In this Modern Design Style series, we will be highlighting contemporary design styles that have become popular in the past decade.

Today, we’re diving into the "Warm Minimalist” design style, an organic take on the classic minimalist style that is a favorite amongst new and old designers.

So what is Warm Minimalism?

My interpretation of warm minimalism is a design style with an clean and minimalistic aesthetic that incorporate natural textures to add warmth and interest.

This design style relates to modern in it’s clean aesthetic, simple silhouettes and lack of clutter, but adds natural textures to bring warmth and depth to an other-wise cold and sterile space. When done right, it achieves a peaceful and serene atmosphere that is still warm and inviting.

Most minimalism influenced interiors emphasize structure and functionality, with open-space concepts and color pallets of black and white, but warm minimalism interiors lean more towards warmth and texture, utilizing natural light, organic materials, and a neutral color to set the scene.

To give an example, typical minimalism uses a mix of metals, stainless steel, and chrome to bring depth (see below) which can often result in a cool undertone and sleek/sterile atmosphere.

Warm minimalism have more of a neutral color palette with ivory, tan, and creams — and utilizes natural textures, like wood and woven rugs to bring create an inviting atmosphere.

Warm Minimalist
Essential Design Elements

1: Minimal Clutter
2: Structure and Function
3: Natural Materials

Warm Minimalist interiors focus on simplicity, clean silhouettes, nice lines, and most importantly – no clutter. This design style is the epitome of less is more, and it does it with so much style and grace, that you won’t even notice you’re missing anything.

You’ll often find this design style blending with other ones as it can keep other design styles from becoming too overbearing.

Another key element of Warm Minimalist interiors are their use of structure and function. Everything that is in the space tends to serve a purpose, and therefore is very functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Like stated earlier, less is more is key, which means that for the most part it focuses on bringing things into the space that serve a purpose.

The last element and most important of a Warm minimalist interior are it’s natural materials. Think of materials such as wood, stone, marble, ceramic, or woven rugs. These elements help bring warmth to the space, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

I included some minimalist inspiration photos to show you the different ways this can look in a home. Like I always say, a design style is a tool, not law, which means that we don’t allow it to define our spaces, but guide the way we decorate. This style shows up unique to each interior, which makes it so interesting.