The Unexpected Decor Shift Making Minimalism Feel Warm Again

Whether you have fully embraced minimalist décor or you are a maximalist trying to declutter your home, it seems the art of simplicity is here to stay. However, minimalistic aesthetics don't have to only include basic and understated elements while keeping personal pieces hidden, and there's an unexpected décor shift making minimalism feel warm again. While keeping with minimal designs, people are adding customized and more intimate or personal pieces that have meaning or purpose, rather than just opting for big box store décor that was only purchased to "match." Introducing hand-picked prints, paintings, or even a thrifted or antique item can make a minimalistic interior feel more warm, inviting, and cozy.

So how do you bring such items into your minimalistic space without creating clutter? Each piece should be intentional and curated to suit your designs, so keep that in mind when thrifting, traveling, or even pulling pieces out of storage. For example, if you have a blank wall, this could be a good spot for a unique tapestry you purchased on holiday, or you could get a kitschy painting made on sites like Etsy to hang there. There are a variety of ways to incorporate minimalist décor trends into your home, but adding anything from collectables to thrifted items makes it more meaningful and curated!

Rather than following the ultimate guide to minimalistic décor, the newer ideals behind this trend are about warming it up with personal pieces. Think of a family heirloom like a vase that has been passed down and features a unique print or color palette. Furniture can also be your statement item in a room. A vintage couch from a loved one or that you found while thrifting could be how you bring your personality into the room, then add sleek and modern furnishings around it. Sideboards where you add just a bowl, perhaps with a design connected to a destination you visited, allow you to play around with complementary elements. You can keep these sparse, but also use them to display a collection rather than hiding it.

Don't underestimate how even the smallest décor item or elements can warm a minimalistic aesthetic. By adding a little something extra or new, you are pulling away from the cookie cutter layout that can make minimalism so basic and a little boring. Swap out plain frames for thrifted or antique versions that feature a little more embellishment or a warm wood. Fill a glass box with postcards to add color and print to a table or surface, or fill a bowl with polaroids for a clever way to add photos to your space without making it seem cluttered. Transform your favorite vintage frame into a functional shelf that also gives you more storage and a personal accent.

You also want to consider your textiles. Soft materials and fabrics can make all the difference between a cold or sterile environment and a place where people feel at home. If your furniture is mostly sharp edges and clean lines, add textured throws and pillows with various prints or colors to create the idea of comfort. Use plush rugs or even faux fur, which can still contribute to the clean, minimalistic effect while also softening the room. In the bedroom, mix different textiles for your bedding. Linen is both stylish and can work with a simple aesthetic while still creating a cozy atmosphere. Even towels in a bathroom and kitchen can help bring in a little style, so choose thicker materials. However, make sure any textiles you bring don't clash with your existing color palette and design. These should elevate the room without causing visual clutter.

Lastly, think about small additions like place mats, napkins, coasters, cookware, and even candles or diffusers. These can be pieces you've collected or that you bought to match a certain theme. It's little things like magnets and even that kitschy soap holder that really warm a space and make it more homey. These can be big and bright or small and neutral, but they should be pieces that layer and make a room seem more lived in. You don't have to overdo it in any room, but having even just one personal item takes your space from a museum to a sanctuary that is both welcoming and provides a little insight into you.