Just when you thought you had predicted all of this year's best interior design trends, warm minimalism started making a guest appearance on your feed.
In many ways, this trend is unsurprising, and in fact, it doesn't feel like a “trend” per se. Warm minimalism lasts much longer. In fact, the soft, earth-inspired palette and discreetly curated, less-adorned approach that defined the iconic home look of 2023 seems like a natural product. As we approach the beginning of 2024, you may still be wondering how to invite minimalism's cozier, friendlier cousin into your home. So we reached into the designer's little black book to learn the latest tips for creating a chic yet cozy aesthetic.
How to incorporate cozy minimalism into your home
Warm minimalism looks different in every home. With this style, it's important to take a deliberate, slow approach to decorating your space. Think about working on a piece of art rather than decoration.
The neutral living room and minimalist kitchen have a little more depth, with subtle, warm, layered lighting, a creamy monochromatic color scheme, and interesting contrasts in materials reminiscent of nature. Here's how to embrace this gorgeous, timeless style.
1. Adopt an earthy color palette
(Image credit: Ingalls)
Minimalism goes very well with a neutral color palette. When creating a warm, minimalist atmosphere, you want to give a nod to rich colors that bring a soothing, organic feel.
“Use natural colors and materials that are earthy and organic,” recommends Kara Smith, founder and principal of KES Studios. Think beige and light brown shades. That in itself is his key color trend prediction for 2024. Soft oatmeal, a tasteful color that envelops the living room, kitchen, and entryway alike.
As we saw above, incorporate these colors through soft furnishings like rugs, bedding, and even chairs, but keep an eye on hard surfaces as well. Smith says to especially favor bleached wood, polished limestone, and lime-washed plaster. We also found polished marble and other stones used next to wood in warm, minimalist kitchens and large spaces.
Kara Smith, founder of KES Studio, is a self-taught designer with a passion for exploring new styles, curating art from around the world, and integrating bespoke product design. She sees each project as an opportunity to create something truly unique. Kara's thoughtful design means understanding the client's aesthetic and the project's goals and challenges, and blending it with her interpretation to create iconic orders. We believe that it starts with creating a maid design. While Carla is deeply involved in each project on a daily basis, she continues to seek inspiration through travel, art, and culture. Not only is she aware of emerging trends, she is also a tastemaker herself, influencing the future of design.
2. Do everything intentionally
(Image credit: Ingalls)
Similar to minimalist style, regular decluttering can clear the canvas and allow for a more selective design approach. We've come to think of our homes as wellness retreats, places to unwind after a long day, and we've found that valuing everything within the space is the key to success.
“The obvious step toward minimalism is to get rid of clutter,” says Joshua Smith, president and founder of The Joshua Smith Company. A good rule of thumb when accessorizing a minimalist space is that when something goes in, something else must go. This will help balance the space and avoid it suddenly feeling cramped over time. ”
Make your furniture and anything that stands out in your room really thoughtful. How can you make the most of your space? Can it be multifunctional in a streamlined way? Can storage and good looks go hand in hand? “Choose furniture that has hidden storage and can do double duty,” adds KES Studio's Smith, who suggests an ottoman to store unsightly items or a console that doubles as a desk day and night. Masu.
With projects on both coasts, Joshua Smith Inc provides full-service residential interior design and life-changing spaces. Joshua brings decades of experience to transform functional spaces into inspiring environments that evoke the senses and nourish the soul. I help my clients enhance their daily experiences by fostering connections between mind, body, spirit, and space. He was named a Rising Star by House Beautiful and is part of Traditional Home's New Traditional Class of 23.
3. Invite texture and variety
(Image credit: Matti Gresham, Urban Studies Design)
As you can see, monochrome may be a warm, minimalist color scheme, but it doesn't lack detail, texture, or even pattern.
“This style requires the right layers of warmth and color balance,” says Ginger Curtis, CEO and founder of Urbanology. “Choosing items with different textures, mixing metals, and choosing warm tones creates an attractive, balanced, minimalist space.”
Interiors by Dallas-based Urbanology Designs are rooted in simplicity and elevated by extraordinary beauty, bringing organic luxury to life. Their soft, modern approach allows clients to relax in the warmth of a comfortable, crafted home. Their forward-thinking design sensibilities transcend today's times, trends, and whims to create homes with longevity and purpose.
