Content is the design. One typeface, monochromatic palette, whitespace as rhythm.
Minimalism is the philosophy that content is the design. Everything that doesn't serve the content is removed. What remains is: generous white (or off-white) space, a single typeface, a monochromatic or near-monochromatic color palette, and zero decoration. The whitespace itself creates visual rhythm and breathing room.
Think of minimalism as removal. You start with a design and keep asking "can this be removed without losing meaning?" Large padding and margins, a single font used at multiple weights (light, regular, bold), near-black text on near-white background, and content arranged with clear typographic hierarchy. No icons, no illustrations, no gradients — unless they serve a specific purpose.
Design a minimalist photography portfolio homepage. Use #FAFAF9 (warm off-white) as the background. Typography only: a single font family (Cormorant Garamond or Playfair Display), hero headline at 72px weight 300, section titles at 32px. Color palette: near-black #111 for text, #888 for captions. No icons, no decorative elements, no gradients. Large padding on all sections (80px vertical). Image grid with generous white space between photos. Let the whitespace be the design.