If you got a chance to check out our post on Interior Design trends for 2022, you might remember the term “warm minimalism”. Today we’re breaking down what this really means, and what makes it a design style in its own right.
Image via: Archiproducts
A BREAK FROM THE COLD
Minimalism is a style that’s been around for decades. Often it’s associated with stark, monochromatic spaces that evoke an ultra-modern aesthetic. Lovers of minimalism appreciate its simplicity and lack of extra “fluff”. Minimalism has fewer pieces overall, giving ample opportunity to make big statements and add interest with furniture shapes and size. What’s the negative of minimalism? It can read too cold or uninviting. Enter warm minimalism! All the clutter free simplicity of minimalism, but in warmer materials and colors.
Image via: Nordic Design
KEY FEATURES OF WARM MINIMALISM
CLEAN SILHOUETTES:
A true value of all types of minimalism, clean silhouettes reign. Think low mid-century modern loungers and straight edges. If curves are involved, they’re smooth and simple, not scrolled or frilly. Textiles are likely solid colors, rather than bold patterns. Lighting is functional. There’s likely natural light and one main light source rather than several lamps.
CLUTTER FREE:
Another way to think about this is everything having a specific place. Clutter occurs when we have more than we have a “home” for. Minimalism cuts down on quantity of items and focuses on quality. It carefully hides storage within built ins or double duty furniture.
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION:
Image via: Pure Collected Living
WARMTH THROUGH MATERIALS AND TEXTURE:
Here’s where Warm Minimalism truly differs from traditional minimalist style. Standard minimalism uses metals, chrome, and stainless steel with neutrals like black and white. This creates cooler undertones in a space overall, which can lead to the sterile or cold and uninviting feeling some people think of when they see Minimalism. Warm minimalism maintains neutral color palettes, but it uses materials like wood, woven textures, and other natural materials to add warmth and depth without adding lots of color. This combined with more ivories and creams rather than stark white give off more of a glow and create that inviting atmosphere. Some color can be added as well, but it’ll likely be highly naturalized colors. Things like earth toned oranges, greens, and yellows fit in this style, as well as bringing in color through actual natural materials like plants.
Warm minimalism can also be thought of as a somewhat paired down scandinavian style, or even a minimalist bohemian look. It’s one of those design trends that can be worked in to several existing styles, and that’s probably why it’s been gaining so much momentum. However you incorporate it, enjoy the cozy!
Love, HAVEN