4. Stack and maximize light
(Image credit: Life Created Photography, from Living for Lolo)
A lofty color palette helps give a space a fresh feel, and like most successful interior design schemes, layered lighting enhances your surroundings and lifts your mood.
To make the most of natural light, KES Studios' Smith suggests light-colored, lightweight window treatments: “gauzy linen and raw silk curtains, crisp casement windows, and woven straw shades.” Masu. Paired with the room's heavier textures, it energizes the space while creating the perfect balance for lounging.
5. Give your belongings some breathing space
(Image credit: Lance Gerber for Joshua Smith)
We often talk about filling lonely corners and drab hallways, but it's no wonder we try to fill our spaces with beauty so that everyone's eyes can land comfortably at all times.
As minimalists will know, we all want fewer items, but they often remain empty. The idea of leaving a blank canvas may seem painful, but it emphasizes small but important details that enhance other thoughtful elements in your space and literally infuse your surroundings with warm minimalism. .
“Always leave space for everything to breathe energetically. Don't be afraid of blank walls!” exclaims Smith, a big proponent of “negative space” for balance. Bring this idea throughout your home. With this cozy approach to minimalism, less is more.
“If you're going to hang art, choose simple pieces. Sticking to an earthy color palette will help keep your art minimal and relaxing and infuse your room with gentle color.”
6. Bring warmth with your favorite items
(Image credit: Lance Gerber for Joshua Smith)
What you choose to decorate will essentially share a little of your personality and add charm to your home. Part of making intentional decorating choices is to embrace warm minimalism in your home's look and lifestyle, and to be thoughtful about the decorations and small objects you place around you. Envelop your space by letting them tell captivating stories.
Smith shares that a sense of order remains essential to maintaining an orderly, unperturbed, and attractive appearance. Pair back look. Ultimately, properly displaying your favorite items and art in your space can create the warmth we all crave. ”
7. See if it feels right
(Image credit: Lance Gerber for Joshua Smith)
One of the main reasons why we introduce new interior design themes to our surroundings is to give us a good mood and, of course, to charm our guests. Keep this in mind as you refine your space. Don't panic if it takes longer than expected, just enjoy the process.
“Minimalism isn't about creating a space that feels empty. Designing with it means experimenting until you get it right. Start with the styling of your coffee table and make sure it doesn't feel wasteful or cluttered. Rather, arrange them in a beautiful, minimalist, and balanced way,” says Curtis. Tackle your space a little at a time, and if you're on the fence about style, try something out and take a breather before committing.
FAQ
What mistakes should you avoid with warm minimalism?
Home trends can be approached in the wrong direction, and in your eagerness to update the look of your home, it's natural to want to go the extra mile.
“Less is more with this style, but it tends to lose the design element and create a too cold, bare feel,” warns Curtis. Be careful not to stretch the “bare space” marker too much. The finish should be comfortable and attractive. Rich but not overdone.
“Balance and warmth are key to achieving the sophisticated aesthetic of minimalism. A common mistake is underestimating the scale of furniture and decorations. In the pursuit of negative space, you go for large rooms. Don't leave a chair or sofa that is too small. Items that are too small or too large will disrupt the consistent flow and feel that is essential to achieving this aesthetic. Another mistake is to , be it furniture or accessories, don't go too monochromatic.'' Get the most out of your sofa by measuring it correctly and always working with the design of your living room and other rooms.
What kind of warm minimalist accessories do you have?
many. Think cozy-toned cushions, beige rugs, and simple, large-scale artwork. Don't go overboard and be sensitive to your surroundings. Smith says if you want to fully embrace the trend, you need to approach accessories carefully and avoid going overboard. “Less is more and it keeps you functioning,” Smith says. “When you take the time to collect impactful artwork and accessories, you create a sense of collection.”
If you're still looking for more color (perhaps maximalism is more on trend than minimalism in your eyes?), there's no harm in trying out new styles. It doesn't need to be placed anywhere in the house, just somewhere where you and your guests can enjoy the tranquility it provides.