Minimalism can be an aesthetic you don't want, especially when it comes to your family home – done wrong it can end up feeling empty and unsatisfying, and ultimately a failure – but as those in the know know, minimalism isn't just about the absence of things, it's a philosophy that believes each object has an intention and purpose.
The design principles are effortlessly executed in this sprawling 8,600-square-foot family home in Houston, Texas. Interior designer Nina Magon, founder and principal of Nina Magon Studio, described the brief as clear and detailed. “The goal was to create a tranquil, elegant environment that would serve as a sanctuary for the family,” she explains. “I drew inspiration from contemporary art, refined materials, and the harmonious interplay of color and texture.”
But it also needed to have a warm and inviting feel to the space where the family spends most of their time and regularly entertains friends. “The biggest challenge was creating a neutral space that was dynamic and inviting, rather than bland,” she explains. “To overcome this, we carefully selected iconic and visually striking furniture pieces, including Tobia Scarpa's Camaleonda sofa and Pigreco chairs.”
A tonal custom rug, merlot-stained Calacatta Viola marble, generous silhouettes and sculptural pendant lights further enhance the sophisticated aesthetic, adding depth, character and interest. This is evident in the powder room.
The result is a home that could be described as minimalist and modern, but also surprisingly comfortable: with a breakfast settee, a dining table that seats 10, and living spaces with soft shapes and rounded edges, there are plenty of places that invite moments of relaxation but also encourage togetherness.
Let's take a tour.
entry
(Image courtesy of Par Bengtsson. Design by Nina Magon Studio)
They say the entrance hall sets the tone of the home, and that's certainly true here: A sweeping staircase runs along the wall of the two-story space, forming an arched hallway and passageway.
Curves are present throughout – in the architecture, double front doors and seating options in the entryway – and a neutral palette. Rather than creating contrast through the use of color, the combination of surfaces and finishes refracts light and creates texture.
“Lighting played a key role in this project, highlighting the architectural features and creating an inviting atmosphere,” explains Nina Magón. Indeed, the Moderno chandeliers by Preciosa, which appear to float like bubbles in the space, help to give the vast space a light and effortless feel.
Armless swivel chair in white faux shearling
Price: Was $379.99, now $284.99
Size: 31.3″ W x 33.1″ D x 26.8″ H
Powder Room
(Image courtesy of Par Bengtsson. Design by Nina Magon Studio)
Small spaces in the home often call for something dramatic or a bold design choice. In this home's powder room, the onyx walls are vibrantly backlit, “giving the space a beautiful glow and adding a luxurious feel,” Nina says.
Indeed, bathroom lighting ideas can have quite a wow factor while still blending in with the mood and style of the rest of your home.
“To complement this striking feature, we chose a chic wallpaper that enhances the elegance and atmosphere of the entire room,” explains Nina. “The combination of the illuminated onyx and the sophisticated wallpaper creates an atmosphere of sophistication and inviting.”
dining room
(Image courtesy of Par Bengtsson. Design by Nina Magon Studio)
The dining room, which can accommodate up to 10 guests, is just one of the spaces in the home designed to bring people together. Again, by decorating with neutral colors, Nina allows the shapes of each piece carefully selected for this space to shine.
Although it appears to be a formal space at first glance, it's the lighting choices and details like a sculptural design called Itaca by Morghen Studio that appears to drape over the dining table that make the room feel more relaxed and inviting.
“Strategically placed lighting fixtures also helped to highlight key design features and artwork throughout the home,” adds Nina.
Large black stoneware vase
Price: Was $42.99, now $25.99
Material: 100% stoneware
Breakfast Area
(Image courtesy of Par Bengtsson. Design by Nina Magon Studio)
For casual family meals or breakfasts, the ribbed banquettes that wrap around the curved wall provide the perfect spot. Again, the color palette remains neutral, while light bouncing off the different finishes (in this case, the glossy floor tiles and linen upholstery) creates texture and contrast in the space.
“Achieving a modern, minimalist aesthetic while still creating a warm, inviting atmosphere required careful selection of materials, colours and textures,” says Nina. “By utilizing natural light, soft furnishings and personal touches, we were able to create a cozy environment without compromising the minimalist style.”
Formal Living Room
(Image courtesy of Par Bengtsson. Design by Nina Magon Studio)
According to Nina, the formal living room, which “combines modern design with historic charm,” was the homeowners' favorite part of finishing the project. This is where it all began, with B&B Italia's iconic Camaleonda sofa being one of the first pieces of furniture selected, serving as the focal point around which the rest of the furnishings and décor were curated.
“The design journey for this project began with selecting key pieces that would anchor the overall aesthetic,” explains Nina. “This approach ensured that each piece complemented the others, creating a harmonious and cohesive design.”
Combined with custom rugs, striking artwork, clean-lined Calacatta Viola marble coffee tables and “Etcetera” lounge chairs from New York-based FOROM, the space “provides the perfect setting for both relaxing and entertaining friends.”
Brown bubble glass vase
Price: $34.99
Material: Glass
Master bedroom
(Image courtesy of Par Bengtsson. Design by Nina Magon Studio)
And it all seems to culminate in the master bedroom suite, which features a much more layered and textured color palette than the rest of the house, giving it an almost sensual feel and creating a true sense of retreat.
The clean lines of the wall panel behind the bed and the fluted bedhead and nightstand detailing are perfectly balanced by CB2's plush velvet “Cecil” sofa, thickly draped curtains and a sculptural Bocci 87.3 pendant light fixture.
“The color and material palette was carefully chosen to reflect a modern and elegant aesthetic,” says Nina. And the end result? “A cohesive, modern, and inviting family home.”
(Image courtesy of Par Bengtsson. Design by Nina Magon Studio)