‘Less is more’ takes on myriad meanings

“Less is more” is a phrase from the 1855 poem “Andrea del Sarto,” also called “The Faultless Painter,” by Robert Browning. The phrase was adopted by American-German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969) as a precept for minimalist design.

OK, so we’ve heard these words a million times, often in situations that are not the least bit appropriate. But then fashion designers use the term, makeup and hair consultants use it, weight loss and food professionals use it, graphic designers use it.

The term “less is more” has taken on a life of its own, and you hear it used in many contexts. Today, however, we’re going to talk about it in the context of Mies van der Rohe’s take on design.

Wikipedia states that van der Rohe, “created an influential 20th-century architectural style, stated with extreme clarity and simplicity. His mature buildings made use of modern materials such as industrial steel and plate glass to define interior spaces. He strove toward an architecture with a minimal framework of structural order balanced against the implied freedom of free-flowing open space.

“He called his buildings ‘skin and bones’ architecture. He sought an objective approach that would guide the creative process of architectural design, but he was always concerned with expressing the spirit of the modern era. He is often associated with his quotation of the aphorisms, ‘less is more’ and ‘God is in the details.’”

While his take is geared more to architecture, the phrase and the theory behind it are alive and well in the interior design community and used when referring to myriad decor subjects. Some feel that a few awesome pieces are “more” meaningful, appropriate, beautiful or any number of other adjectives than a houseful of them. Uncluttered, clean lines, a lot of visual rest — these ideas are espoused by many designers.

Less is more can mean other things as well. Many designers disagree on this premise, but a few well-placed, appropriate pieces can make a bigger statement than just filling up a room for the heck of it.

For instance, I’m a collector. So if I can have many of something I like, as opposed to one, then I’m happier.

Another “less is more” applies to small spaces. We all have vastly different ideas of what should go into a small space. Some say little furniture for a small room. Others, including me, say, no, a few big pieces are the ticket.

In architecture and design, low-slung, contemporary furnishings with few or no accessories are quite popular. Most of us, though, like a little “more” when it comes to furniture, rug, plants, wall art and accessories.

Art collections — or wall art in general — fight the phrase. One large piece of art, or one specifically addressing a subject, is considered “more” than multiple smaller pieces. An uncovered window with good lines is considered “more” than covering the window with a treatment. One beautiful tree or plant is considered “more” than many small ones in the same area.

All of this makes sense, I suppose, but it’s just like most other things. In design, whether interior, architectural, landscape, graphic, fashion or whatever, what works for a space or individual is the thing to do.

We can’t let others’ opinions or axioms dictate how we decorate or dress or fix our faces. Less is more sounds good, and we know it has a meaningful history, but really, if “more” is “more” to you, go for it. You won’t be the first to buck the trend.

One thing I wanted to add to these theories is “less is definitely more” when your home is on the market. As stated, we all love our stuff, and oftentimes we believe that other people will love it too. Well, that’s not true.

If you are trying to sell your home and you have collections of your beloved stuff, whether it’s family photos or any collectible, your best bet is to pack that stuff up before a potential buyer comes into your home. This is your stuff, and nine times out of 10 a potential buyer doesn’t want to see it — and will wonder where they might put their stuff.

So, please, if your home is going on the market, pack up your stuff. Make it truly “less is more” so potential buyers can see how they could live in the house.

Carolyn Muse Grant is a founder and past president of the Architectural and Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant and stylist specializing in home staging. She can be reached at creativemuse@cox.net.