Why Minimalist's design space is anything but minimal

Wochan Lee relaxes in Minimalist's workspace

Wochan Lee relaxes in Minimalist's workspace

Best known as the inspiration for the 2012 pop hit Gangnam Style, the Seoul district of Gangnam is also home to boutique design studio Minimalist. But while the name might lead suggest one of those design offices that's a palace of minimalism, there's not a white wall or Eames chair in sight.

The décor is the work of founder and creative director Wochan Lee, who transformed the residential space single-handedly, the studio sports black walls and an astroturf carpet. A red leather bar stool (1) sits next to the desk. On the shelves two sombreros are perched (2).

Although the darkness helps Lee focus, having painted the walls he was worried the decoration was too solemn – which is where the astroturf came in. "Though it doesn't actually photosynthesise, it is visually environmentally friendly," he says.

Lee's most prized possessions – his camera equipment – are hidden in an unassuming case next to the bookshelf (3). "This ain't a 007 briefcase, but guess what, it's even more powerful than that," jokes Lee. "It's always ready to transform the studio into a photography studio."

This kind of adaptability is key, especially given the constant stream of deadlines Lee's been juggling since the studio's launch – the aforementioned sombreros are a reminder of his almost-forgotten holiday dreams.

In the meantime, he's kitted out the studio with some creature comforts. There's a sofa-bed complete with pyjamas – Lee is no stranger to the all-nighter – and a portable gas stove (4) for snacks. "Design is energy-consuming as well as time-consuming," says Lee. "Instant noodles, ramen, stew... you name it, I cook it."

As for that bar stool, Lee has an explanation that sits somewhere between bonkers and genius. "Too much comfort can often lead you into a sweet slumber," he explains. "You don't feel like you're working when you're sitting on this sexy stool."

This article originally appeared in Computer Arts issue 224.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

The Creative Bloq team is made up of a group of design fans, and has changed and evolved since Creative Bloq began back in 2012. The current website team consists of eight full-time members of staff: Editor Georgia Coggan, Deputy Editor Rosie Hilder, Ecommerce Editor Beren Neale, Senior News Editor Daniel Piper, Editor, Digital Art and 3D Ian Dean, Tech Reviews Editor Erlingur Einarsson and Ecommerce Writer Beth Nicholls and Staff Writer Natalie Fear, as well as a roster of freelancers from around the world. The 3D World and ImagineFX magazine teams also pitch in, ensuring that content from 3D World and ImagineFX is represented on Creative Bloq.