Blog written for TradeMe Property August. Cosy Minimalism.
It seems Kiwi’s dream of sleek lines and no clutter… A recent poll of Kiwi who use Trade Me Property showed that 61% of people prefer a minimal home to a maximal one.
But minimal doesn’t have to mean cold or boring – simplicity, comfort and interest can blend seamlessly! This is known as Cosy Minimalism, and yes there is such a thing.
So how can you make your home cosy without clutter?
Be selective
Minimalist spaces are all about creating a sense of calm and order by reducing excess. Do a declutter and store any non-essentials in clear boxes. Then once you have a clear environment you can then work on bringing in your personality. When you come home at the end of the day, your home should be a place where you can fully relax and be comfortable, a place that makes you feel happy. But remember adding warmth and cosiness to a space is not about adding stuff – rather it’s about selecting key pieces that mean something to you and that you love!
Minimal doesn’t mean no colour
When it comes to colour, neutral tones are often associated with minimalism. If this is your style, you can consider introducing some wood elements like a coffee or side table, or a decorative bowl/tray. Or try to mix up neutrals with pops of colour, via a single chair, or some simple coloured cushions. You could also paint your room with warm grounding colours, or even just a single wall of colour can really make a minimalist room feel that bit more like home.
Textures add depth
An easy way to do cosy in a minimal way is by incorporating different textures and soft furnishings in similar colours. Not only does this add visual interest, but also creates a sense of warmth which increases the cosiness factor. Natural materials, such as fabrics with different weaves such as ‘slubby’ linens, wool, cotton, fur, velvet, or wood and stone can all contribute to this effect and work especially well in neutral tones. When it comes to soft furnishings, keep that minimalist mindset and choose these items with intention – they should be something you’ll genuinely use, rather than adding them just for the sake of it. Consider linen curtains, a chunky blanket, a wool rug, stone or wooden coffee table, or a wicker basket.
Big Green Energy
Plants not only bring a touch of nature that softens clean lines but also add a sense of calm. Opt for fewer but larger houseplants rather than lots of smaller ones to keep things streamlined – maybe something simple and low maintenance like a fiddle leaf fig or snake plant.
Make art a statement
Artwork immediately gives your room presence and adds interest to a space. To avoid heading for maximalism, streamline your approach and opt for large art pieces or a big mirror in a key spot, such as above a dining table, the center of a key wall, or above a fireplace or sofa. If you don’t have large pieces, group smaller pieces in a cluster for maximum impact.
Old & new in harmony
I love having a mix of furniture styles, blending old and new pieces. This approach not only adds cosiness but it also introduces layers of interest, making the space feel more personal. Mix rustic or antique, vintage or recycled, 1950s with now. Like having multiple textures, keeping within a colour family will ensure things remain clean.
