Minimalist style may favor neutral colors, but deciding which hues to decorate in can be tricky. If you're not sure what colors work best with minimalist style, consider colors other than classic white for a cozy color scheme.
The colors in a minimalist space can range from shades of white to warm beige, so the colors you choose will depend on the mood you want to create in your space. But don't just stick to neutrals; even saturated colors can blend with a simple palette if designed right.
We asked interior designers and colour experts for their thoughts on the best colours for minimalist décor, from kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms and living rooms.
5 colors that always suit a minimalist style
Decorating with neutral colors is always a great choice for a minimalist, calming scheme, but choosing the right colors can make or break your design. Your space should feel relaxing and luxurious, not empty and flat. These are the colors you should choose for the perfect minimalist design.
1. White with nuance
(Image courtesy of Farrow & Ball)
White is present in almost every interior design style, and minimalism is no exception. Instead of opting for bright, vibrant whites, Farrow & Ball brand ambassador Patrick O'Donnell suggests choosing more diverse shades for a visually appealing design.
“White seems like a natural colour for a minimalist space, but look for a nuanced white rather than a stark white – one with a specific undertone that matches the simple elements of your décor. Anything with a specific undertone will do – think green (James White), blue (Dimps) or even the softest pink (Great White),” he says.
In this home office, the warm white paint on the walls, combined with the wooden floors, creates a cozy and calming space, despite the abundance of hard surfaces and textures.
2. Oatmeal shade
(Image courtesy of Benjamin Moore)
In recent years, minimalism has seen a clear shift towards warmer colours rather than the cooler hues that were popular in the past. “Creating spaces that are clean, warm and inviting is hugely popular, and the warm colour minimalism trend does just that. This design style is characterised by a clean feel that promotes a simple aesthetic, where less is definitely more,” explains Helen Shaw, marketing director at Benjamin Moore.
“Warm minimalism can create a simple, open space without sacrificing the key elements that make a house a home. Paint is great for creating a canvas on which to build your plan. Avoid grey-blue tones, which can feel cold, and instead opt for yellow or red tones, which will add warmth to the room,” she suggests.
Decorating with beige has become a popular choice, but if you're looking for a neutral colour between this warm colour and classic white, oatmeal is the colour to go for. “Oatmeal shades are a great warm alternative to white, but without being too overpowering. These tones work well in living rooms, especially with natural wood or linen textures, and add depth to your design,” adds Helen.
3. Calm, neutral colors
(Image courtesy of Behr)
Calming, neutral colours dominate a minimalist scheme, and creating a tranquil, relaxing environment is key in rooms such as bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces.
“For a minimalist style, neutral colors like BEHR's Whipped Cream, Even Better Beige, and Tranquil Gray work best because they create a clean, uncluttered look that emphasizes simplicity and functionality,” says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr.
“These colours provide a calming and soothing atmosphere, allowing you to focus on the important elements of the space without distractions. Plus, they enhance natural light and make the room feel larger and more open,” she adds.
4. Calming green accents
(Image courtesy of Behr)
While a minimalist color scheme might immediately lean toward whites and pale neutrals, adding in a few more saturated colors can add depth to a space without overwhelming it with too much color.
“The motif of minimalist home design isn't necessarily all black, white, and beige. It's important to pick a limited color palette and stick to it. I love the idea of using a warm, neutral color palette with intentional additions of forest or sage greens for contrast. It has a sophisticated and minimalist feel, but still has plenty of warmth and organic color,” says Cathy Kuo, CEO of Cathy Kuo Home.
This living room color scheme is filled with light, airy neutrals for the majority of the design, but the addition of a hint of green threaded through the plants and rug tie the color scheme together and add visual interest.
5. Neutral shades with natural tones
(Image credit: Amy Kartheiser Design/Darwin Fitz/Werner Straube Photography)
Color and texture don't just come from paint and furniture colors. Natural materials in your home can add personality and textural interest without taking away from your minimalist style. If you choose a neutral color scheme, consider adding contrast with wood or stone accents, as in this living room design.
“To create an elegant, upscale feel in a neutral living room, a combination of neutral colors and textures can help keep the space from feeling boring and bland,” explains Amy Kartheiser of Amy Kartheiser Design. “Using different shades of neutral colors and combining different textures like stone, wood and fabric can add depth, visual interest and sophistication to your design.”
In this living room, a stone fireplace brings in warm colors, and a wooden coffee table in the middle of the room adds textural appeal. This material and color combination adheres to the minimalist aesthetic while keeping the room from feeling plain or uncomfortable.
Minimalist style works with more colors than you might think. From cool-toned whites to warm neutrals and even hints of earth tones, there are plenty of options for creating the perfect color scheme for your home. The key is to balance keeping it simple and understated while adding enough visual interest with texture and contrast. Whether you incorporate a bit of greenery or add furniture made from beautiful natural materials, these tips should help you create a home that celebrates minimalism.