July 15, 2025, 3:35 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

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Basic Principles of Purist Design

Central to purism is the principle “less is more.” This doesn’t mean living in empty spaces. Instead, every design decision is based on a concept. Rather than numerous decorative elements or playful furniture, the focus is on functionality, clean lines, and high-quality materials.

Every item in the room should have a reason for being there, whether through function or aesthetic impact. The furniture is usually simple, geometric, and in neutral colors. White, gray, black, and earth tones dominate, complemented by deliberate accents in natural materials like wood, concrete, metal, or glass. This makes the spaces appear tidy, spacious, and calm.

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A successful entry into purism often begins with decluttering: Only what is truly needed or loved remains. To prevent still-functional and usable furniture from ending up in the landfill, consider reselling them at flea markets or online platforms—someone else will surely appreciate the furniture.

Decluttering can literally create space. Empty surfaces and deliberately placed open areas are an important element of the purist living experience. This automatically makes rooms appear larger, tidier, and more structured.

Subtle Colors, Openness, and Light

The purist style thrives on a subtle color palette, ideally complemented by plenty of natural light or strategically placed lighting. Neutral colors like white, gray, black, and natural tones like beige, sand, or earth tones define the color scheme. They create a calm atmosphere and make rooms appear larger and brighter.

Clear light sources, indirect lighting, and simple lamp designs support the calm atmosphere. If you still want to add color accents, you can do so with a single piece of furniture, which can then become a focal point without overwhelming the room.

Also interesting: What is Maximalism?

High-Quality and Natural Materials

Another hallmark of purism is the focus on high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Quality over quantity is the mantra. A solid wood table, a minimalist sofa made of fine fabric, or a design classic can stand out in a purist room.

To prevent purism from appearing sterile or unwelcoming, the choice of materials is crucial. Natural materials bring warmth to the room and prevent the overall look from being too cold. Textures play an important role. Using wool rugs, linen cushions, or leather accessories makes a purist room feel homey. Plants can also be used strategically—not as excessive decor, but as living accents that convey tranquility and naturalness.

Clear Forms

Edges instead of flourishes, straight lines instead of opulence. In purist design, playful or ornate designs are nowhere to be found. A reduced, clearly defined design language dominates. A rectangular coffee table, a cube-shaped shelf, or a linear sofa are typical examples. 

Few but Carefully Chosen Decorations

In purism, decoration is used very selectively. Instead of many small items, the focus is on individual, carefully chosen objects. This could be a minimalist vase, a sculpture with a clear form, or a monochrome artwork on the wall. Often, decoration also serves a functional role: A design object can be both beautiful and useful, such as an elegantly shaped lamp, a fine bowl, or a candle holder. With reduced decoration, the room remains clear and free of clutter, without entirely sacrificing aesthetics.

Order as Visual Calm

In purism, order is not just about cleanliness but also aesthetic harmony. Visible chaos or cluttered surfaces quickly disrupt the otherwise clean lines. Therefore, clever storage solutions play a significant role. Cabinets, shelves, and storage solutions are usually closed and simple. What is not needed is largely hidden behind smooth fronts.

Order not only creates visual clarity but also a sense of inner peace. A tidy room influences the well-being of those within it: This is a central goal of purist living.