# Pared-Back Apartment Designs Merrett Houmøller Architects Bring Style to This Flat in East London By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-06-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paredback-apartments References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2019/06/17/merrett-houmoller-hackney-apartment-unfinished-interiors/) & [merretthoumoller](https://www.merretthoumoller.com/) The pared-back apartment aesthetic is on the rise as many design firms look to embrace industrial minimalism in its purest form. The raw element of the style undoubtedly introduces a contemporary feel that is defined by edgy elegance. The building was erected in the early 2000s and the interior was in dire need of restoration. London-based practice [Merrett Houmøller Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrett-houmller-architects) was tasked with completing the job, breathing life to the "[awkwardly shaped and uninspired interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-casita)." The firm sets the vibe of the pared-back apartment with exposed walls that subtly hint toward the desired theme. Many juxtaposing motifs are introduced to the space thereafter — from the large partition that is crafted from walnut wood to the "hit-and-miss" stairs that carry a rich sculptural quality. Photo Credits: Liam Prior and Alan Williams ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 35% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Pared-back Apartment Designs:** The rise of industrial minimalism presents opportunities for design firms to create sleek and modern apartment spaces with raw and edgy elegance. - **Exposed Walls:** Designs that feature exposed walls can add character and texture to interiors, creating a unique and modern aesthetic. - **Juxtaposing Motifs:** Incorporating contrasting elements such as walnut wood partitions and sculptural stairs can add depth and dynamic to interior spaces. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Interior Design Services:** Offering clients design options that embrace industrial minimalism can be an excellent way to stand out and capture market share in the crowded interior design services industry. - **Construction Materials:** Manufacturers who specialize in producing raw and industrial materials such as exposed brick, concrete, and metal can take advantage of the growing trend towards pared-back apartment designs. - **Furniture and Home Decor Retail:** Retailers who can provide furniture and decor that are simple yet stylish in design can cater to the growing market demand for modern and minimalist apartment living. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Brutalist-Inspired Apartment Redesigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-est.md) - [Gallery-Like Minimal Home Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daytrip-2.md) - [Industrial-Inspired Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glassbrick-apartment.md) - [Refined Urban Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primrose-apartment.md) - [Modern Minimalism Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oldnew.md) - [Mid-Century Flat Revamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warsaw-apartment-renovation.md) - [Brutalist Minimal Apartment Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fj-apartment.md) - [Dining-Inspired Bright Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holloway-li-1.md) - [Ultra-Slick Modern Apartment Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-apartment-interior.md)