a minimalist build is the home’s structure and how the interiors work to enhance it. “The first element we focus on would be the shape and form of the building, carefully deciding on its proportions. Secondly, the choice of materials and colour selections can be used to highlight or suppress elements of the building to achieve the desired outcome,” he says. Clean lines and geometric shapes play a crucial role in minimalist homes, as they emphasise proportion and scale, creating visual balance.

When it comes to styling, Hogan suggests using natural colours and textures, which evoke simplicity. “Typically, our design taste and style will focus on natural and earthy tones with monochromatic highlights. An example is our coastal design that includes white render with black windows and earthy timber and stone materials.” Every furnishing in a minimalist home should also serve a purpose and seamlessly fit within the space, such as dining chairs that tuck neatly under the table or a foldable couch bed.