Perhaps the defining characteristic of today's world of design is its incredible diversity. It's hard to remember a time when so many different looks were all mixed together: warm minimalism, maximalist vibrancy, cutting-edge glossy sleekness, old-world classicism, and tropical vibrancy. play at the same time. But among these competing styles, a gentler, quieter style seems to be capturing the hearts of more and more professionals and their clients. Based on the “form follows function” directness of 20th century modernism, and influenced by the stripped-down sensibilities of John Saladino, Michael Taylor, and Axel Vervoordt, the movement's factions are primarily neutral I use color and primarily organic materials to construct my rooms. Sophisticated yet unpretentious comfort.
Tranquility is the goal. “You know, we live in a kind of chaotic world, right?” Jeffrey Dungan, an Alabama architect and member of the AD PRO Directory, seeks clarity in the homes he creates. “We aim to instill a sense of peace and tranquility,” he says. “We all need a little peace, and our homes are our respite.” This sentiment is echoed by Kara Cain, whose design practice spans both coasts (California and Connecticut). It is the same. “I think most of us want to go back to our sanctuary because we're being stimulated so much through our phones and computers.” Especially with the forced isolation caused by COVID-19. With the rise in remote work, “we're seeing more and more requests for clean lines, organization, and a spa-like atmosphere,” she says.
Introducing the Designer: Jeffrey Dungan Based in Mountain Brook, Alabama, Jeffrey Dungan Architects is a nationally recognized firm with projects throughout North and Central America, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom. read more…
With restraint in mind, don't pack too much into the space. The format is kept simple, the palette is muted, there is little furniture, and visual (or literal) clutter is avoided. In these interiors, says Kellen Richter of New York's White His Arrow, which is also listed in the AD PRO directory: “Color and pattern are no longer the focus, but texture, scale, proportion and hand elements are most important.”
The preferred palette for neutral rooms has changed over time, from the yellowish “magnolia flower” whites of the 1980s to the chilly grays that have flooded social media posts over the past decade. But these days, such subdued, chic interiors tend to take on the hue of freshly whipped béchamel sauce. You might call this aesthetic “white chocolate minimalism.”
So, considering that fashion's popularity continues to skyrocket and simplifying isn't actually all that easy, we spoke to various experts across the US on how to achieve the best results. We asked them to share their thoughts.
1. Careful configuration is paramount
Warm minimalism is best achieved with as few elements as possible, as in this simple living room in an Upper West Side townhouse designed by Chango & Co.
Photo: Nicole Franzen
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