Minimalism and bright colors aren't two interior design motifs that necessarily go hand in hand. But even if you stick to a strictly neutrals-only palette, design experts agree that it's well worth dipping into color as a minimalist. “Often people are hesitant to veer off course. It's so easy to decorate your entire home in shades of gray and leave it that way,” says interior designer Meryl Lyons. “But adding layers of color can help introduce elements of personality and texture into your space.” Explore subtle ways to subtly incorporate colorful minimalism into your home, and you'll find simple, bold paintings You'll quickly see that there are plenty of options, from additions to finishing touches like pillows, plants, lamps, and more.
Drawing on a few top interior design gurus, the tips ahead explain the power of color in a minimalist environment and how to complete the look without overwhelming your space. Ideas start small with non-permanent additions like accessories and scale up to larger commitments like paint and furniture, all while prioritizing balanced finishes that maintain a minimalist spirit. And if you find an idea that resonates with your personal tastes, you can start updating your next home design by shopping our picks below.
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Mix and match colors and textures
colony
Incorporating color into your home through textured pieces can create depth. This is something Colony founder and creative director Jean Lin points out as a way for minimalists to approach a more diverse palette. “Window curtains, soft accessories, and rugs are all great ways to introduce color without going over the top,” she says. “You could paint the walls, but to maintain a bright atmosphere, keep the colors desaturated and bright. All of these examples are evident in the latest design at 1 Prospect Park West. The combination of colors and textures is evenly balanced, creating harmony and visual interest without going overboard.”
do not exclude the ceiling
Accent walls often come to mind when you think of colorful paint, but that's not the be all and end all. “Interestingly, painting the entire room in one color has a neutralizing effect, giving it a calm, rather than colorful, feel,” says interior designer Nicole Cohen. There are also walls that are less utilized and you can transform the color for a unique effect. “Painting the ceiling a lighter shade is also a great way to introduce color without it feeling like a 'pop of color,'” adds Cohen. In addition to monochromatic shades, you can also play with patterns. “Ceilings are also a great way to add interest to a minimalist home,” says Jill Steinberg, co-founder and chief operating officer of Fine & Dandy.
Choose a friendly color
For those accustomed to a rustic, calming palette, the idea of placing fuchsia cushions on the sofa may sound off-putting. And probably so. That's why experts say you should choose colors that are familiar to you. “Start with a green color palette,” says interior designer Bria Hamel. “Choosing the right shade of green can create a neutral feel.” Using neutral colors can also help create balance in your home. “We love adding a punch of color without overwhelming a space,” House of Nomad founders Berkeley Minkhorst and Kelly Lentini tell his TZR. “If a client is worried about something being too wild, we often choose a familiar color, and green acts as a neutral color.”
pay attention to color
Even if you're new to color, interior designer Olivia Stutz suggests trying to get used to it. “I'm a minimalist myself, so some of the ways I like to incorporate color include brightly colored coffee table books, brown wooden dining chairs with blue cushions with red piping, colored marble, and large… and using colorful floral arrangements,” she says. But before you start choosing colorful items, she has one helpful guideline. “Choose a color and use it for your sofa and matching side chair,” she says. “This allows for simple and consistent choices, allowing all other colors in the room to be white, cream, or other calming colors.”
Choose colorful rugs and flooring
“My favorite way to add a bit of maximalist soul to a minimalist space is with rugs and flooring,” Victoria Sass, founder of Prospect Refuge Studio, tells TZR. Her reasoning? Like artwork on the floor. “Because you're looking at it on a horizontal surface, it feels impactful without feeling oppressive like a vertical surface would. Geometric shapes, grids, and linear arrangements are great ways to introduce pattern while still maintaining a sense of order.”
Try items that can be easily replaced.
Perhaps the easiest approach to color for hardcore minimalists is to choose something that's not permanent (aka paint color) and that can be easily manipulated around the house. “Color doesn't have to be introduced in a big way. Homeowners can start small with accessories, window treatments, art, etc. Everything can be easily replaced if you tire of your choice. ,” says Lyons. “Start with cushions and a colorful tray. Bring in a decorative coffee table book or perhaps a brightly colored piece of art.” Interior designer Nadia Watts also gives a nod to this non-permanent approach to color. I am. “We recommend starting with pillows and accent lighting. Pillows are a great way to add a pop of color to a room without having to go for all-upholstered furniture. Colored accent lamps are a big step. It can feel like,” she says. “Remember, you can always move the lamp to another room or change the lampshade.”
Brighten up corners with upholstery
Interior designer Liza Reyes says even if you prefer a pared-back design, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate color. “Textiles, art, and furniture are a great way to live with color. Upholstered furniture or a corner chair with a pop of color can also add depth to a minimalist room. ” she says. “Even a very neutral room, using natural materials like wood and warm textiles, is still there because it’s been cherished, rather than trying to match what’s already in the room. Interesting books, accessories and artwork make it even better.”
mix tonal colors
If your current living space is a sea of neutral colors, it's not a bad idea to integrate several tones of the same color. “It's possible to incorporate color into a space where the aesthetic is minimal, but you have to be careful,” says interior designer Christina Phillips. “Adding bright items such as pillows to a monochromatic zone can make it look uncomfortable and disorganized. Instead, start layering dark and light colors within your existing color palette.” Interior Define recently wrote about this We have launched a custom fabric mixing program suitable for your concept. “Bloom and Lust Performance Try her two tonal tones like velvet in the form of a modern sofa like Lenox to add a bold pop of color to minimalist interiors.” , suggests Benjamin Reinert, her director of creative interior design.
Murals and wallpaper go far away
If the idea of looking for a piece of art seems too expensive, consider something like a mural or wallpaper for a similar effect. “Murals, like artwork, are a great way to add color to a minimalist home. They don't take up any floor space, but they make a big visual impact and act as a backdrop that adds texture, depth, and atmosphere to any space. ,” says Steinberg. “Wallpaper can be used as a backsplash in a kitchen or powder room, framed within wall panel moldings, or mounted as a panel on a headboard or feature wall to add a pop of color to a minimalist space. can.”
Paint the wall trim in a contrasting color
Andersen Co., Ltd.
“A popular trend we're seeing in 2022 is accenting rooms with colorful trim,” Christy Howe, vice president of marketing at Andersen Corporation, tells TZR. “The design looks modern and classy while adding color to the room. If you normally avoid using bold colors, choose something with cool tones like gray to enhance the results. It will no longer be a bleak scene.”
mix finishes
Instead of just using one statement piece in a colorful hue, you can incorporate small pops of color with finishing touches. “Mixing finishes adds dimension to a space,” explains Phillips. “Incorporate shiny furniture pieces, along with jewel-toned hardware. Add subtle accents to trim, accessories, art, and even fresh flowers to transform neutral zones into more colorful and deep zones. You can move it further.”
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This article was originally published on July 21, 2022.